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2013 Ironman world championship

“The joy is in the journey.” 
 It’s the mantra that Jose Lopez lives by. 
 And it became the mantra for two Long Island triathletes that Lopez helped train for this year’s Ironman World Championship. 
 On Saturday, the world will watch an elite crop of athletes take on an unforgiving terrain in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii when the 2013 Ironman World Championship is televised. The world will also get to see how Lopez helped his Long Island Ironman competitors -- Marc Blumencranz, 50, of Manhasset, and Bob Spina Jr., 50, of North Massapequa. 
 “I am lucky enough to be guided by Coach Lopez,” said Blumencranz, who is a member of Lopez’s Long Island Tri Coach program and successfully tackled his first world championship. 
 In reference to his mantra, Lopez explained that it was created as “a result of searching for the true meaning behind making the most out of the time spent balancing work, family and the sport we all love.” 
 Lopez, 50, started LITC -- a multi-sport discipline agency -- in 1998 as a way to help athletes, young and old, fulfill their triathlon dreams. 
 “One of the missions for my coaching company is to give back to the sport and support many youth who have a passion and dream of competing in the sport,” said Lopez, who also&nbsp; traveled to Hawaii to support Blumencranz and Spina. “We provide as much as we can to allow them to race locally and abroad.” 
 In preparation for the Ironman World Championship, Lopez said Blumencranz and Spina were regular participants in his track, interval biking, running and open-water workouts. 
 Blumencranz clearly remembers Lopez‘s intensity. 
 “Thanks to Coach Lopez, I have probably seen more of Long Island than I would have ever imagined,” he said. “Recently, we rode from Bob [Spina‘s] house in Massapequa to Montauk – truly an amazing 111-mile journey.” 
 Lopez, a certified USA Triathlon (USAT) coach, has an interesting history of his own. 
 The Mineola resident has been competing in triathlons since 1983, has received several USAT All-American honors and in 2008 he secured a spot on the USAT World Team for Olympic Distance. Lopez competed in his first Ironman – Cape Cod Endurance Ironman – in 1987 and has since competed in four more. 
 “I have always had a sincere passion and desire to share my love for the sport,” Lopez said. “I am a believer that anything worth having is worth sharing, so giving to others is a common theme for myself and those who choose to be involved with the LITC family.” 
 Editors note: NBC will air the 2013 GoPro Ironman World Championship event special this Saturday, Nov. 16 at 4:30pm EST.&nbsp; 
 <img align="left" src="http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.5014451.1365176572!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/mugshot_100/image.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; float: left; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 3px"> 
 Brian T. Dessart is a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a New York State Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician and&nbsp;an FDNY firefighter. He can be reached at bdessart@strengthusa.com or on Twitter: @briandessart.

