Member Spotlight: Kevin Moore puts his Ironman strength to the test

We love hearing from our inspiring members and caught up with Kevin Moore, member since we opened our doors in 2001, to learn more about his journey leading to his first full Ironman triathlon this past July.  We know a lot about Kevin’s race history and were surprised to learn that our Indoor Triathlon was one of his first encounters with endurance races — he won most of them. He’s come a long way since those days and we are in awe of his drive and perseverance.  So enjoy Kevin’s story, in his own words, and we think you’ll feel the same way.

 To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible

 

Meet Kevin

Name: Kevin A. Moore, Esq.

Occupation: Attorney/Partner at Leisawitz Heller

Family: wife, Susan (BZ member), Son Kevin Jr, granddogger Brownie, daughter Danielle and mother, Cecilia

Hobbies: Triathlon, Reading, following Philadelphia Phillies and Berks Catholic Saints

First Triathlon: Lancaster YMCA Olympic distance triathlon Sept. 2002 (Actually “sponsored” by BZ -we got free water bottles and t-shirts in exchange for hanging a banner!)

Clubs: Berks County Triathlon Club; Berks County Bicycle Club

Most recent accomplishment: 2016 Ironman full-distance triathlon at Lake Placid NY on July 24, 2016.

 

Fun facts about a few endurance races

There are multiple distances in triathlon, which is the fastest growing sport in the world.  Sprint (500yd swim/15mi bike/5krun); Olympic (1mi swim/25mi bike/10k run); Half (1.2 mi swim/56 mi bike/half marathon run 13.1 mi); Full/Ironman (2.4mi swim/112 mi bike/full marathon – 26.2 mi run).

 

A little history

I actually joined BZ when it opened because I had decided to train for my first event, and of course needed a pool. Mike Stambaugh was the original Aquatics Coordinator at BZ and he gave me personal lessons in stroke technique.  The first race in 2002 was a success until I “bonked” on the run. That is, I contracted major stomach cramps, a condition I still battle in races to this day.

Family activities put these events on hold for about 10 years and, in 2012, I started getting back into triathlon. I participated in BZ’s Indoor Triathlons, and did my first Half Ironman in 2013. I had a major health scare in 2014, when a cross-training accident put me in the hospital with 24 blood clots in my lungs. Doctors told me I was very lucky to be alive, and that my fitness level saved me (thank you, BZ!). It was really at that point that I decided that if I ever was going to attempt a full Ironman, the time was now!

 

Kevin’s training

IM Lake Placid is the second oldest Ironman event in North America, next to the original in Kona, HI. It is considered to be a tougher race than Kona, due to the elevation in the Adirondack Mountains. And the hills.

I often watched the televised coverage of the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI and often wondered how a human being could put themselves through such a test.  I was never a gifted athlete, but seemed to possess endurance.

I began training for Lake Placid as a default to Kona, HI. You see, there used to be a lottery where anyone could get a chance to get to Kona. The lottery was cancelled in 2015. So, being a Pennsylvania guy, and an ice hockey dad who spent many an early morning and late night at BZ’s Rink 1 and 2, I chose the iconic Olympic Village of Lake Placid, NY for my attempt.

The training began about a year ago, as I was training on the bike for the Reading 120 Cyclo Sportif (which is the citizen’s ride that was the prelude to the pro bike race). I decided to keep the fitness level up from there and began the fall and winter with more time in the pool. Body Zone’s 100 Mile Lap Challenge helped me increase my swimming mileage.  I trained with a few experienced triathletes, on and off, but what I found with the sport of triathlon is that it can be very solitary. One has to choose everything they do carefully. Time Management becomes a near obsession. It is a very self-oriented sport: you focus on your sleep, your diet, your training, your data, your equipment.  It is very important to make sure your spouse or significant other has a full understanding of what is involved in training for a full distance Ironman triathlon!  Lucky for me, my wonderful wife of nearly 25 years, Susan, was very supportive (she thinks it’s a phase I’m going through).

