Going to Extremes: Civil engineers compete in Como Lake Man Triathlon

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AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Two Aviano civil engineers recently competed in one of many extreme competitions held throughout Europe each year -- the Como Lake Man Triathlon. Here is their story.

Names:  Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer and Adam Leigland  

Unit: 31st Civil Engineer Squadron

Event: Como Lake Man triathlon

Date:  Aug. 22, 2009

Location: Bellagio, Italy

Online event link: www.comolakeman.com

Course Details:  This year was the first time the Como Lake Man Triathlon, an "Ironman" distance triathlon, was held in Bellagio, Italy.  Mr. Leigland said "Ironman" distance" because "Ironman" is a trademark and only events sanctioned by the trademark owner can actually be called "Ironman".

An "Ironman" distance comprises a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, in that order, with no break in between. The swim leg for this year's event was two laps in Lake Como, the bike leg was two laps (each of which included a gut-busting climb to the Italian Cycling Museum, and the run was four laps through the city of Bellagio.  SInce it was a first-time event, the number of competitors was very small and the organization was a little rough in parts, but overall, it was a very cool experience, said Mr. Leigland.  The setting alone made the event worthwhile; however, we did not run into George Clooney. 

Results:  Competing in the event was like a clash of the titans, except that we aren't actually titans, and in the end there wasn't much of a clash said Mr. Leigland.  The colonel pretty much kicked my butt.  

In my defense, I had done "Ironman" Austria, in Klagenfurt, just seven weeks earlier, and was not fully recovered. I was a little surprised when the colonel and I finished the swim leg within minutes of each other, but since I'm a biker at heart, I knew I'd make it up there.  As expected, I finished the bike leg about 20 minutes ahead of him. But, he got the last word when he passed me toward the end of the first run lap, and ended up finishing over 90 minutes ahead of me.  Colonel Bloomer finished in 12 hours, 47 minutes and Mr. Leigland finished in 14 hours, 30 minutes, just a tad shy of his personal best just under the 12-hour-mark.

Experience:  This was my sixth "Ironman" and by far the hardest one I've done. The bike leg alone had over 13,000 feet of climbing, the equivalent of going up to the Piancavallo ski resort and back down to Aviano four times. This was the colonel's first race so I assumed I had him whipped from the beginning. Little did I know, he wasn't about to let his deputy get one over on him. He had a super race while I was left licking my wounds.

These events are hard, and take a lot of time and money to prepare for, said Mr. Leigland.  So why, you might ask, do I do them?  The answer isn't complicated, really.  I like to swim, to bike, and to run; I like to be fit; and I like to challenge myself.  Also, (I hope my wife isn't reading this), I like buying all the necessary equipment.  

Training:  There are no real secrets to training for an event like this--you just have to put in the time.  A training week for me might be: Monday, lift weights. Tuesday and Thursday, swim an hour before work, run an hour at lunch. Wednesday, bike an hour before work and an hour at lunch. Friday, bike before work, lift weights at lunch. Saturday a long ride up to five hours. Sunday, long run.  Al together, I spend about 15 to 20 hours a week training.  

With the physical fitness culture of the Air Force, and the wealth of training opportunities in the Aviano area, such as the weekly volksmarches and the free lap swimming at the Aviano indoor pool, you'd be surprised how easy it is to fit this much physical training into your life.  Then again, maybe you're surprised that anyone would want to.

All I can say is that these events are addictive, just ask anyone bitten by the marathon bug. 

Maybe you want to get a better time, or do a race in an exciting new locale, or just collect another T-shirt.  Or maybe, like me, you want one more opportunity to try and cream your commander.  These races are taxing, though, physically and fiscally, so two in one season is usually the limit.  But don't worry if you were reading closely and realized that I've already finished my two this year.  The colonel isn't off the hook; you'll see me out training to beat him on his next Air Force fitness test.

Going to Extremes--What's your story?

The 31st Fighter Wing public affairs staff is looking to hear from military and civilians assigned to the base who participate/compete in extreme activities in Europe.  If you've trained and finished some sort of eco challenge, full triathlon, ultra marathon, or some other type of an event which pits man or woman versus the elements, the 31st FW/PA staff would like to hear from you.

Submissions must include your full name, age, event name/date/location, if available--the link to the official event website.  You can also state the reason why you chose to do the event, how you trained/prepared for the event, and describe your actual experience having completed the event.  To submit your story and photo, send an email to 31fw.panews@aviano.af.mil.

Editor's note: The 31st FW/PA staff reserves the right to edit, format, and approve/disapprove all submissions.