This site is written, maintained, and copyrighted by Max Miller.
The Iron Pirate
I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in screenwriting. It is a career path that does not have concrete end points and much of the tangible success is random and beyond my control. Crossing my first marathon finish line was a transformative experience, giving me real reward for months of hard work. After running 2 marathons I decided to try triathlon and connected with the sport wholly and completely. It offered a unique combination of endurance, organization, focus, gadgets, creativity, and dedication. Triathletes are among the smartest, nicest, most intense people I’ve ever met.
I enjoy researching new ideas and products and writing about what I find. If I am sent products to evaluate or use I’ll incorporate them into my training, evaluate their efficacy, and report what works for me and what didn’t. By nature I am skeptical of any product claiming to enhance performance through pseudoscience or magical thinking, though my reliance upon evidence is tempered by the fact that I am not a medical doctor or scientist. I’m a writer, an age group racer, a gadget nerd, and constantly looking for ways to push my limits. The sport is filled with strong men and women with distinct opinions and vibrant personalities with similar ambitions, and the more I connect with that community, the more I am encouraged to better myself.
Special thanks:
Sofia, my wife and greatest supporter.
Robert, for pushing the idea of this site and being behind the scenes driving it forward.
Jill Miller, my physical fitness guru and primary locksmith in helping me unlock my body.
Rich & Barbara Jackson, for the inspiration, advice, and persistent positive encouragement.
Gavi, without whom I would never have signed up for my first 5k.
Jason, for the long rides and kicking my ass on Stunt Road.
Richard, who is my urban bike fiend on wheels and never hesitates to tell me when I suck on the bike.
Damon Lee, for being my first friendly competitor, challenging me in new and different ways, and always treating me like a peer on the course and off.
Brian Melekian, for being my first coach and an inspiring friend.
UPCOMING RACES: (question marks indicate unbooked or contemplating)
SEPTEMBER 2009: Nautica Malibu Triathlon Sprint, also as Team CHLA Mentor
OCTOBER 2009: SOMA 70.3
NOVEMBER 2009: IRONMAN ARIZONA 140.6
