Billy Cox
Billy got started in running and triathlon because he was obese. He decided that he needed to change his lifestyle to lead a more healthy life. His brother in law, Travis, is who he credits with really helping him. Travis agreed to enter the San Diego Triathlon if Billy did. Well, both completed the race and the rest is history.
Billy was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. He has lived in Phoenix, AZ since he was 20 years old and is currently 24 years old and resides with his two cousins in North Phoenix. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2009 and, suprisingly, didn't play any sports in high school or college.
He has asthma and that affected his ability to participate in sports as a child. However, he still participated in Pop Warner football as a kid. As an adult, he doesn't typically compete in recreational team sports. Billy enjoys sprint triathlons as a way to test himself, but considers the half-marathon his specialty. He feels that he learned an immense amount from each of the half dozen half-marathons he has completed and continues forward to reach his time goals.
His most memorable PR is at the Lake Havasu Half-Marathon in Arizona. This was only his second half-marathon, but he got a 1:40 time!! Billy also had an excellent race in one of his sprint triathlons, in which he pushed his body to the limits and completed the run in sub 7 minute miles.
His favorite race is the Pat Tillman run. He loves the atmosphere of 20,000 runners and the worthy cause that the run is based on. Billy's favorite place to run has been in Central Park, NY and along the coastline in California.
Crazy thing that's happened to Billy during a race you ask? During the Disneyland Half-Marathon in 2009, he made the mistake of eating cereal (with milk) and hydrating before the race with Cytomax, Gatorade and water. Needless to say, he didn't feel well during the race and actually had to peel off the course to throw up at mile 7. He regained his composure with 3 miles left and actually ran the last three in sub 7 minute pace! Unreal!
I'm flattered to say that Billy's best piece of training/race advice came from me! I told Billy that I always tell myself "I'm running 8 miles tonight", or whatever distance it is. Preferrably, you actually tell that to someone, to hold yourself accountable. That way, you can't make any excuses to run less. Probably much more admirable and well put advice that is Billy's favorite comes from George S. Patton, "Now if you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But, the body is not tired if the mind is not tired".
Want to get pumped up before a race? Try Billy's ritual song of "Killing in the Name Of", by Rage Against the Machine. Although he does a lot of solo runs, Billy prefers group or partner runs, because he feels like it pushes his tempo and keeps him going. He typically logs between 30-35 miles per week, but that varies, depending on what he is training for.
Billy is truly an inspiration to me, even though he is a lot younger. He made a mature decision to live a healthier lifestyle and lost 85 pounds! He is one of my training partners and a truly genuinely good person. I'm proud to have him in my life as a friend. Billy lost all his weight through a healthy diet and exercise: no pills, drinks or any other garbage. I'm hoping he reaches his goal of a PR at the Disneyland Half-Marathon in December, 2010!
