It was 2012, I had just rediscovered fitness, and was pretty new to the triathlon scene, having just completed my first World Championship in Kona.  It was off season and I had not yet found the enlightened path of Veganism.  My appetite was still in hyperdrive, but my training was taking a hiatus. I was starting to pack on the winter fat to keep me warm through the long, dark, ski season. (I have nothing against skiing, as a matter of fact, I enjoy it very much and used to be pretty good) I was looking for something to give me some cold weather motivation. Enter Jason.

             Jason taking the cat 5 win at the Baker City Cycling Classic

I had met Jason a year earlier as a Life Guard at the local pool. He just graduated from college and had recently completed…