Swimming, Biking, and Running while Juggling. I've trained for 10 months to compete in the Flora-Bama Mullet Man Triathlon on April, 21 2012 while juggling simultaneously. Race Details: 1/4 Mile Swim in Gulf of Mexico 17 MIle Bike 4 Mile Run (while jugg...    [More]

Swimming, Biking, and Running while Juggling. I've trained for 10 months to compete in the Flora-Bama Mullet Man Triathlon on April, 21 2012 while juggling simultaneously.

Race Details:
1/4 Mile Swim in Gulf of Mexico
17 MIle Bike
4 Mile Run
(while juggling)

Fundraising: Please support Ronald McDonald House Charities by donating:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/joesalter

Music: Nin Inch Nails, "14 Ghosts II"

FAQ's:
1. Q: Is this how you train?
A: No, the majority of the video was shot just to add visual interest to the video while showing the swimming, biking, and running while juggling in a more appealing way. I train differently and in different locations.

2. Q: Which part of the triathlon will be the hardest?
A: The swuggling, especially since it's in the Gulf of Mexico which can have many uncontrollable variables such as open water conditions, current, rough surf, etc.

3. Q: How did you learn to swim and juggle?
A. I experimented with different techniques to get it down. Then practiced in various locations over 10 months or so.

4. Q: Why don't you ride a unicycle and juggle 3 balls for the biking portion or do 3 balls while biking with "no hands"?
A: There are hills and other participants in the race, so I won't risk injuring myself or others riding no hands and juggling 3 balls. I can do it, but it's not worth the risk to me, and trying to convince others it's safe is a hard sell. I don't ride unicycles. Juggling 2 in 1 hand while riding a regular bike is safe and efficient for me. Plus, a regular bike is what is used in triathlons, not unicycles or recumbent bikes.

5. Q: Was it hard training for the triathlon?
A: Yes, it can be given that I trained hardest mostly in the winter months where it's cold outside to swim or bike, so going to a gym was essential. Overall, the swuggling is the most demanding on your body and it's kinda tough especially when you do it in the Gulf of Mexico and not a pool. The Gulf can be about 5-10 times harder.

6. Q: Will this be a Guiness World Record?
A: A new world record, yes. A Guiness one, no. Guiness has strict guidelines you have to follow exactly. Guiness required exact race distances that didn't match my race distance of this triathlon so they won't count it. Sprint triathlons vary in distance. Mine was actually longer than what they outlined as the guideline. Plus, for some reason, they required that the biking be done with 3 balls. My opinion on that was, just because joggling is done with 3 balls, doesn't mean that the biking/juggling follows exactly what is done with "joggling which is at least 3 balls" I am not risking getting severely injured over doing 3 balls with no hands down steep hills and around traffic and other obstacles. I am sure I could do it safely with enough training, but I decided it wasn't worth going that route, so I developed the 2 in 1 hand method for the "buggling."

7. Q: Are you using a special and expensive bike?
A: No, just a basic hybrid Trek 7100 that I've had for 10 years. It's not a fast and expensive bike.

8: Q: Why are you doing this?
A: I thought it was a fun and challenging goal to go for. Exploring new territory in the realm of joggling and combining juggling with other activities is fun. Figuring out the most efficient and safest ways to train and perform the movements was rewarding. Attempting something unique and unexplored was another factor. Raising money for a charity I think highly of was another factor motivating me to follow through with training for this goal.

9. Q: Isn't this a smack in the face to other triathletes and the sport itself? Doesn't it devalue the sport and make a mockery of it?
A: Definitely not in my opinion. I have a greater respect for the sport and triathletes after training for this race. It's an amazing sport that requires a lot of dedication and training. For me, as a joggler, I don't joggle to make other runners look bad or "show off" how easy it is. I joggle because it's a great movement and exercise and someone in the past had to be creative to find out that juggling and running go well together. Well, it's that creativity and curiosity that sparks someone to find out if juggling while biking/swimming/running can be done. Not just done sloppy. But, done with safety, precision, persistence, grace, and skill. It's about achieving something as a juggler and athlete, and finding out what is possible.

10. Q: How many triathlons do you plan on doing while juggling?
A: One. It's a one time deal for me. Just to do one and do it to the best of my ability. I'll juggle and joggle hopefully the rest of my life, but the swuggling and buggling will just be for fun after the race; nothing competitive, organized, or goal-driven.

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