Xtri Chats with American Triathlete all-star Tim O'Donnell. Tim talks about his first go at Kona this year and in the spirit of Veterans Day, he talks about his military background and his Team Read White & Blue.

You were on the cover of Triathlete Magazine, with head line Americas Next Great Hope for Hawaii Ironman. I am sure that was incredibly flattering, but at the same, I am sure that put a huge weight on your shoulders. What were your thoughts?

I was honored to be have them consider me America's Next Great Hope. It has been a decade since an American has won in Kona and everyone is ready for us to step back up to the plate. It definitely is a little bit of a weight on the shoulders but I felt more pressure going into my first Ironman, IM Texas. Going into Texas I knew there was talk about how I could perform at the Ironman distance and it was a complete unknown. I didn't know myself how it would go, I could have completely bombed! When I had a great race in Texas it was a big relief and it proved that I can be the next American with a shot at Kona.

Even though you didn't have the race you had hoped for in Hawaii, are you still happy you got a taste of Kona?

I was incredibly disappointed with my race in Hawaii. I picked up some sort of flu bug in the two days leading into the race and while I attempted to give it a shot I had nothing in my tank. The hardest part was knowing it wasn't really me out there racing, I didn't get to give justice to all the preparation I did leading into the race. Despite the result of the day I was still very glad to be in the race. I've taken the entire race experience as a lesson learned and I will make sure to use what I've learned in preparation for Kona 2012. You have to get to the start line healthy and I didn't execute, now I have to make sure I don't make the same mistake again!

How has your military background helped you in triathlon?

My experiences in the Navy have been a huge part of my success in triathlon. In my military training I was pushed to my limits on many occasions, presented with problems that I needed to solve and learned how to tolerate pain, discomfort and suffering. All the tools I learned that help you face adversity in the service translate to facing the challenges of triathlon. It also helps me keep the sport in perspective, I know how lucky I am to be doing this for a living and I don't take the opportunity for granted.

Can you tell me a little bit about Team RWB?

Team Red, White & Blue's (Team RWB) vision is to transform the way wounded veterans are reintegrated into society when they return from combat and exit their position in the Active Duty force or National Guard. Through endurance sports we raise awareness and funds to build the local support communities that can help our Veteran's reintegrate.

One of your hobbies is wine collecting. What is your bottle of choice?

If I were in a higher tax bracket I'd be going for first growth Bordeaux for sure! I am a big CA cabernet guy and I love the 2000 Corison Kronos Cabernet, small vineyard and awesome!

Looking to 2012, where do you think your season will start?

Right now I plan on going to the Ironman 70.3 San Juan to kick off 2012 and defend my title!

Were you sad to see Michael Scott leave?

Robert California is hilarious BUT no one beats Michael Scott. (That's what she said.)

Anything in particular you are looking forward to in the off season?

I can't wait to do handyman stuff around the house. I need to hang some TVs, build some shelves, bike racks etc and I never have the time or energy to do it in the season!

Also, Rinny and I bought a ton of wine after Vineman this summer but leading into Kona we didn't get to enjoy it much. I really look forward to having our friends over, throwing on the fireplace (and maybe a little rockband) and enjoying good wine and great company.

www.timothyodonnell.com/