By Jade Lantz
Published on December 5, 2007
Ben Johnson, 17, a high school senior dual enrolled at PJC, is enduring a rigid training program in order to participate in a strenuous athletic competition, The Ford Ironman, in Panama City the first week of December, 2008.
In between classes, work, and hanging out with friends, Johnson still finds time to run eight miles three times a week, swim 12 miles a week, and bike roughly 300 miles a week during bike season. He also maintains a healthy physique by eating properly and proportionately, which is not an easy thing.
About two years ago, Johnson bought his first road bike. Soon after, he started riding on a regular basis with a group. He began biking longer distances and faster speeds.
“I loved it,” he recalls.
Johnson became interested in the Ironman competition after a friend from his biking group told him about it.
“I was so excited and I knew this was something I wanted to do,” Johnson said.
He then became involved in a few mini triathlons in Pensacola to gain experience.
The competition is comprised of three different segments; swimming, biking, and running. Each segment has its separate requirements: swimming 2.4 miles in less than 2 hours, 20 minutes; biking 112 miles in 10.5 hours; and running 26.2 miles in the time remaining. Participants failing to meet the time requirements of the first and second segments are disqualified from the race. The course combined is 140.6 miles, which must be completed in less than 17 hours in order to prevent disqualification.
Not only must participants be physically fit, they must be able to pay the large bill in order to take part in the event. The entry fee alone is $475. The fee does not include the cost of gear, transportation, lodging, and food during the event. Johnson’s equipment alone is nearly $1,000. He lists his expenses: wetsuit, $150; bike, $600; and running shoes, $80.
As a child, Johnson listened to stories from his great uncles and grandfathers, who told him about great things they did in their lives. One day, Johnson wants to be able to tell his children and grandchildren about this challenging triathlon he was involved in.
Johnson realizes that the Ironman competition is an expensive and time consuming hobby, and does not intend to make a career out of it. He is a competitive person and says he will enjoy competing with the pros. His goal is to finish in the top five of his age group (18-24). Johnson also wants to qualify for the Kona in Hawaii, which is a further and even larger event in the Ironman competition.