By Maddie H. ’17

Picture this: a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run to top it off. With races that can take up to 17 hours, Iron Mans are not for the weak of heart. Intervention specialist Jacqueline Timple knows this all too well.

“I first found out about Iron Man races by watching them on T.V. in high school,” Timple said.

Training for an iron man is a grueling process.

“I swim, run and bike twice a week. By the end of the process I’m putting anywhere from 30 to 40 hours a week into training,” Timple said.

Her family, her daughter Katie especially, keeps her working hard.

“My daughter is my biggest motivator. I know I can’t quit when she’s watching because what kind of message does that send?” Timple said.

Doing Iron Man races helps Timple keep healthy physically, and also mentally.

Since high school, Timple recognized exercise as a vital part of her life.

“I [feel better] when I’m working towards a challenge, and exercise is my medicine and my stress relief,” Timple said.

Putting herself to work and striving towards goals is how Timple stays healthy and happy. As a teacher, she strives to promote the same passion in students.

“She’s a very fair person and actually likes to converse with students rather than give orders. Whenever we have conversations with her she seems genuinely interested,” sophomore Callum K. said.

Iron Man races are the ultimate challenge. They require hard work and determination. Timple conquered three of them by showing both of those attributes.

“If you set a goal, you can’t give up. No matter how tired you are, you have to keep going,” Timple said.