Although I trained without a coach, there is a great deal of training data available on the Internet that helped me create my own plan.  I swam with Tom Bell, fellow BZ member who conquered the English Channel in 2014, and the Wilson Masters Swim Club.  They helped me fine-tune some flaws in my swimming stroke.  I trained on the bike with different groups, but one group in particular were members of the Kelly Financial Services Bike Racing Team out of Baltimore. Some local Berks County members included a young professional, Dakota Schaeffer, who I think is also a BZ member. Training with riders of much higher caliber than my own skills and bike fitness really helped get my legs ready.

The training for the run leg of triathlon is probably the most neglected, but for a good reason: of the three segments, running puts the most wear and tear on your body. You can really build the cardio fitness on the bike and swim, but eventually you have to face the fact that you have to run a marathon after a 2.4 mile swim and a 112 mile bike!  I did most of my run training alone, either on the Thun Trail from Gring’s Mill out to Blue Marsh, or on the roads south of Sinking Spring toward Lancaster.  The run training taught me that I need to provide my own water. I learned pretty quickly that most public parks no longer have operating water fountains. I rigged a day-pack with a “camelback” bladder and usually ran with about 40 oz of water.

 

A shout out to his BZ support team

It is amazing what the human body can tolerate. I had always been curious about how far I could push the limits of my endurance. I use most all the equipment at BZ, from the weights and machines on the floor, to the cardio loft, track and pool, as well as attend spin class (shout out to morning instructors Audrey and Mike).  I also spent time on the mend with Randy Yocum and company over in the physical therapy section.

 

 Race day

The IM Lake Placid had just over 3,000 participants. We entered the swim leg in what is known as a “rolling, self-seeded start,” which means everyone starts at the same time, and you use the “honor system” to place yourself in line, with the fastest swimmers up front, and so on. The swim was two 1.2 mile loops on Mirror Lake, right in the center of town. Squeezing 3,000 athletes through one of those inflatable arches, and then into the water for 2.4 miles was like one long underwater wrestling match with 3,000 of your closest (and not so closest) friends!  The bike course was two 56 mile loops in and around Lake Placid, passing through the center of town on each lap.

It was by far the most scenic and enjoyable ride I had ever been on! From mountain vistas to babbling streams, to the raucous crowds and the festive atmosphere, I felt like I was in the Tour de France!  It was very important to keep nutrition going. I burned 9,000 calories on the bike alone! Every 5 miles there was an aid station to swap out liquids and nutrition.  By mile 90 or so, I was ready to get off the bike.

The marathon was, well, a marathon. I got in the water at about 6:45 am; got on the bike by about 8:00 am and was about to start the marathon at about 2:00 pm with the sun high in the sky and the temperature just under 90 degrees.  The run course was also very scenic and the crowds lined all the streets of the course through Lake Placid and outside of town.  By the time you get to the marathon, the only thought in your mind is to finish without getting injured. The steady stream of emergency vehicles picking up athletes certainly planted doubt in my mind, but I kept an eye on “my pace; my race” and avoided the dreaded “bonk” that felled so many other athletes.

The final few miles of the marathon were deeply inspirational. I drew on the energy of the fans, who are all perfect strangers, but felt like family for that single day. I realized I “get to” be an Ironman. The race finishes inside the 1980 Winter Olympic speedskating oval, which still has the Olympic cauldron burning bright!  I soaked up the moment as I rounded the final turn and saw the finish line ahead. The months and months of training had finally paid off, and a lifetime “bucket list” achievement had been completed. I collapsed into my wife’s arms at the finish line and wept tears of joy. Then I needed a shower!

For my first Ironman, I did not set any specific time or goals, because I truly wanted to enjoy the experience. I’m glad I did it that way, because it made for a much more memorable event. I finished in 11:47. 55th in my age group (45-49) and 377th overall, which was about the top 12% of finishers.