The Road To Kona

By Roy Fenstermaker-- I did my first sprint triathlon in July 2006, and in 2014 my wife and I went to Chattanooga to watch the inaugural Ironman.  I was so impressed with the athletes and race atmosphere enthusiasm that I decided I want to do this!  So it became a "Bucket List" item for me!  At age 70, I still want to be a role model for others, especially my children and grandchildren.  It's all about having goals and training.

This year I did three half iron distance races for training: Chattanooga, Raleigh, and Storm the Fort in Kingston, plus four Olympic distance triathlons. Working with Fleet Feet Knoxville training program was key to my success at Ironman Chattanooga. Having regular swim, bike, and run sessions with coaching was very helpful to keep me on a training schedule. Coach Collin's swim sessions focusing on form, stroke efficiency, and speed drills definitely helped me get first out of the water in my age group at Chattanooga.  Thanks, Collin!  Knowing and believing that if you train, you can do it, was a mental attitude that carried me through the 144.6 miles of race.  Also, a focus on nutrition planning and actual practice kept me strong for the run.  I actually felt good at the end of the race, just a little tired.  Thanks to Coaches Shahin and Collin and my other Fleet Feet group of triathletes for all the encouragement and support. It was a long day!  Also essential was my Ironman Sherpa team consisting of my wife and two daughters.

 Swim - 1:17:41; Bike - 7:50:07; Run - 5:45:13.  Overall - 15:24:56

 1st FULL IRONMAN RACE, 1st in age group 70-74, 1st in age group out of water award, GOING TO THE IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP KONA, HAWAII on October 8, 2016!!