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Keith McCord ReportingJay Edmunds has competed in various triathlon competitions for years, and one of his dreams was to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii later this year. That's the "Ultimate" race!
Well, Jay qualified for the competition, but he didn't know it until we told him.
When Jay Edmunds is not flying for Delta Airlines, you'll find him out running or biking the streets around Park City. Winter or summer, he's always active.
Jay Edmunds, Triathlon Competitor: "Last month I ran 17 and a half miles, biked 250 miles on a stationary bike, and swimming, I probably put in close to 15,000 yards."
Jay started training and competing in triathlon races just two years ago. A triathlete has to swim, ride a bike and then run, back-to-back-to-back.
Jay Edmunds: "Individually, going out and swimming a mile and a half is not that big a deal; going out and riding 56 miles isn't that big a deal; and running a half marathon is not that big a deal. Trying to do them all in the same day, it becomes a bit more challenging."
Triathlons vary in length, but the big daddy of them all is the annual World Ironman Competition. This year, the 140-mile long event will be held in Kona, Hawaii. Competitors have to qualify before they can enter.
Jay Edmunds says he'd love to have a shot, though it would take a lot of work.
Jay Edmunds: "Having only done this for two years, between work and family, makes it difficult. To train for that one would take an average of 30 hours a week to get in enough shape to finish that race."
Well, Jay will get his chance. There are only so many slots open to competitors; getting in is tough. Jay did apply and wasn't supposed to find out until later this month. The P.R. folks with Ironman sent us his official entry notification certificate and had us present it to him.
The Ironman competition will include a 2.4 mile swim, then a 112 mile bike ride, and finally, a 26-mile marathon run. Edmunds has until October 21st to get ready!
