This month, we decided to interview a hard working DelMoSports athlete as well as crew member this month. Meet Dennis O'Hara!
Each month, we sit down with a DelMoSports athlete and ask them a few questions.
Meet Dennis O'Hara!
1. What are your race goals next season?
My goals for the upcoming race season are to continue to become a stronger triathlete, mentally and physically. 2018 was a very busy year with the birth of my third child and training for an ironman. This upcoming year I would like to grow on my past experiences and become faster and stronger with each race I participate. My goals are to also improve on my time in each race with solid training and nutrition. As for actual races, I am participating inIronman Maryland in 2019 and I would like to try a new 70.3 like Virginia or Connecticut. Finally, I also plan on participating and working the Tri the Wildwoods!!
2. Best racing advice?
My best race advice is to just go out there and have fun. Too much time is spent training away from family and friends to not enjoy the days leading up to the race and the race itself. Once you know that your training is ready for race day, just go out there and enjoy the course and your surroundings, even if it is DelMo sand!! For most of us, we are not going to Kona or championships, so just take in the whole triathlon experience and have fun. Make sure to hi-five every kid along the way, thank every volunteer and thank the ones who helped get you to the finish line!
3. Favorite pre-race meal?
Home-made skinny parmesan and rigatoni from my wife or Poppi’s in Wildwood!
4. What is your race mantra?
Carpe Diem or Seize the day. That quote gets me through tough times or races. I want my kids to grow up to know that not everything in life is easy and you need to push through when times get tough.
5.Which event is your favorite to work?
Hands down Tri the Wildwoods!
6. What is your favorite work experience with DelMoSports?
My favorite work experience would have to be being involved with the IRONMAN 70.3 Atlantic City. Being a participant in this race the first two years, it was incredible to see how everything was put together in a few short days. It really makes you appreciate all the time and effort that everyone spent making sure it is a world class event. It was awesome to see such successful operations (IRONMAN and DelMoSports) come together and work together for a common goal. To see the smiles of the finishers who worked so hard to cross that finish line in such horrible conditions 2018 was inspiring to everyone.
7. What activities do you enjoy in the off-season?
During the off season, when I am not still training, I love to spend time with my kids and the family. Whether that is going to the zoo, the park, pumpkin patches or Christmas activities, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with them. I am also involved with the mummer’s parade in Philadelphia. I also enjoy watching all Philadelphia sports, especially the Eagles.
8. Tell us three things we should know about you
- I have been married for 7 years to my wife Michelle and have 3 kids Allie(5), Dennis(3) and Luke. We currently live in Philadelphia and my parents have a summer house in North Wildwood.
- I have recently completed my first full Ironman in Maryland in 2018.
- I played varsity football for St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia and Catholic University in Washington D.C before becoming an accounting manager.
**FUN FACT: Dennis worked as a crew member AND competed (AND PLACED IN HIS AGE GROUP) at Tri the Wildwoods 2018**
