As a pro triathlete, I get asked questions for interviews. OK, not all that often, because I am not that good......but sometimes.

Often times, the interviewer will email me a list of questions. It's easy that way. Saves time, adds convenience, and since most interviews are for print or web media, it makes posting the interview rather simple.

So I decided to run a series on my blog called "Sponsor Appreciation Series" where I would turn the tables on some of my sponsors and ask THEM a list of questions.

My first edition of "Sponsor Appreciation Series" profiles Trakkers GPS. Trakkers is a new sponsor for me this year, and so far? I've really enjoyed my partnership with them. Yes, their product is cool, and getting cooler by the day, but moreover, the man behind the company, Charlie Patten is one of the nicest people you will meet in the sport of triathlon. People say nice guys finish last? Not this guy!

Charlie and his teams at Trakkers and Rev3 are not-so-quietly changing the way we race, where we race, and how people will watch us race.

Read on!! I present Charlie Patten and Trakkers GPS:


1) Tell us a little bit about Trakkers. When and by whom was it founded? What is a Trakker, exactly?
Trakkers is a little GPS device that’s tracks anything that moves in real-time. It uses GPS data for location information and a Cellular network to transmit that data to our servers. Users can then track that item or person, in real-time via our website. In a nut shell, of course!
The company had actually been around for some time before the idea came up, but it has been about 3 years now that we have been focused on this particular technology.

2) We’ve seen the Trakkers device demo at a couple of the Rev 3 races. How did those “test runs” go? When will we see Trakkers devices at all races??

The test runs have been going extremely well. Of course, they are “test” runs, so we expected to have some glitches along the way. As a matter of fact, in some cases we actually want things to break. It gives us valuable insight into how these devices will actually be used by athletes. All of the lab testing in the world cannot replicate a real life scenario.

Our plan is to be renting these devices at races this year. You will start seeing us at expos around the country in the near future!

3) Without divulging any strategic secrets, outside of a race environment, how can a Trakkers device be used??? When do you think we might see them available for individual users?

Actually, that’s a great question and one that we get a lot. The devices are currently being used in military environments as well as tracking athletes. I can’t give out too much information regarding the applications in which they are being used. It’s a matter of National security and I wouldn’t want to leak too much information. That combined with the fact that I would have to kill you and all of your readers if I said anything!

4) Right now, the Trakkers device is about the size of a small garage door opener. How small do you think you can get the device to be?

The primary constraints right now for the Trakkers device is the battery technology. They have to last for a 24 hours period on one charge. If the battery technology was a bit better, then the devices would be MUCH smaller. As technology in that industry gets better, our device will get smaller.


5) In addition to your busy role at Trakkers, you also own the Rev 3 race series. Which role came first?

Trakkers came first, followed by Rev3, followed by…………. Oh, nevermind.

6) How did your obvious passion for the sport of triathlon start? Do you race yourself??

I wouldn’t consider what I do racing! More along the lines of participating. That said, I actually do not participate very often. Since getting involved in the sport as a business owner, I have been participating less. Crazy how that works!

I think I am more passionate about just being healthy then I am about the sport (that said, I need to lose some weight). Is that bad to say?

7) Moving away from Trakkers for a second, put on your Rev 3 hat and tell us a little about what is going on with the Rev3 series? What new races are on the horizon for Rev 3? Do you think the new WTC proposed rules will impact your pro fields at Rev 3 races because you aren’t able to offer the pros “points” toward their Kona and Clearwater qualification?

Rev3 is going great! We are currently traveling all over the country looking for some new venues! Got any ideas? For the 2011 season, we have added our first international race in Costa Rica. We are hoping to add one or maybe two additional races to the lineup in 2011. Stay tuned for more information on those locations! Let’s just say that moving west is on the top of our list!

I would have to guess that the new WTC rules will without a doubt impact the pro fields at our races. If pro athletes like yourself want to race in Kona, then your seasons will have to revolve around that goal. The Rev3 races will become an afterthought based on where athletes stand in the new ranking system. That said, I do not believe this new system is all that horrible. I think it’s a step in the right direction for Pro athletes and it will force Race Directors to be creative if they want to attract a pro field. Competition and options for Pro and age group athletes is a good thing. It forces Rev3 to be more creative and innovative in our approach. That will only benefit the consumers.



'8) What is the hardest part about putting on a race?

You know, that’s a funny question! I haven’t ever considered putting on a race hard (granted, we are still amateurs at this whole race production thing). It is time consuming and a lot of work, but it’s not like we are splitting atoms. We at Rev3 are fortunate to have a wonderful group of people that are part of this adventure and as a result, things that might be hard are more fun than anything else. Sure, some things are a little more challenging than others but I wouldn’t define it as being hard.

9) Tell us something about Charlie Patten that the triathlon world doesn’t yet know!

I’m sure there is a lot about me that the triathlon world doesn’t know! I’m sure most of it, they probably don’t care to know as well! That said, first and foremost, I am a devoted husband and father. I put Christ and my family before anything else in my life. As a matter of fact, I had to leave the race at Quassy this year on Sunday while the race was still in full swing. We had a family emergency with our oldest dog I jumped in the car and drove back home to be with him and my wife.

Thanks, Charlie!

To learn more about Trakkers, check out their website at www.trakkersgps.com. Also be sure to check out the Rev3 race series at www.rev3tri.com.