Vytenis Benetis

Hometown: Greenbelt, MD
Sport: Adventure Racer
Age: 29 years old

Q&A

How do you mentally prepare for a competition?
The most powerful thing of all is visualization. I cannot stress it enough! Visualizing - your competitors, how you successfully manage the course, deal with tiredness, etc...is one of the most powerful ways to get your mind in the right state.

What is your strategy for doing your sport better than your competitors?
Persistence and knowledge. It's difficult for everybody, but I love knowing about another competitors suffering.

What is your inspiration?
First of all, my wife. It makes me SUPER happy when I do well and see the pride in her eyes. Second, the athletes like Lance Armstrong, Virgilijus Alekna (Lithuanian discus thrower, several time world champion), Mike Kloser (adventure racing team Nike captain) inspire me with their exemplary work ethics and astounding achievements.

What was your proudest moment in sport?
The truly challenging event that I am most proud of is the 1000 km Raid World Championships in Canada 2006.

In what ways does the product you wear better your performance?
I am with the 180s company for one main reason the company has the innovative drive to create products for athletes that care about the best gear! While racing in the extreme conditions (whether it is long duration activity in the heat or cold, wet or dry conditions) I want to reach the best result while optimizing not only my body to perform the necessary tasks, but also having optimal, fully reliable and functional gear. For example, when I trek for several days in the high mountains, I want my eyes to be protected from the scorching sun by sunglasses that can last, be light, easily cleaned and endure all the beating that branches and twigs do. 180s Mortise does exactly that! Or when I bike in cold weather I want to have my head both warm and ventilated at the same time. Using bike helmet in combination with the 180s ear warmers is the best solution for that.

What is something quirky or unusual about yourself that you can share?
I love navigation and math. I cannot walk by any plan, map, chart without investigating it in detail.

Are you married / single? Do you have children? If so, how many?
I married the woman of my dreams in June 2006. She happened to be working in Washington, DC when I studied there. We do not have any children at the moment, but plan on having a large family in the near future.