The San Jose Mercury News
October 28, 2018
By Rachel Basso, Correspondent
When he competed in his first triathlon 17 years ago, San Jose resident Tom Butts went into it with misgivings.
“I remember doing the run thinking, ‘I don’t think I’m ever doing this again,’” Butts said. “But from that first race and the encouragement from the triathlon community—people you didn’t know—it really hit. People are so supportive on the course that within a few days of crossing the finish line, I was looking for the next one.”
Almost two decades later, Butts achieved a major goal when he competed in the 2018 Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on Oct. 13. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon—a 26.2-mile run—raced in that order without a break.
“I’m probably in the best shape I’ve ever been,” Butts said. “I’ve certainly trained harder for this than I have trained for any triathlon I’ve done before.”
Butts did much of his training at the South Valley YMCA, where he teaches weekly spin classes and swims laps in the pool. Already an active cyclist and runner, Butts took up swimming when he joined the YMCA more than two decades ago.
Along with family members, friends Butts made through his YMCA training joined him in Hawaii to support his Iron Man efforts.
“I think this might be the best race I’ve ever had to do because I have all these people behind me,” Butts said. “The race was truly a dream come true for me. Although it was a very long day of pushing my limits, it was also a wonderful experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I was also blessed with amazing support from my family, friends and the South Valley YMCA.”
Butts’ addiction to triathlons is spreading through his family. His wife, Eda, was so inspired by his dedication to the sport that she learned how to swim as an adult and completed an Ironman alongside him.
Read the original story here:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/10/28/san-jose-man-tests-his-mettle-in-iron-man-championships/