FLYT Spotlight: DJ Craven

1. What do you do professionally?  I'm a business owner and we're primarily in construction. We also race direct! Alfa Endurance is our race directing company' name.
2. What inspired you to get into triathlon, and how has your hockey background influenced your approach?  I've always been intrigued and drawn to things that most people don't want to do or say 'I could never do that' and then you add in that my brother-in-law (and business partner) was starting to get into them, it was inevitable. Lol.  I've always been involved in sports my entire life from about the age of 5, so my approach to training came very natural as I've been training for something since I can remember.
3. What’s been your biggest challenge in triathlon, and how did you overcome it?  Swimming without a question and I think I'm still overcoming it!  There's no secret, just get in the water, be ok with being humbled over and over again until eventually something clicks.
4. Do you have a favorite race or triathlon moment that stands out?  I really enjoyed the finish line at Beaver Stadium at the Pennsylvania IM 70.3.  I grew up going to the PSU football games with my parents since I was very young, so that stadium has always been a special place for me.
5. How do you juggle having a family, being a business owner, and athlete? It's not easy by any means, but I couldn't do all that I do without my wife.  She supports all of my crazy adventures, including triathlons.  We've even got her roped into being a triathlete herself!
6. What’s one time-management or mindset tip that keeps you on track?  I have a strong desire to be prepared for just about anything I do, so that keeps me on track pretty well.  I'm certainly not the first or only one to say this, but finding your 'why' is extremely helpful when you're not feeling like getting out of bed early or suiting up to go for a late evening ride or run.
7. How does Coach Amy help you with this balance?  Flexibility for sure.  Being able to adapt to my lifestyle has been huge!
8. Has your experience as a business owner shaped your approach to endurance sports?  Oh yes, definitely. Being a business owner can be a lonely job sometimes even with partners and employees, so taking that experience to the triathlon world has translated well.  Yes you have a team of people working and supporting you along the way, but at the end of the day you have to stroke, pedal, and stride all by yourself across the finish line.
9. How do you stay motivated when life gets busy?  I like to think of it more as discipline than motivation.  Motivation can be so fleeting sometimes and it's the discipline that gets it done when you don't want to do it.  I would also add that life is busy and life will get in the way, so when it does don't be too hard on yourself or judge too harshly.  No one's perfect and there will be days that don't go as planned.  There's always tomorrow.
10. What’s a big goal you have for the season—athletically or professionally? I'm signed up for the full IM in Chattanooga this September, which will be my first full IM, so getting that completed is the number one goal this season.  I've also got my sights set on another successful year in business.
11. What advice would you give to someone who is considering hiring a coach?I think if you're considering hiring a coach, you should hire a coach. Lol.  I haven't been coached for two whole months yet and it's been a game changer for my training in such a short period of time already.
12. What has been your favorite Coach Amy training session, since coming on as an athlete with FLYT?  I think she (you) will know my answer to this already, but the low cadence bike sessions have been my jam.  I have also really enjoyed the interval swim training, really makes the swim session 'FLY' by!

Throughout his rigorous training, DJ’s unwavering positivity and passion for learning shines through. Embracing every challenge as a chance to grow, he views the journey of training not merely as preparation for a race but as a continuous adventure in self-improvement. Whether he’s balancing family, business, or the relentless demands of triathlon training, DJ’s commitment to learning and his infectious optimism remind us that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. We can't wait to see DJ growth this season and cross that Ironman finish-line in September!