developed a database of truck-accessible YMCAs across America. At nationals, the extra effort paid off: He won two events. That success inspired him to train for his first triathlon, in May 2011. “I absolutely loved it,” he says. “I kept doing a race a month ... and now I’ve become a seriously competitive triathlete.” When he learned that Pilot Flying J was partnering with Revolution3 Triathlon to sponsor three triathlons in 2011, he was thrilled. The Revolution3 Triathlon race series is built on the concept that the sport of triathlon is a lifestyle choice that involves not just the athletes but their families. It aims to make triathlons more interactive and fun for spectators by providing activities for children and other supporters during the race. At the final triathlon of his 2011 season, the Revolution3 event in Anderson, S.C., Baleka won the men’s 40-44 age group Olympic-distance race. “This was by far the most challenging course and the most fun of all the triathlons I’ve done this year,” he said then. “I really wanted to do this race because it is sponsored by Pilot Flying J and I am a truck driver and I wanted to prove that I am the fittest truck driver in America.” Dave Parmly, manager of employee services for Pilot Flying J, said the triathlons were an ideal opportunity to extend the company’s message of wellness beyond its corporate headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn. There, the company routinely sponsors races,
Baleka is a natural swimmer, having led his college swim team. He recently qualified for the U.S. Masters nationals. 38 C H A L L E N G E A P R I L 2 0 1 2
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