Three Life DC Students Reach Ironman Success

Three D.C. students are representing Life University this Sunday in the Ford Ironman Louisville competition. Ben Cavaliere, Jeremy Coffey and Mark Chappell-Lakin are all members of Life’s triathlon club and will be traveling to Louisville, KY., to participate in one of the toughest single-day endurance races against 2,000 other competitors.

Ironman Louisville is a three part competition that includes a 2.4 mile swim in the Ohio River, followed by 112 miles of rolling hills on bike and a 26.2 mile run through downtown Louisville.

This is the second Ironman competition for Jeremy and Ben. In 2007, Ben was featured in Today’s Chiropractic Lifestyle magazine for his participation in the Florida Ironman, and last September Jeremy completed the 2008 Louisville Ironman.

“It is easier to train for this Ironman because I know what to expect from my experience last year,” said Jeremy.

Finding time to train has been a hurdle for all three athletes. On Sundays they ride 80 miles throughout the Atlanta area and find time for swimming and short runs during the week.

“It has been a tremendous battle of balance being in 10th quarter, starting outpatient clinic, training for the Ironman and balancing time with my wife, Cheryl,” said Ben.

Mark played soccer in college and is continuously looking for ways to challenge himself physically. “I set goals for myself,” said Mark. “I finished a half-marathon, then a half-Ironman, followed by a full-marathon in 2007, and now I’m ready to take on the full Ironman.”

“I have had great experiences training for this event. Some bad days, but a lot of great days... and I am ready to tackle the Ironman with two great friends,” Ben said.

The race starts at 7 a.m. and all competitors can be tracked on race day through www.ironmanlouisville.com

***Update: Congratulations Ironmen Jeremy Coffey 11:53:08, Ben Cavaliere 12:34:13 and Mark Chappell-Lakin 13:41:42