Athlete Spotlight- Michael Van Skaik
Tell us a little about yourself:
66, Married 45 years. 4 kids, 8 grandkids. Live 1/3 of the year on Spirit Lake, ID, 1/3 in Bend, OR, 1/3 in the RV. I do some pro bono life coaching stuff for ministry purposes, otherwise hang out with my wife and train alot. Mary also works out everyday which is super nice.
What does life look like outside of training, and what drew you to endurance sports? Where did your journey begin?Think back to when you started. What were you hoping for, and what felt challenging or unfamiliar? Retired in 2003, found triathlon in 2006? when daughter asked me if I wanted to join her on one. Honestly, wasn’t sure what it even was all about. Was a gym rat for 20 years but couldn’t run a mile. Finished last in first sprint distance but had a blast. Middle of the pack the next year and on the podium 3rd year. Helps to ride a road bike instead of a mountain bike, who knew?!
What have you had to overcome along the way? In the beginning . . . . the thought that I should just relax more, not have to be so disciplined and just live like every other out of shape old guy. Not worried about that anymore!
Share a setback, obstacle, or life circumstance that has shaped your experience. Hit by a car (twice) requiring surgery and the necessary slow down and come back and foot surgery, same thing.
What helped you move forward?
Were there changes in your approach, habits, mindset, or support that made a difference? Just keep going, it beats the alternative.
How have we worked together as coach and athlete throughout your journey? Marilyn’s been helpful reminding me that every workout doesn’t need to be to the death. I’m certain she’s helped me from injuring myself more that I already have on my own. :)
Share a conversation, adjustment, or challenge we worked through together and what you learned from that experience.What are you most proud of? This could be a race, a personal breakthrough, greater consistency, or something that no result sheet could capture. Finally winning some Ironman 70.3’s with the fastest run on the day. Always had a good bike, and often came off first only to run my way backwards. So finally being able to have a decent run is pretty fun.
What have you learned about yourself through this process? I’ve been blessed with an unsual ability to stick with tough things for a very long time, but I guess I already knew that about myself. Maybe confirmed that belief.
Has anything surprised you or changed how you see yourself?What is one lesson you’d like to pass along? Nothing tastes better than feeling good. (When tempted to over eat, which is mostly everyday!)
What would you want someone starting out—or facing a similar challenge—to know? Show up everyday and do the work, especially when you don’t feel like it.
What does this journey mean to you beyond sport? Endurance in life is needed everywhere you look. Pacing, managing energy, recovery, knowing when to push and when to back off.
How has it influenced your everyday life, relationships, or perspective?What’s next for you? Shooting for top 10 in 65-69 AG for 2027 Ironman 70.3 World Champs in TN AND Ironman World Champs in Kona 6 weeks later.
Photo: Share a favorite training or race photo and tell us the story behind it. This is a photo from my first Kona in 2011 next to Simon Butterworth who happened to be the oldest male finisher in this years edition at 80 years old. Inspiring! The photo also ended up in DeSoto’s marketing material for several years afterwards.