You are pretty much hungry all the time. I burned 5,555 calories in the last one. I suffer from arthritis, so for me it is excruciating. Everything about it is very detailed and it can be expensive. Lake Placid, NY is the hardest bike loop in the world and when you get off the bike you run a marathon. This is all to be completed in 17 hours or you are disqualified.

After my first Ironman, they took me right into the medical tent, and I passed out twice. They had to take me to the hospital. I never thought the fourth leg of an Ironman was the hospital.

But then when they put the medal around your neck, you think, “I can’t wait to do this again.” At the last one, my husband came out and ran with me part of the course, and my back was killing me. It hurt so bad, but I loved it and I said to him, “Would you be mad at me if I did this again?” I got up the next day and was at the registration table signing up for next year.

It has helped in my teaching. The endurance and focus you have to have applies to the work with my students. I know I can focus mentally on getting through any obstacles: professional, personal and physical. So far I’ve finished 21 marathons and my second Ironman. Next stop, Lake Placid Ironman, July 20, 2008.