FRENCH TEACHER GOES THE EXTRA MILE

NATHAN PRICE COMPLETES FIRST IRONMAN

When did you start running?

I didn’t start running until 2004, after I fi nished college. In college, I was probably the last person in the world you’d think would run a marathon or do an Ironman. Running is what started my weight loss/health journey and has been a huge part of my life ever since.

Why is running a passion of yours?

I love running. It is something that you can do without any real equipment and you can do it just about anywhere. I’m also passionate about traveling. Anytime I go to a new country, the fi rst thing I try to do is go for a run to explore the area.

Where and when did you complete the Ironman?

I had done a few half Ironman races in the past, but this was my fi rst full Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). I did Ironman Indiana on October 2, 2021. I fi nished in 13:00:47. My goal for this year’s Ironman is to go under 13 hours. I’m certainly not the fastest guy in the world, but that’s ok. I’m not necessarily out trying to beat other people. I just want to do the best I can.

Why was completing an Ironman so important to you?

I really just wanted to test myself. After college, I was really overweight and unhealthy. I started running and eventually did a marathon, which I never thought was possible for me. I ended up losing over 100 lbs, and I wanted to see what other goals I could accomplish.

When did you set a goal of completing an Ironman?

I had wanted to do one for quite some time. I had previously signed up for Ironman Louisville in 2019, but I got injured and couldn’t do it. I really got interested in triathlon in 2008, but never thought I could do a full Ironman. I fi nally decided it was time to do it.

How long did you have to train for the Ironman?

For this event, I trained pretty hard for about 9 months. I did a few other triathlons along the way to prepare.

What event in the Ironman challenged you the most?

The swim is always the most challenging for me. I know how to swim and I’m not afraid of the water, but I wasn’t a swimmer growing up. It’s defi nitely my least e cient part. Thankfully I have a lot of students who are swimmers who were always willing to give me tips!

How is this training diff erent than the races you have run in the past?

Ironman training is very time intensive. When I’m in heavy training, I usually have two workouts per day. My fi rst usually starts around 4:30-5am, and the second is after school. On the weekends, I’ll do a 4-6 hour bike ride on Saturdays with a 45-60 minute run right after I fi nish the bike. On Sundays, I’ll do a 2-3 hour run. It’s very time consuming. Thankfully I have a very understanding wife.

Do you have any plans of completing another Ironman?

Absolutely! I’m already signed up for two Ironman events this year. I’m doing Ironman 70.3 Steelhead (which is a half Ironman) in Benton Harbor, Michigan on June 26, and Ironman Wisconsin (full Ironman) on September 11. Q & A by Madeline Nelsen. Photo Contributed.

INDIANA