Race Resume/Highlights

2004 Sandman Sprint 3rd Clydesdale(no swim)
2005 Breezy Point Sprint 1st Clydesdale
2005 Nissan Xterra East Champ 1st Clydesdale
2005 Diamondman Half 2nd Clydesdale 4:56
2006 Disney Half 4:47 qualified for 70.3 Champs
2006 Timberman Half 4:48 1st Clydesdale
2006 Sandman 1st M30-34
2006 Clearwater 70.3 4:36
2007 Sandman 5th overall
2007 Nation's Tri 2:01 5th elite
2008 White Lake Half 4:38
2009 White Lake Half 4:30 10th overall(led off bike into T2)
2010 RnR Arizona Marathon 3:13 qual for Boston
2010 Appalachian Power Sprint 1st overall
2010 Eagleman Half 4:56
2010 Breezy Point 4th overall(led off bike)
2010 Charlottesville Olympic 3rd overall
2010 Sandman 3rd overall(led off bike)
2010 Big Lick Olympic 4th overall(led off bike)
2010 Beach 2 Battleship Half 4:42 1st age group/8th overall
2011 Boston Marathon finisher
2011 Kinetic Half 4:35
2011 Ironman CDA 10:37
2011 Sandman 2nd overall(no swim)
2011 Austin 70.3 4:43... 10 half ironmans all under 5 hours
2012 Virginia Duathlon 2nd Age Group
2012 Rumpass in Bumpass Sprint triathlon 3rd Overall
2012 Kinetic Sprint triathlon 1st age group
2012 Breezy Point Sprint triathlon Overall 1st!!!
2012 Lifetime Fitness Minneapolis Olympic Triathlon 2:09
2012 Allen Stone Run Swim Run 3rd Overall (led swim)
2012 Sandman Triathlon Overall 1st!!! led race wire to wire

Triathlon and baby

Those of you who know me, know that I like to exercise. Specifically, I like to swim, bike and run with an occasional surf outing if the waves are up or if I'm in California with my brother. Lately, many folks in my many life circles have begun to talk of times when my life will no longer be my own, and my time spent exercising will diminish. My life will, like the earth, begin to revolve around a bright object known as "baby." There is not a name yet for this "baby" but it has been determined that it is male and it has large feet like its father.

Baby "Big Foot" Russell at 20 weeks

Kidding aside, I am excited to be a dad and to become wonderful parents with my wife Tiffany. We plan on continuing an active, healthy lifestyle and having any children, we have, be a part of that lifestyle. I grew up with two active parents who taught me that exercise is an essential part of maintaining a positive physical, mental, and emotional well being (YMCA motto I think).

Dr. Russell surfs Croatan with brother Clayton during ECSC.

Often in practice, patients tell me they are too busy to get any physical exercise, due to jobs and more frequently kids. I have read research that kids these days spend countless hours in front of digital babysitters, ie TVs, computers, video games... Those hours are optimal times to get the family outside. Kids and parents alike will benefit from as little as 30 minutes of daily exercise. Walking briskly is sufficient; running is not necessary for everyone. Riding a bike can be even better, for those with joint issues, due to the lack of impact. It is proven that people sleep better after exercising, and their metabolisms and overall body processes normalize. Amazingly, exercise reduces pain in people with osteoarthritis. Exercising can clear the body of many stresses, freeing the mind and reducing the physical effects of stress. Point being, quit making excuses! There are too many positive reasons to get out and do something active. It will be good for you and your kid(s) and will leave a legacy of healthy living for the next generation.

Dr. Derek and his wife Tiffany reveal the gender of the baby to family and friends.