10th SWS Airman conquers Ironman

Published Sept. 24, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Francisco Vazquez
10th Space Warning Squadron

CAVALIER AFS, N.D. -- During the weekend of Sept. 12, just like any weekend, while most stayed home and relaxed after a long week of hard work, one member of the 10th Space Warning Squadron drove to Wisconsin to participate in this year's Ford Ironman competition.

Maj. Assad Samad, operations officer at the 10th Space Warning Squadron, competed against 3000 high endurance athletes from different areas of the world in an Ironman triathlon competition. The Ironman, a one day event consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run, challenges the physical and mental condition of its contenders. Major Samad completed the event in 14 hours and 27 minutes.

"It's an awesome event to be part of, "said Major Samad. "It was hard and very hilly but it gives you time to think about all the little things. Not only is it a race but a personal goal that challenges you to push yourself and to focus on the important things in life."

Taking its origins from a dispute of who was more fit -- swimmers, cyclists, or runners -- and at the suggestion of a Navy commander and his wife to combine all three in succession, triathlons are now one of the most recognize endurance events in the world.

During his daily training, Major Samad ran, swam, and cycled his way through the Great Plains that make-up the state of North Dakota near the U.S. and Canadian border.

"I trained daily ever since my wife signed me up for the event," Major Samad said. "I knew the event was coming but I had to manage my training schedule early in the morning before work and late at night after spending time with the family and after the kids went to sleep."

Participating in and completing the event has been a major goal for Major Samad. After a few days of rest he is starting to get ready for his next triathlon.

"It starts as a competition but as the event develops you start to realize that this is not just a personal goal and challenge but that everyone shares the same aspirations as you," Major Samad said. "At this point everyone starts to help each other accomplish their dream."