While training for a marathon, Craig Petrus, now 43 and a former college baseball player at Barry University in Miami, suffered a calf injury.  His physician suggested

that in order to maintain his cardiovascular fitness, he should start hitting the bike and the pool.  Once he started doing this, he figured he would try a triathlon.  So in August 2014, Craig completed the 400m/20km/5k Siesta Beach II Sprint Triathlon in 1:26:58 and he hasn’t stopped since.

Craig contracted the triathlon bug and in just 10 months after that first sprint triathlon, he would complete his first 70.3 distance race at Challenge Atlantic City.  But why stop there?  Amazingly, just 15 months after his first triathlon, Craig would go on to complete that marathon that he had originally been training for.  However, it was after a 2.4-mile swim and 112 mile bike.  He completed Ironman Florida in 2015 in 13:40:28. 

Craig considers Ironman Florida his greatest accomplishment in triathlon.  It wasn’t just the race day.  It was the entire journey from sign-up through training and to race day that was such a success.

Craig’s goals in triathlon are to be physically able to race for a very long time and to try and improve on his times year over year.  While Craig would love to one day race Kona, he understands he has a long way to go.

Craig has a very positive attitude about racing.  He always feels blessed just to be able to race.  He always comes away feeling a great sense of accomplishment whether or not he hits his time goals.  He feels that each race he learns something new about himself and how to race.

Craig became involved with G3 in 2014, as he wanted to surround himself with other like-minded athletes with positive attitudes.  He also felt it was an opportunity to learn from other seasoned athletes.  Craig loves the culture of triathlon and has been amazed by how supportive triathletes are of one another.

Craig currently serves as the Director of Career Services for the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida.  He is married with one child.  Before every race, he huddles with his family and says a prayer of thanksgiving and protection.  

He advises anyone involved with the sport to not forget to thank those people around you that help you accomplish your goals in triathlon as they are also making tremendous sacrifices.  He also advises people to have fun and continue to push your limits, as you will be amazed at what your mind and body can endure through hard work and dedication.

Next on Craig’s list, Ironman Augusta 70.3 in September followed by the inaugural Ironman North Carolina in October.  Good luck Craig.