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Meet this week’s Teacher Feature…

Tim’s Story…

“Completing an Ironman was such a huge life event that changed my outlook on what I am capable of both athletically and professionally…”

I’ve always participated in sports, mostly cycling, which led to triathlon, which meant… running. As a reluctant runner I started with short sprint races and progressed to Olympic and Half distance events. Whilst teaching in the USA I met and trained with a group of athletes who were influential and very persuasive, eventually they talked me into entering an Ironman race. The thought of completing a marathon had always been a significant limiting factor, I never believed that I could complete a stand alone marathon, and the concept of an Ironman just felt way beyond my capabilities. 

Ironman Mont Tremblant is a gorgeous race and I loved almost every minute of  it. The marathon wasn’t easy but I chatted with a new random friend Juan, who encouraged me to maintain my pace and keep going which was an enormous boost.

Completing an Ironman was such a huge life event that changed my outlook on what I am capable of both athletically and professionally. 

The following year I completed my first stand alone marathon, the Marines Corps Marathon, in Washington DC. The first 3 hours of the race were in torrential rain, the remainder of the race was hot and humid. The support despite the weather was amazing, a race I’d highly recommend, but avoid the whisky at mile 23, it won’t help.

Triathlon has been a great teaching tool, especially for maths. We have used different races to work out speeds, convert distances, fractions, decimals. I can pretty much squeeze triathlon into any subject. 

Coming up at the end of the month is the Savage Snowman, 2 triathlons in 2 days around Snowdonia, should be fun. I’ll also be racing with my wife as it’s how we intend to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

Click the link bellow to follow Tim’s triathlon journey on Twitter!!!