Tony Kimbirk, Riverside CA

Ironman, Dad, Husband, and Lawyer (...in his own words) Two years ago I was really fat lawyer. Triathlon started out as a way of setting some measurable goals for fitness. It didn't take long before that turned into a full-fledged obsession. Tony was my coach for my first tri, the 2005 Wildlfower Olympic Distance. He helped instill such confidence in me that, I had signed up for an Ironman before I even began to taper for that race. The jump from Olympic Distance racing to Ironman was long journey that involved more emotional growth than physical. That growth is what is most special about this sport to me. Anyone can do this sport, if they are willing to sacrifice a little. I'm finding that most areas my life are the same. In just over two years, I've gone from not being able to run 200 yards to an Ironman finisher.

To date, I've finished eight triathlons including the Ford Ironman Arizona and the Ford California 70.3. Tony T. has been my coach, mentor, and friend through all of those races. Who puts up with my triathlon obsession? My wife, Wendy takes the brunt on this one. Not to worry though, she'll do her first tri this summer (can you say payback). We've been together for over 13 years and will celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary in July. We have two little guys. Our oldest Luke will turn four next month and his little brother Andrew just completed his fifth month in the world. Both of them plan to compete in the Ironman World Championships circa 2020.

What's next? I'm finishing out this year with the Escape from Alcatraz Swim and Run and the Disneyland Half Marathon. Beyond that, I've heard about this three-day race where you do a six-mile swim, and the next day you do a 300-mile ride, and then you follow that with a ultramarathon ? On second thought maybe I?ll just work on becoming a fast lawyer!