Conquests & Coaching: Jim’s Ascent and Dave’s Transformation

On a cold, wet morning in Lahti, a new chapter was added to the histories of Triple Victor athlete Jim Briggs and myself. We are two iron-willed athletes who brought our unique blend of determination and camaraderie to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.

In my seventh IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, I took to the starting line with the seasoned confidence of an experienced athlete, but this time, with the unpredictable element of being untrained and unsure of my true potential. My recent decision to step back from rigorous training wasn’t made lightly; I had chosen to channel my energy into nurturing the Triple Victor brand and embarking on my journey as a leadership coach. For this race, however, my objectives were deeply personal yet straightforward: to fully immerse myself in the experience, be there for my athletes every step of the way, and to truly savor the beauty and intensity that this sport offers.

I had been on the sidelines just a day earlier, my heart swelling with pride as I cheered on our team members. Ali and Arianna, whom I’ve had the privilege of coaching personally, painted the course with their determination. Additionally, witnessing the perseverance of Christina and Diana, though not part of Triple Victor but closely connected due to my coaching relationship with their father, Jim, was equally heartwarming. As I reflected on their performances while gearing up for my own challenge, I realized this wasn’t just another race on the calendar. It was a poignant reminder of my pride and passion in mentoring athletes on their unique journeys, guiding them to discover and embrace their fullest potential.

Meanwhile, Jim was gearing up for his third IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. And while my focus was mentoring and enjoying the race, Jim harbored a rather cheeky ambition for the day: to outpace his daughters, Diana and Christina, who had just taken their debut plunge into the championship a day earlier. Their family’s playful rivalry isn’t just a fleeting moment of jest – they regularly challenge each other at races throughout the year. Behind this light-hearted competition lies Jim’s unwavering dedication, especially evident in his tenacious bike and run segments. I couldn’t help but notice the extra spark in his stride, possibly ignited by competing alongside his daughters. With the memories of cheering them on and chasing their progress the day prior still fresh, Jim was clearly driven to showcase his best on the course.

As the waves went off for our respective age groups, both Jim and I tapped into a deep well of determination. Those chilling waters couldn’t slow us down. Flashbacks to the tempestuous 2021 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in St. George, Utah, where both of us battled the elements, seemed to fortify our resolve. After powering through the swim, Jim posted a time of 45:41, while I pulled out a 43:20. Despite the wet and slippery surroundings, we navigated the transitions seamlessly.

On the bike, my approach was informed by a deep well of experience combined with a carefully crafted strategy. I made it a point to keep my heart rate (HR) in check, my rate of perceived exertion (RPE) sustainable, all the while keeping a close eye on the power output. Having been diagnosed with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, this tailored strategy is crucial. It’s a safeguard, allowing me to pick up on warning signs, especially when my HR begins to sharply diverge from power readings. Such deviations signal potential complications, indicating it’s time to ease off; the last thing I need is fainting or vertigo during a race. My bike split came in at 2:51:58.

Jim, on the other hand, seemed to have a bit of fun with each ascent. Fueled by the many training hours behind him, he would approach every climb with a touch of mischief, wondering aloud, “Is this the hill my daughters warned me about?” And yet, time and again, he’d crest each rise with a surprising ease finishing the bike in 3:07:45. In a jovial reflection post-race, Jim quipped that he never quite found those ominous hills his daughters had told him about.

On the run, our unique race approaches were clearly evident. Jim, with every step underpinned by his commitment, was singularly dedicated to surpassing his daughters’ times, completing the run in a split of 2:43:43. His determination radiated with each stride.

In contrast, I took a more measured approach, soaking in the moment and finishing the run in 2:23:47. I found myself cheering on my buddy Barry and greeting other fellow racers I recognized. At one point, I even stopped for a spontaneous “interview” with Amanda, Barry’s wife, Susie, and Marina, our Triple Victor teammate.

Amidst these diverging styles, a common thread emerged. Whether it was Jim’s unwavering push or my more relaxed pace, we both showcased a consistent power and heart rate, especially on those challenging uphill stretches. It was a testament to Triple Victor’s emphasis on smart racing — Jim, with his methodical efforts, and me, simply trying to keep moving despite a “lighter” train-up!

The energy at the finish line was palpable. Making my way through the secluded, wooded chute heightened the anticipation, and bursting onto the iconic red carpet felt like a cinematic moment. When I completed the race, it was a personal triumph, not just about my performance but also about celebrating the evolution of my coaching journey. After Jim crossed the line, we reconvened outside the athlete finish area. With a beaming smile, he graciously thanked me for all the guidance and support. He humorously remarked about the absence of those much-talked-about hills on the bike and the run. And while the day was marked by achievements, I must admit, those steep flyovers thrown in right at the finish felt like a playful jest by the race organizers!

Post-race, amid shared stories and echoing laughter, we carved out new memories as we gathered at the venue, awaiting the IRONMAN 70.3 Banquet of Champions. The evening was thick with pride and camaraderie. Amidst the festivities, the Triple Victor table stood out prominently. With over 20 members, including athletes, family, and friends, our table was a hub of energy, animated conversations, and recounted triumphs from the racecourse. This significant presence was more than just a gathering; it symbolized a transformative moment in our team’s evolution. Gone were the days when only a handful from Triple Victor would embark on such a championship quest, often setting out solo, propelled purely by competitive spirit. Now, the narrative had shifted — it was about communal achievements and cherishing shared experiences.

As the whirlwind weekend of events wound down, every member of Triple Victor began embarking on their unique paths. Fresh out of her graduate program at Purdue and having recently started a new job, Ali promptly caught her flight back to the US to dive back into her professional journey. With the school year looming, Arianna hurried back home to prepare for her academic endeavors. Meanwhile, our newest recruit, Jason, and his girlfriend, Marina, an esteemed team member, moved southward to immerse themselves in the bustling urban tapestry of Helsinki.

Jim, with his ever-supportive family – his wife Sherry, daughters Christina and Diana, and Christina’s husband – also chose the magnetic allure of Helsinki for further exploration. Their Finnish adventures soon intertwined with mine and those of Amanda, Barry, and Susie when we returned from a memorable trip to Estonia.

The eve before our team’s final departures painted a quintessentially Finnish tableau. We all congregated at Allas Sea Pool, one of Helsinki’s renowned public saunas. The evening’s crescendo? A collective embrace of Finnish tradition as we all took the invigorating cold plunge into the Baltic Sea. It was more than just a dip; it was a symbolic culmination, the perfect farewell to our memorable time in Finland.

Jim’s spectacular performance sets him up as a promising contender for another world championship qualification. For me, this race marked a pivotal turning point. It wasn’t about personal records or podium finishes; it was a testament to our enduring spirit and unwavering passion for triathlon.

This new phase for Triple Victor showcases a shift in focus. More than chasing personal bests, the emphasis is on celebrating the journey. I’ve always believed “the beauty is within the climb, not the summit.” For athletes like Jim and myself, this championship was a reaffirmation of our roles within the team. Jim’s growth from a mid-packer to front runner, and my transition from athlete to mentor echoed the broader transformation of the team. Our stories, interwoven with those of every member at that table, painted a rich mosaic of dedication, resilience, and unity.

At the heart of it, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship became a medium for Triple Victor to underline its core belief: valuing the journey above the destination. This event will forever remain etched in our collective memory. Not just as another race, but as a celebration of camaraderie, resilience, and the spirit of pushing boundaries. The narrative wasn’t about the start or the finish line. It was about the shared journey, and the individuals who made it unforgettable.