Lenoir Community College Human Services Technology Program Head Robert Van Meir recently completed the 2006 Ford Florida Ironman Triathlon. Considered one of the most grueling events in all of sports, an Ironman Triathlon consist of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a complete marathon (26.2 miles) all run in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event.

About 2,200 athletes started the event, which took place in Panama City, Florida. The race was held on Nov. 4. The swim was an ocean swim in the Gulf of Mexico and consisted of two 1.2-mile loops. It was a mass start with 2,200 swimmers fighting for position. "It was a very difficult swim, with choppy waters and a strong current," Van Meir said. "The swimmers were swimming over each other and sadly one swimmer died.”

The bike course was on an open road with traffic. Van Meir said the bike course was very windy. The bikers faced 20 mph head winds for half the course. "I was pleased with a strong bike time. My training buddy was doing this race with me and he is a stronger bike rider’s so I knew I had to swim and run faster then him.”

The marathon was a two-loop- course throughout the city. “It was a great to be able to run past my family two times during the run,” Van Meir said. "The run course was great with many volunteers handing out water, and food to the runners. I suffered on the run but still had my fastest marathon time yet and oh yeah, I beat my buddy.”

Van Meir trains at the Goldsboro Family Y and has completed more than 50 triathlons. He has also recently started a Triathlon and Running Club at LCC. This was his third Ironman distance race and he finished in a personal best time of 11:51:44. “I was very pleased to improve my time by more than 47 minutes and to break the 12-hour mark. I can't wait for next year.”