Name | Al Landreville
Tell us about your family/careers.
My family has been in the hospitality industry since the late 1960's. From the late 1980's to the mid-2000's we owned 7 Champps Americana restaurants. Since then, my partner and best friend have carried on the tradition that our fathers were in. We currently own 2 concepts: one is Sak's Sports Bar in Vadnais Heights, and the other is Alleycat's Gourmet Sandwiches in White Bear Lake.
What is your favorite sport/activity?
Golf.
Outside of training with Tri Fitness, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
Hunting and fishing.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
"How you do anything is how you do everything."
Favorite gear for summer/winter racing?
Summer: little as possible; winter: 45 North.
What keeps you going when you really don't want to?
My waistline.
What got you started with training/racing?
David Cossack was doing a 140.6 Maryland and asked if I would do the 70.3 out there the same weekend. I told Vicki about the idea and, of course, there was not a 70.3 that weekend. I could not very well leave her office empty-handed, so we decided on Racine in 2015.
When you told your friends/family about beginning your journey, what was their reaction?
I am insane.
How long have you been training/racing?
6 years.
Were you involved in other competitive sports prior to your adult years?
I played youth sports growing up and a little in high school.
Best tip for a newbie?
SWTFP! The results/rewards come sooner than you think!
What is your favorite pre/post workout snack/drink?
I don't really have one.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Butch Nichols. He has maintained his sobriety agains insurmountable odds.
What is your biggest struggle?
Getting down on myself because I let myself get out of shape after the event is done. It is so hard to start from zero after you have achieved so much.
What is your pre-race routine?
Have coffee, 4 eggs, some fruit, and a handful of nuts. Next, I take care of business and have some more coffee. Next, I take care of some more business and get ready to go and hope my business for the day is done.
Goals for the upcoming year (2021)?
To stick with a maintenance program that does not consume my summer, but keeps me healthy and in shape.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
On December 23rd I walked into Tri Fitness 40 pounds overweight. I was completely defeated and disgusted with my physical and mental condition. I told Vicki, "I am done, and I do not want to do this anymore (train)." To my surprise, she just simply said, "Okay." I am thinking to myself, "Wait a minute...your job is tot all me off the ledge and not let me jump." In typically Vicki fashion she then followed her quick reply with, "Or, we could do a 180 and completely reset my attitude." As always, Vicki convinced me to take a new approach, which started off with a 72-hour fast. The fast—water and coffee (thank god)—started on New Year's Eve after dinner and dessert, of course. Since then, I have lost 31 pounds and have a new mental approach to training and my upcoming races. Thanks Vicki!