John Hibler is a 40-45 age-grouper from Lafayette, IN and is a veteren triathlete of the sprint distance, but decided he wanted to dive in headfirst into the world of Ironman. He’ll be challenged with balancing a very busy schedule, and he’ll be testing his resolve after recovering from knee surgery, at the 2011 edition of Ironman Louisville.
TS: How many years have you been doing triathlon?
JH: I did three sprint triathlons about five years ago. The next year I think I only did one. I took a couple years off and then did one sprint last year. I wasn’t really training for them, but they were a races I wanted to try. Last year I wanted to get serious about training for a half-ironman, but had knee issues that required surgery five weeks ago.
TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
JH: I wanted to test the limits of my body and ability. I have a few friends that are Ironmen (women) and they are always excited to talk about their training and races.
TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
JH: Running, by far.
TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
JH: I want to see how far I can push my body. I have run numerous marathons and the thought of swimming 2.4 miles and riding 112 miles before one sounds like an interesting challenge.
TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
JH: I wanted my first Ironman to be close to home. I was on the fence between Louisville and Florida. My friends are doing Florida. I watched a youtube video of the Louisville swim start. I thought it looked more my style instead of the mass swim start of other Ironman events where you get beat up. I am sure I will get hit during the swim in Louisville but I don’t think it will be as bad as others. If I can make it out of the water, I believe I will finish the race even if I have to roll across the finish.
TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
JH: Time. I work around 50 hours a week, I have three kids under the age of eight, I serve as VP of my kids school board and church, and I’m very involved with other community activities. If I don’t work out in the morning, I don’t work out at all. Five hour bike rides will be hard for me to fit in on Saturday’s that are already packed with soccer, gymnastics, and other activities. My wife always works. Our schedules are very complicated. Most days I am up by 4am so I can get a good workout in.
TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day in general?
JH: Best case scenario would be getting off the bike ready to run a sub-four hour marathon.
TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
JH: Swimming, right now is my pull buoy. After I had surgery, I couldn’t kick the way I wanted to, so I bought a pull buoy. I have found by accident that the upper workout I get from it has really helped me. I have a problem with my swim form and this helps me align my body in the water. Biking: My Cervelo bike. I am pretty sure everyone will pick their bike on this question, but it is critical for me. I have a smaller frame and wheels but the bike fits perfect. I can’t express enough that proper bike fit has meant a lot to me. Running: My Timex watch. I never leave home without it on a run. I am a watch hound. I log every mile pace and every track workout time trial. I have forgotten my watch a couple of times and I feel lost without it.
TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
JH: I really don’t have a professional that has really inspired me. If I had to pick someone, I think I would pick Dick and Rick Hoyt. Dick has pushed his son through multiple Ironmans, marathons, and century rides. I think their story is very inspiring. There is also a triathlete in Indianapolis named Michael Smith that has inspired me. He is not a pro but usually wins many of the races (Tri’s and Running races) in the area. He is in his 40’s, owns his own running store, has two kids, and he’s very involved in the Indy running community. Everyone knows him. I have done a lot of duathlons and races where he is there and he always finds time to speak with anyone who wants to talk to him. He gives great advice and is just an overall nice person.
TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
JH: I want to do an international Ironman. I have a friend that has done Cozumel and Germany. I think traveling to races that are outside of your comfort zone is a neat experience. Before kids, I use to travel all over the country running different races. Ironman Australia really appeals to me. I like the idea of running and biking along the coast line.
TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
JH: The roller skates with wooden wheels because I like being on my feet more than being on my bottom.
TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
JH: My running shoes. I have run in Brooks Adrenaline for years. I don’t think I could run in anything else. I can bike in sandals. I actually have.
TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
JH: The t-shirt. The medals get put in a box in my basement. I don’t see a need to have awards out but a T-shirt can get worn everyday. I like the idea of having the M-dot on my shirt and people asking me if I have completed an Ironman.
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
JH: Maroon 5 – Misery
TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman?(Given they are not in attendance)
JH: If my family wasn’t there, I would contact my wife first. If they were there, I would contact my sister first. She is the one that has inspired me the most for all of my life. We always challenge each other in events. Year ago she got me into adventure racing on a dare.
John…enjoy your experience and rock it out.
Wonderful article. Lots of struggles to overcome but all with strong determination. I just read the story but hope that the end results where what was expected. Good luck on meeting that goal of Australia.
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