Justin Riele Q&A with WYN republic

WYN republic: Can you tell us about your journey from being an amateur to a professional triathlete? What motivated you to make the transition?

Justin: I started triathlon in 2016 and completed my first 70.3 in 5 hours and 47 minutes. Turning Pro was never a goal of mine nor the destination. I've always just focused on getting better one race at a time. Eventually after winning 6x 70.3s in the amateur field, I knew I was ready to be in the mix in the Pro field and made the jump after racing Kona in 2022.

WYN republic: What were your primary goals at the beginning of this season?

Justin: Every year I make a list of goals and share them publicly. This year included 1) No Injuries 2) Swim & bike in the front pack in every race 3) Run 1:15 off the bike 4) Qualify for 70.3 Worlds 5) Top 100 PTO World Rank and Top 10 USA Rank 6) Qualify for Kona. I've achieved all of these so far except for number 3 (I've run 1:17 off the bike) and number 6 (Kona Qualify, still TBD).

WYN republic: Now that you're six months into the season and performing exceptionally well in the IM Pro Series, have you adjusted your goals or strategies?

Justin: Not really... Racing 3 Ironmans in a year was never in the cards for me after a year of injury, which is likely required to finish high up in the IM Pro Series. I'd love to finish in the Top 50 PTO World Rankings now that I'm ranked #62, and would love to have a Top 15 finish at 70.3 Worlds rather than just finishing in the back of the race. I'm confident with my swim-bike combo, I can be at the front of any race heading into the run.

WYN republic: How has your experience been competing at the professional level compared to when you were an amateur?

Justin: It's been a blast. At every start line I still have a "pinch me" moment lining up against some of my idols for years as an amateur. The racing is a completely different level but a lot less lonely. I love making big attacks on the bike and working within the group dynamics - and of course the mass swim start chaos is much more fun than the rolling starts were.

WYN republic: Has your training or preparation changed since you transitioned to being a professional?

Justin: I've definitely ramped up my training volume a bit from 15 hours a week to 20 hours a week, but I still work a full time corporate job in the tech industry so there is only so much I can push the limits. I don't do any camps away from home or train at altitude or anything like that - I still very much train like an amateur. One big change I've made is decreasing the amount of alcohol and partying (to only a few drinks per month) and really prioritizing sleep and recovery. Right after turning Pro I tried to do it all, and quickly ended up injured.

WYN republic: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your professional triathlon career so far?

Justin: Being able to give back to the amateurs in the sport. I can really relate to everyone who is trying to figure out the path to making the age group podium, qualifying for Kona or 70.3 Worlds, and trying to balance the demands of a stressful job with a heavy training load. I love sharing my story with others through social media and YouTube and inspiring others that it's possible to reach a high level in the sport without sacrificing your career ambitions.

WYN republic: What advice would you give to aspiring triathletes looking to make the leap from amateur to professional? 

Justin: This might be a hot take, but I'd say wait as long as possible until you know you're ready. Enjoy the experience of winning a few amateur races overall and racing at the front of the race in an amateur World Championship before making the leap. It's a different level, and you want to make sure you're going to be in the mix of the race vs. racing in the back of the field and getting discouraged. Racing amateur is FUN! If the journey to racing pro happens, then it happens, but don't make that the destination. Focus on getting better one race at a time.