This Sunday, July 22, Ridgefield resident, local businesses owner, author and Run Like a Mother founder Megan Searfoss will head to Lake Placid to compete in her 9th Ironman, a triathlon of extreme measures! We sat down with Megan to find out what fuels her, why nine, and how life has changed since Ironman #1.
What is an Ironman? is there a different race just for women— the “Iron Woman”?
Ironman started the sport of Triathlon 40 years ago in Hawaii. It is a combination of the three hardest events that took place in Hawaii at the time, 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. The race this weekend is in Lake Placid, NY. Men and women compete in the same race, there is not an Ironwoman!
This is your 9th race! Wow! What encouraged you to do your first and why 9?
I always loved watching Ironman on NBC’s Wide World of Sports and was intrigued by the sport. I did not learn to swim until I started triathlon in 2000, so that had been the biggest challenge. In 2005, I competed in my first Ironman in Wisconsin. I used it as a fundraiser for Crohn’s Research as my husband, Chon had been diagnosed in 2003. I have been fortunate enough to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii at the Lake Placid races in 2008 and 2010. Those years meant that I was racing two Ironman races 12 weeks apart which was challenging on my body.
Then (1st) and now (9th) what’s changed in your life?
That’s a book! The Searfoss family has had a lot of challenges in the past 13 years. All three of our daughters were diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and I have had several orthopedic surgeries, two hamstring reattachments and a broken wrist. My challenges have been nothing compared to our children’s but all have kept us busy. The last Ironman I raced in was 2013 and I was unable to finish the race because of the hamstring detachment and I have spent the last 5 years repairing my body.
I honestly never thought I would race again so this race is a gift. I even sold my bike! I began strength training at Train 2xcel and began to see that I could get strong enough to compete. Training this year has been especially challenging with Ridgefield Running Company and my new store, everywear on main taking much more of my time. After we got done with the Run Like a Mother 5K in May, I started to realize I could do the race. I have an incredible team of employees at the stores who have supported me.
Any fellow Ridgefielders racing with you?
There is a great group of athletes from Ridgefield Bicycle Sports Club racing this year. Evan Bassett, Mark Mischenko, Jim McGrath, Terry Rychilik and Mike Trinkaus are all racing.
What’s your pre-race routine?
I always have salmon and rice for dinner the night before the race. In the morning, coffee, toast, peanut butter and a banana. I try to go to bed at a reasonable time, though typically don’t get to sleep much. In the morning, the entire family heads down to the swim start together. I have raced at Lake Placid 5 times previously, so we have the routine down!
What do you think about DURING the races?
I think about how easy the day is compared to the struggles that so many other people go through and how lucky I am to be able to be doing what I am doing. I think about my family a lot. And then my mind wanders, Lake Placid is beautiful and between the scenery and the other athletes there is plenty to keep my mind away from any discomfort.
Will there be #10?
I would love to say there would be another but ask me again on Monday. Never say never. I love this sport!
Anything you wish I asked?
Athletes can be tracked live on www.ironmanlive.com and clicking on Live Coverage on race day July 22. You can enter and athlete’s name and follow them live.