Father's Day Q&A with WYNR Dad Jeff Lear

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads out there! Today, we’re celebrating the amazing WYNR dads who juggle training, racing, work, and family with unstoppable passion. We sat down with one of our own, Jeff Lear, to hear about his journey balancing triathlon life and fatherhood. Check out his inspiring answers below!

WYN republic: How do you juggle triathlon training with work and family life?

Jeff: The struggle is real—but it’s also real worth it. For me, it comes down to consistency, balance, and living by a simple mantra: I can never be too tired for my kids. With three daughters at such impressionable ages, presence matters more than perfection. I’m often up before the sun, sneaking in workouts while the rest of the house is still sleeping—or occasionally swimming laps during their swim team practices (though
they’ve definitely outpaced me at this point). Add in a wife who is my biggest supporter and somehow makes this chaos feel like rhythm, and it becomes doable. Not easy—but doable. Because in the end, training is just another way I show up for myself… so I can keep showing up fully for them.

 

WYN republic: Have your kids ever joined you for a training session or cheered you on at a race?

Jeff: All the time—and honestly, those are the moments I cherish most. From the girls pedaling alongside me during long runs, to getting humbled in the pool by my oldest, or squeezing in core and hip work during Sunday night family movie time—they’re part of my training often. We’ve also turned race weekends into family adventures, exploring new cities and weaving in learning opportunities wherever we can. Their presence reminds me that this sport isn’t just about racing—it’s about modeling passion, grit, and how to keep going even when the legs are tired.

WYN republic: What lessons from triathlon do you hope to pass on to your kids?

Jeff: Consistency over perfection. That progress is made on the days when it’s hard, not just the ones when it’s easy. That hard work matters more the accomplishments. And maybe most of all, that setting big goals and going after them—even when they scare you a little—is one of the best ways to grow.

WYN republic: Any memorable “dad moments” during a race or training session?

Jeff: The ones you’d like to forget always seem to surface first. Like the time I forgot my daughter’s bike helmet in the car during her first triathlon—there I was, cheering her out of the pool, only to realize T1 was about to become a teachable moment… for both of us. (I can still hear my wife’s voice echoing in my head.) Then there was my middle daughter asking, “Daddy, why aren’t you running faster?”—some much-needed comic relief during mile 10 of a 70.3. Or the post-race moment when I carried my youngest because her sisters were being mean and she had had enough. Those little moments bring big meaning—and remind me not to take any of it too seriously.

WYN republic: What does being a WYNR mean to you as a father?

Jeff: To me, being a WYNR is about setting an example—not just in watts and finish times, but in character. It’s showing my kids that community, commitment, and a willingness to chase hard things matter. WYNR represents a tribe of like-minded humans who are chasing big goals while staying grounded in life’s most important roles—like being “Dad.” Something that Luke inspires all of us with.