While we were riding bikes on A1A recently, a friend mentioned that 37 local athletes from the Boca Raton Triathletes were going to compete in Ironman Florida on Nov. 1 in Panama City, Fla. I’ve always known that we have some tough athletes in South Florida. But to have such a big group from one local club doing such an ambitious race is amazing.
For those of you who don’t know the Ironman distance, it’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2 mile run. Not easy.
“This is our biggest group yet,” says Boca Raton resident Kristy Breslaw, president of Boca Raton Triathletes.
Breslaw, 44, is going to Panama City to support the club’s athletes, some of whom have never participated in an Ironman competition. She isn’t doing this particular Ironman but has competed in grueling Ironman events in the past. I asked Breslow what the experience was like.
Boca Mag: When did you start doing triathlons and Ironman distances?
Kristy Breslaw: I started racing in 2002. I did my first Ironman in 2009 at Ironman Florida.
BM: How many Ironman distances have you done?
KB: I have done two more since: 2011 Ironman Florida and 2013 Challenge Roth in Germany. I am registered for Ironman Whistler in 2015. I have also competed many other 70.3 [half Ironman] and other distance races.
BM: How many hours a week do you train and for how long?
KB: Depending on the race and time of year, the training is anywhere from 10 to 25 hours a week.
BM: What do you love most about doing Ironman triathlons?
KB: What I love most is the challenge and camaraderie among friends. Training for an Ironman is a long and challenging process. Having others with you through the process to train with and learn from makes the whole experience amazingly special and memorable. When you cross the finish line and your friends are all there, knowing how hard it was to make it to the start and finish line is awesome. I have made my closest and lifelong friends through [the club], training and racing. The people are so supportive and nonjudgmental. Without them, the journey and the finish lines would never be as much fun or special.
Here’s the list of participating triathletes, who represent a wide range of ages:
Ari Ginarte, 45; Brian Doherty, 41; Catherine Trejo, 30; Cicily Chun, 43; Dan Bond, 37; David Hoy, 48; David LeClair; Efua Ramdeen, 32; Eric Kalina, 44; Frannie Nachlas, 48; Frank Fernandez-Posse, 44; Jared Koesten, 40; Jason Alviene, 38; Jason Ramdeen, 34; Jay Brandt, 38; Jeff Bielec, 44; Joe Paxton, 53; John Snyder, 52; Kathy Ginarte, 48; Kevin Frey, 35; Kyle Heckman, 18; Lauren Fuchs, 53; Matthew Hert, 47; Mike Jordan, 48; Mitch Zelman, 34; Ornel Cotera, 33; Sandy Lechner, 51; Sara Koesten, 37; Scott Heckman, 51; Stefano Papaleo, 44; Steve Cimaglia, 47; Steven Ross, 46; Sue Caplan, 48; Todd Kough, 41; Tom Turbyfill; Robin Goldber; and Geoffrey Taber, 42.
Be sure to cheer for those you know when you see them on the road. Chances are, they’ll be training in the heat of the day to prepare for an event that takes many at least 12 hours to complete.
For more about Boca Raton Triathletes, go to: bocatri.com. You can register to join at the site. It’s $35.
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About Lisette
Lisette Hilton, president of Words Come Alive, has had the luxury of reporting on health, fitness and other hot topics for more than 23 years. The longtime Boca Raton resident, University of Florida graduate and fitness buff writes for local, regional and national publications and websites. Find out more on www.wordscomealive.com.
