Joe Hallatschek has been cycling, running and swimming all over the Southeast United States.
Hallatsheck, 47, competes with his triathlon team Girodana-Cliff-Bar throughout the U.S.
Hallatschek has always been interested in physical fitness and finished well in his first triathlon. From there, he was hooked. What started off as a dare in 1990, developed into one of Hallatschek's favorite things to do, he said.
“I love the lifestyle and the people you meet in the sport,” Hallatschek said. “Typically, they’re honest, hardworking people from all different walks of life.”
While some may find it daunting to be faced with a swim through six-foot waves, only to jump on a bike and ride for miles, it’s all part of the fun for Hallatschek. While he enjoys the challenge and discipline, the reward comes in finishing the race, he said.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of triathlons for Hallatschek is the friendly competition he’s developed with Kenny Daigle. Daigle and Hallatschek met while both were living in Olive Branch, Miss.
When competing in a triathlon the duo finished within places of each other and Hallatschek was shocked to hear they were from the same small town. When he returned home, Hallatschek contacted Daigle and they’ve been friends since, meeting up at least once a year to compete in triathlons.
“It’s a hobby for both of us,” Daigle said. “At the end of the day, the loser buys the beer.”
The focus Hallatschek has is one of his best qualities, Daigle said. Daigle calls his friend “a good-listener, patient and persistent.”
All these qualities together make Hallatschek good at everything he does from triathlons to his work as a civil engineer, Daigle said.
“Joe has the ability to look at a problem and he doesn’t bring any preconceived notions to the table,” Daigle said. “He’s very open-minded and willing to listen.”
While Hallatschek’s competitions have taken him across the U.S., he calls Harrisburg home.
About two years ago, Hallatschek, his wife of 25 years, Robin, and his two daughters, Sarah, 22, and Rebecca, 18, moved to Harrisburg, where Hallatschek took a job as a civil engineer with Mactec Federal Programs Inc.
“When it was time to retire, we decided with all the options we had, North Carolina would be best,” Hallatschek said. “It had all the things we were looking for. My wife was looking for Mayberry RFD (Rural Free Delivery), and I was looking for a job.”-Christie Barlow
