The Tris4Health Ambassadors are a group of people from your very own community that love all things cycling, running, multi-sport and racing. They also are passionate about making sure that when someone steps up to a Tris4Health event, they feel an environment that is friendly, positive and FUN as well as inclusive and welcoming. This year, when you see athletes racing in the T4H blue, make sure to say hello!
Meet Denis Huskic! Denis joined the team last year and returns again to represent T4H in 2024! Denis is all about the long distances, last year he participated in the half-distance at Grand Rapids Triathlon, rode the 80-mile course at Grand Rapids Gran Fondo and became a two-time TITAN in the Ultra-Distance at Michigan Titanium.
In fact, MiTi was a momentous event for Denis in 2023 as he improved his finish time by three hours from 2022 – what an achievement!
Name: Denis Huskic
Age: 29
Profession: Software Engineering Management – good with computers, systems, people, and projects! Wish I went into fitness science, that would’ve been a fun alternative!
Hometown: I was born in Germany, but my family is from Bosnia. I moved to Grand Rapids in 2000 – it’s hard to leave West Michigan for long, especially in the summer.
Why did you decide to be involved in the running/cycling/multisport community?
About two years ago, I strived to change things for the new year. (“New Year, New Me!”). I wanted to focus on family, friends, career, health and finance. I start trying to lift again before overdoing it and needed something active to do so I started running. Then I overdid that, so I pivoted to the bike and the pool. One thing led to another and I signed up for a few triathlon races. Then I decided I wanted to do an Ultra-Distance, and a good RunGR friend told me about Michigan Titanium!
I kept trying to get into shape over the years but it never seemed to stick until I found good, fun groups to accompany it. I had the home gym, the gym memberships, the sports equipment, a strava account from during Covid with three 1-mile runs, it never lasted long. After reflecting on how positively the run groups and people affected me, I realized this was something I wanted to be a part of my future. I hope I can help give that positivity to others and we can all grow along the way. I know it definitely helps push me to get to the cold, early, rainy group runs or get in the pool when I’m not really feeling it. There’s a lot of enjoyment when enduring together, especially with good, positive people!
What benefit does participating in endurance events have on your life?
I LOVE race day vibes! It’s such a blast, even when everything’s going horribly wrong. Whether it’s racing or volunteering or spectating, it’s so good for the soul! It’s easy to make a huge positive impact on others during their race days too!
Favorite Tris4Health race and why?
MiTi. I probably visualize this race throughout the year the most! So many good and bonked memories!
Race goals for 2024?
My most important goals are to stay healthy, stay fit and have fun doing all this! My other goals are:
- Sub-9 hour Full Distance Triathlon – IM Texas, MiTi
- Sub-3 hour Marathon – So I can finally qualify for the Boston Marathon!
- Sub4:45 minute mile – Grand Rapids Road Mile, Magic of the Mile
- Kona someday.
What do you love about endurance sports?
People are capable of so much more than they can imagine. It’s crazy and incredible to see what others can do, for performance and endurance, when they’ve got the proper training and attitude. Plus, it’s nice to be able to spend all day outside moving around!
Advice for someone looking to get into running/cycling/triathlon?
Get on the group runs, put it on your calendar, make the training fun!
Don’t overthink it, don’t let the lack of a plan or the perfect setup stop you from executing training (or pursuing other goals)
Favorite song to train/run/cycle to?
Hip hop, rap, rock, anything loud and energetic to get me through the early mornings! Country on the drive home and on repeat during my Ultra runs.
Favorite post-race meal?
Tacos, tacos, tacos! Probably 80% of my meals come in a shell or tortilla.
- 2022 Miti Post-race meal: $40 of taco bell
- 2023 Miti Post-race meal: 3-4 bowls of qdoba
I’m more of a foodie than a fitness guy.