Aviano ironman shares passion, lessons

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  He couldn't believe it. He just broke his foot and the doctor told him he could no longer enjoy his favorite pastime--running. Instead, he could only swim--something he hadn't done in ages.

He had no idea one wrong step off the side of a curb would catapult him into a whole new world. Seven years after his injury, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dan Meehan, 31st Maintenance Squadron resource advisor, has competed in 30 triathlons across the world--running, swimming and biking hundreds of miles a year.

His journey from amateur athlete to a worldwide competitor is underscored by something more, something he believes others could learn.

"When I competed in my first triathlon in 2009, I didn't know it would influence my career," said Meehan. "It turns out a lot of my efforts to become a better triathlete taught me how to be a better husband, father and Airman."

Meehan realized his passion fueled successes elsewhere in his life. He knew it would be tough to juggle a 9-month training schedule and his family life, but he was determined to make it work.

"I train for hours each week because I love the sport, but I still have other responsibilities," said Meehan. "I learned time management, planning, organization and work-life balance so I could have enough time for my passion, and those skills carried over to my job. To me, doing what you love is the best way to learn those critical traits."

Meehan's training efforts also changed his perception of what he could accomplish.

"The enormous time invested in a passion opens up your mind to what you can do," said Meehan. "I can go to work like, 'Wow, I've spent so much energy on what I love. I know I have the energy in me. I have the capability, so I should spend just as much energy performing well here for my teammates.'"

Pursuing his passion is only half the battle for Meehan. He said his support structure was imperative to continue competing.

"My wife is just as responsible for my success as I am," said Meehan. "I've only competed in one triathlon without her at the finish line, and I didn't feel nearly as elated. She deserves to see what we've done together."

Kaori, Meehan's wife, has encouraged him to continue with his triathlon training since the first competition. She also feels a sense of pride when he crosses the finish line.

"I love seeing his enthusiasm for the sport.  I know he loves what he does," said Kaori. "I share the feeling of accomplishment with him.  At the finish, we share the moment we've created.  With so much time and effort devoted to a second in time, you can't help but get emotional over a successful finish."

With the support of his wife and the fire in his heart, Meehan has been able to continuously push himself in training, and he said that is all anyone needs.

"I did my first triathlon with very sub-standard equipment, but I wanted to do it and my wife wanted me to do it," said Meehan. "It doesn't matter when you start, where you go or what you have. As long as you have a spark and there are people you love behind you, you owe it to yourself to go full throttle and reap the benefits of your efforts."