On Oct. 19, in the midst of the school year, biology teacher Dan Rott participated in Sacramento’s IRONMAN Triathlon, placing 310 out of 2,400 conditioned athletes.
Rott’s race lasted 10 hours and 30 minutes, starting with a 2.4- mile swim downriver, leading into a 112-mile bike ride and ending in a 26.6-mile run.
Rott shared his thoughts after completing the IRONMAN.
What was your inspiration to do an IRONMAN Triathlon?
Rott: “I’ve been running for a long time, primarily marathons as well as endurance sports. It has always been a life goal of mine to do an IRONMAN and the timing worked well to do it now. I especially like a challenge that you have to work to obtain. The required consistency and dedication to be able to finish the event inspired me.”
What’s your favorite memory from the race?
Rott: “My family was right at the finish line. The organization sets it up where there are barriers on the sides with people cheering. My two young sons were there, and I gave them high fives. It was pretty cool to see them. Crossing the finish line and hearing, ‘You are an Iron- man!’ is a pretty awesome feeling!”
During the race, did you ever feel like giving up?
Rott: “No, I didn’t feel like giving up. The swim was in a river that fed into a bigger river with very cold water, and my leg cramped up. But no, I never considered stopping. I spent so much time and work getting ready for the event. Something would have to have gone really wrong for me to want to quit.”
If a student told you that they wanted to do an IRONMAN, what would your advice be to them?
Rott: “Be willing to play the long game. Anyone could do it, as long as you put in the time to train. If you don’t, it’ll go very poorly, and it won’t be an enjoyable experience. So be willing to put in the time and effort needed.”