LI trainer drives Ironman competitors

Long Island trainer provides drive for triathlon competitors

LITC

KAILUA-KONA, HI -- On Saturday, Marc Blumencranz of Manhasset, Adam Quinn of Port Jefferson Station and Bob Spina Jr. of North Massapequa were able to accomplish a feat that very few are even able to qualify for, let alone finish. The trio competed in -- and completed -- the 35th Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. 
 For many, the mere thought of competing in a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run -- in succession -- could be a mental punishment. But for these three Long Islanders there was no better feeling than being crowned the title of an Ironman. 
 For Blumencranz, 50, and Quinn, 24, this was their first time competing in the world championship and, ironically, Quinn didn’t even start racing triathlons until this year. This was Spina’s fifth trip to the competition. The three competed in a field of 2,134 worldwide competitors, representing 52 countries and 50 states. Blumencranz completed the course in 13:19:56, 1722 overall and 141/175 in the male 50-54 age group; Quinn finished in 10:31:58, 951 overall and 31/48 in the male 18-24 age group; Spina finished in 10:56:57, 1175 overall and 88/175 in the male 50-54 age group. “At 75 miles the bike became the most frustrating experience in Ironman,” said Blumencranz, who suffered a potentially career-ending leg injury while running the Boston Marathon in April 2008. “What a great overall experience, even if an injury prevented me from reaching my time goal.” 
 Blumencranz dedicated his Kailua-Kona finish to a teammate’s son who is hospitalized at Cohen Children’s Hospital. Known for its wicked currents, strong winds and intense heat, about 80,000 athletes attempt qualify for the Ironman World Championship each year through full or half Ironman-distance races held worldwide, or by lottery. 
 If attempting to quality through an Ironman race, only the most elite athletes who finish at the top of their age groups earn a spot at Kailua-Kona. “As it was my first time in Kona, I had only heard the stories of the battles in the mass swim start, the relentless headwinds on the bike and the sweltering midafternoon heat during the marathon,” Quinn said. “All I can say is that the legends of Kona are true, and I now understand why it’s known as the hardest one-day endurance event on the world's toughest course.” The overall men’s winner was Frederik Van Lierde of Belgium, who finished in 8:12:29. Mirinda Carfrae of Australia won the women’s division in 8:52:14 and set a new course record. “It might not have been my best race, but I can say I conquered Kona alongside some of the fittest people in the world, and I had an absolute blast doing it,” Quinn said. 
 “It was a long, tough day, but at the end I am able to call myself an Ironman. And that makes it all worth it.” 
 <img align="left" src="http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.5014451.1365176572!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/mugshot_100/image.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; float: left; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 3px"> 
 Brian T. Dessart is a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a New York State Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician and&nbsp;an FDNY firefighter. He can be reached at bdessart@strengthusa.com or on Twitter: @briandessart.

LIers reflect on Ironman Championship

Long Island competitors reflect on Ironman World Championship

blumencranz ironman

When Long Island’s Marc Blumencranz enters the waters of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, for the start of the Ironman World Championship’s 2.4-mile swim on Oct. 12, there will be a lot more on his mind than simply crossing the finish line -- that is, after he completes the ensuing vicious 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. For Blumencranz, this race is more than attaining the title of an Ironman. 
 “The son of one of my teammates [on Long Island Tri Coach] has been extremely ill for most of the season and is still hospitalized at Cohen Children's Hospital,” Blumencranz said. “Frankie has endured a lot more than I ever will competing in a race. He is the most amazing person and his parents are as special as they come. I plan on dedicating my Kona experience to him.” 
 Blumencranz, 50, from Manhasset, was introduced to swimming and biking only after suffering a potentially career-ending leg injury while running the Boston Marathon in April 2008. After being told by three orthopedists that he would never run again, Blumencranz took the advice of friend Andrew Motola and started to swim. “After getting comfortable in the pool,” Blumencranz said, “I decided to try cycling. I was hooked.” One year later, 2009, Blumencranz competed in his first triathlon, raced Ironman Lake Placid in 2011 and 2012, and is now entering into his first world championship. 
 Each year, the Ironman World Championship combines 2,000 of the world’s most elite triathletes in 140.6 miles of brutal currents, hills, crosswinds and heat. In what’s been labeled arguably the most difficult single-day sporting event on the planet, the Ironman World Championship requires competitors to qualify through yearly worldwide full or half Ironman-distance races by finishing at the top of their age groups, or by lottery. 
 Joining Blumencranz on the Big Island will be Long Islanders Adam Quinn, 24, of Port Jefferson Station and Robert Spina Jr., 50, of North Massapequa. 
 For Quinn, his first year competing in triathlons proved to be the charm. The Stony Brook University medical student qualified for the world championship at Ironman Lake Placid in July, which was his first Ironman and, ironically, his first year racing in triathlons. Quinn, who is a former cross country and track athlete at Binghamton University, swam two to three days per week, biked four to five and ran four in order to prepare for his first place age group finish -- 99th overall -- at Ironman Lake Placid. 
 “Earning the opportunity to compete at the Ironman World Championship is a dream come true,” Quinn said. “I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to race in Kona again, so I want to make the most of it. Other than that, I just want to leave it all on the course.” 
 Spina, who is also a member of Long Island Tri Coach, returns to Kailua-Kona for his fifth world championship quest and 15th Ironman, overall. The attorney, who practices in Lynbrook, qualified at Ironman Lake Placid, finishing fifth in his age group. 
 “I was in my 30s, then 40s,” Spina said about his previous trips to the world championship. “Now that I am 50, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be there again.” 
 Spina, who trained about 15 hours each week in preparation for the world championship, has molded himself into a workout veteran. “I’m older now and I consider myself a little wiser, so I don‘t spend a lot of time on the junk miles,” he said. “Every workout has to have a focus.” 
 And for Quinn -- even though physically spent -- finishing the Ironman World Championship on Kailua-Kona’s Alii Drive would be sweet. 
 “If I’m unable to walk once I cross that finish line,” Quinn continued, “I’ll know I’ve done all I could.” &nbsp; 
 <img align="left" src="http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.5014451.1365176572!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/mugshot_100/image.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; float: left; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 3px"> 
 Brian T. Dessart is a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a New York State Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician and&nbsp;an FDNY firefighter. He can be reached at bdessart@strengthusa.com or on Twitter: @briandessart.

