Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine Dec 2009: Katy Realtor Competes in Katy Triathlon

At 215 pounds a mere seven months ago, the furthest thing from Katy-area Realtor Chris Hiller ’s mind would have been to register for a triathlon. Like many of us, he was ill prepared for the rigors of a 1/3-mile swim, 15-mile bike race and a three-mile run.

However, the now 175-pound Hiller demonstrated his new lease on life by entering his first-ever triathlon, the Katy Triathlon at Firethorne. The trim, high-energy athlete was so determined to participate in the three-pronged sports challenge that he was the first to sign up for the 1,000-person competition.

“The instant registration opened, I delivered the paper work to Graig Harrison, president of the Katy Rotary Club, triathlon sponsor, ” said Hiller, concerned that the popular Katy charity event would fill up the first day. Hiller and Harrison are residential Realtors with Keller Williams Realty at Cinco Ranch.

Hiller, 53, a former high school football and track athlete and graduate of Rice University, had kept in good shape from ages 25-45, as the owner and coach at The Tumbling Company gymnastics facility in West Houston. In 2001, he sold the business and began a career in residential real estate.

“After I stopped coaching gymnastics, I gained 40 pounds,” said Hiller, a father of four who thought he may be beyond getting back into good shape at

his age.

Determined to “just lose a few pounds” in April of this year, Hiller embarked on an exercise regime where he pulled two hamstrings and his quadriceps and could not walk down the flight of stairs on his first day at the gym. He also went “cold turkey” on eating from what he refers to as “bad food groups.” After modifying his behavior and his eating patterns, he shed 40 pounds in seven months.

Hiller says his exercise is a non-negotiable part of his daily schedule and that his success in his fitness program has carried over into his work life as well. “I learned to slow down and to focus, instead of multi-tasking.”

Goal-oriented, Hiller needed a new challenge after trimming down. A friend who participated in the Katy Triathlon urged him to follow suit. Hiller began exercising lightly, not pushing himself too hard on the swims, runs and cycling so as not to exceed his abilities.

Athletes like Hiller, as well as relay teams, competed in a 1/3-mile swim around the 12-acre Lake Firethorne, as well as a 15-mile bike race and a three-mile run through Firethorne. The cycling route included sections of FM 1463, U.S. Hwy. 90, Pederson Road and the I-10 Frontage Road.

“Firethorne’s lake and proximity to wide spaces of rural areas was conducive to a successful 3,000-person triathlon, ” said veteran Race Director Dave Rainey. As a Houston City Triathlon Championship venue, more than 1,000 athletes and 2,000 spectators (including many out-of-towners) participated.

The Rotary Club of Katy donated event proceeds to the Katy Rotary Fund, which supports local charities for their work in providing essential health, recreation and educational services to children in the Katy ISD attendance area.