From couch potato to 5-time Wildflower triathlon competitor

May 6, 8:42 PMSF Diet and Exercise ExaminerDiane Taylor

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Endurance event buddies Ben Klau and Steve Hall

Self-described couch potato and local San Franciscan, Ben Klau, just completed his 5th consecutive Wildflower triathlon with a finishing time 10 minutes faster than his previous record.

See slideshow of the race here

How did he go from a couch potato 5 years ago to a zealous convert to the world of endurance sports? Ben went big. For his first race, he signed up for a full 26.2 mile marathon. His advice:

1. Put something on the calendar
2. Find a group or friend to train with - someone you will feel obligated to

The Avia Wildflower triathlon is the second largest tri in the country. It's a rugged course and requires camping the night before at Lake San Antonio in Monterey County, California.

There are three triathlons to choose from. Ben did the long course which is a half-ironman: a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. The race is capped at 3,000 people.

Check out the video below of the men's elite division.