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Belief in self, devotion are keys to sucess in Ironman competition

  • Published
  • By Steve Pivnick
  • 81st Medical Group Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Mark Roberts isn't a masochist, but he put his body through an extreme workout Nov. 6 as he joined more than 2,400 other athletes in the Ford Ironman Florida held in Panama City Beach.

Roberts, director of endodontic resident education and training for the 81st Dental Squadron, completed the grueling event with an overall time of 11:35:10. His times for the individual events were 1:07:32 in the 2.4-mile swim, 5:56:15 in the 112-mile bike ride and 4:10:15 for the 26.2-mile marathon run. His time placed him 649th in the field of 2,402 representing all 50 states and 48 countries.

"Ironman Florida is one of six Ironman events held annually in the U.S.," he explained. "Top finishers in each age category qualify for the world championships in Hawaii. I'm not there yet, but would love to compete in Kona someday."

He said this was his fifth Ironman competition, adding he's been doing triathlons for 11 years. His first Ironman was the Florida event in 2002 and this year was the third time he has participated there.

Discussing his preparation for an Ironman, Roberts said, "The hardest part is finding a balance between the three sports. Since I'm a good swimmer, I concentrated on cycling and running. I typically did three bike rides, five runs and two or three swims each week. I'm always training, but I specifically focus training for the Ironman for about four months."

Roberts noted this event proved a bit more difficult than those in the past.

"This one was harder for me because I had to balance training and time with my two young boys -- James, 2, and Daniel, 6 weeks," he explained. "I was glad when it was over because the training is so time consuming. Actually, this was the first Ironman I've competed in since the boys were born. They were both there cheering for me on race day."

He has encouraging words for anyone who would like to test themselves through an Ironman.

"You need the determination to train and the belief you can do it," he pointed out. "During the event, you see a cross-section of participants from the 'pros' who finish in eight hours to people who have lost 100 pounds and want to test themselves completing it by the midnight deadline. Anyone can do it if they have the commitment."

Originally from Michigan, Roberts has been a member of the Air Force for five years and at Keesler since April. His previous assignment was at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

He and his wife Katy, a three-time Ironman finisher herself, reside with their sons in Ocean Springs.
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