We’re looking forward to introducing you to chris phelan. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning chris , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Definitely, I would.
I have a case load of experiences that few can compare. Travel, people, and a list of successful competitions. Simply, I believe I’m well-rounded.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In 2003, I created the Ride Of Silence, a worldwide silent bike ride that honors cyclists who have been killed. (There had been nearly 1,000 deaths yearly ever since records were kept.) I led it for 17 years to give it stability.
I’ve biked 3,600 miles across the U.S in 30 days, swam the 5-miles across Lake Ray Hubbard three times, have run the marathon in 2:27:04, three Ironman Triathlons (best 10:00:52), and the Hotter ‘n’ Hell in 3:55.
Five-time All-American.
I published The Phast Times News for 21 years. It focused on running and triathlons.
I’ve coached many athletes since 1987 in running, swimming, biking, weights, ice hockey, and horseback riding at camps, junior high and two high schools, ages 6-94.
I authored a book, My Ride and Run with Dystonia: A Neurological Battle (2022), a true autobiography of my experience with Dystonia. Available on Amazon.com and Lulu.com. I’ve written two others that I hope will be available by the end of the year, with two more to follow up. (The Resilient, and Natasha)
Carried the Olympic Torch in 1986
Trained and climbed with a five-person team for a successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2000. We were the first to send a computer signal from the peak to around the world.
In 2001, I was ranked the 5th Best Masters Duathlete in the U.S.
Was part of a Nike billboard for a Nike ad with Joan Benoit Samuelson and Alberto Salazar.
Developed a Homeless gift bag program in Dallas called “Homeless Cookies.”
2007-2009, I was part of the White Rock Lake Task Force that remodeled and updated WRL.
Won the Mayborn National Writing Award in 2019. First place non-fiction.
Nominated cycling Advocate of the Year (2020) for my work with the Ride Of Silence, 2003-2020
I have won overall in athletic events ranging from 800 meters to the half-marathon, as well as duathlons and triathlons. I’ve also represented the U.S. three times in three different disciplines (Half Marathon, Duathlon, and Triathlon). Over the years, I’ve run the eastern U.S. coastline from Maine to Padre Island and all 50 states.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Maybe not a relationship, per se, but it certainly changed me.
After finishing 21st at Ironman in 1988, with a time that stood among Texas amateurs for 10 years (Brian Hasenbauer broke it in 1998), I was moved into a different bracket. I “knew” I could do this incredible race that was still finding its footing, that was considered “The X Games” at the time, and that had my name all over it.
Life changed both inside myself and in how I was welcomed.
As far as relationships, I didn’t know people like my wife (Janalou) existed. As I told her when we met and I still tell her today, she knows where true north is. That was 29 years ago.
My coach, Mike Stieglitz, was the first person to see a runner inside me. And encouraged me to every PR.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
The autumn leaves of New England.
Long runs in Fitchburg, MA.
Ice skating….forever…doing laps to great music.
The Boston Bruins winning the Stanley Cup.
Running with Team Stieglitz.
Playing my guitars again.
…Maybe swimming. UGH!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Easy.
Wife: Janalou (True North)
Friends: Mike Stieglitz, Carl Woodard, Steve Kissell, Terry Ziegler, and Tony’s Bike Group
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
This room I’m writing from.
It’s me. Posters of music (a wall of CD’s, cassettes, 8-tracks, 8 crates of vinyl albums, and appropriate players), athletic events (swims, bike rides, runs, triathlons, duathlons, ice hockey), hockey sticks, photographs, books, multiple guitarS(!), and a lot of paper.
All who have entered spin around, trying to take it all in.
Of course, there were the times I streaked. (!!!!!!!) …And won.
Contact Info:
- Website: rideofsilence.org, phasttimesnews.org,