Meet LI's Ironman competitors

Ironman World Championship: Meet Long Island's competitors

ironman comp - crop

As the sun rises above the western mountains of the Kailua-Kona, Hawaii coast on Oct. 12, two-thousand of the world’s most elite athletes will take to the waters of Kailua Bay on the path to a dream -- being crowned with the title of an Ironman. 
 With a 17-hour time cutoff, the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile marathon -- all done in succession -- make the Ironman World Championship possibly the most physically demanding single-day athletic event on the planet. 
 About 80,000 athletes attempt to qualify for the world championship either through yearly worldwide full- and half-Ironman-distance races or by lottery. This year, the athletes will represent 48 states and 52 countries. Domestically, the largest number of athletes competing come from California (111), Hawaii (54), New York (53), Texas (49) and Colorado (47); Internationally, Australia (260), Germany (204), Canada (141), Great Britain (88) and Switzerland (73). 
 History of the race 
 Currently in its 35th year, the Ironman World championship has grown from a small field of 15 competitors -- 12 finishers -- in 1978. 
 The Ironman was originated by Honolulu’s Judy and John Collins, who suggested jelling together Hawaii’s three toughest endurance races -- the 2.4-mile Waikiki Rough water Swim, 112-mile Around-O’ahu Bike Race and 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon. 
 On Feb. 18, 1978, the inaugural Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon was born-and-raced in Waikiki. In 1981, the Ironman was shifted to the lava-laden fields of the Kailua-Kona coast, where competitors battle 45 mph crosswinds and 95-degree heat. 
 Maps and course descriptions are courtesy Ironman.com. 
 Swim 
 Without a doubt, the mass swim start is the most emotionally charged start in the sport, thanks to TV helicopters, enthusiastic spectators and the sun rising over Mount Hualalai. 
 Currents can be a factor and water temperature in Kailua Bay is typically around 79 degrees. 
 Bike 
 As cyclists make their way north along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, from Kailua-Kona to the turnaround in Hawi, they can be exposed to intense trade winds that buffet much of the exposed western and northern coast of the Big Island. 
 The winds vary in intensity from steady to heavy blasts that can blow cyclists across the road. For this reason, disc wheels are not permitted. Winds may subside during the gradual climb to Hawi, but pick up again as athletes make their way to Transition Two. 
 Run 
 After exiting Transition Two, runners will wind through town before taking on Ali’i Drive, where spectators will pack the roads. Athletes will then retrace their steps, climb up Palani Road to the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and make their way to the Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority (NELHA). 
 Unless cloud cover or nightfall spares them, high heat and humidity should be anticipated throughout the run course. 
 Long Island’s Elite Trio 
 Name: Marc J. Blumencranz Age: 50 Residence: Manhasset Occupation: Insurance broker, BWD Group LLC. Previous Ironman World Championships: None Quote: “I couldn't devote the hours to this without the support of my amazing wife Ellen. [She] is truly the best supporter of the time this sport requires.” 
 Name: Adam Quinn Age: 24 Residence: Port Jefferson Station Occupation: Medical student, Stony Brook University Previous Ironman World Championships: None Quote: “Thanks to the understanding of my professors and dean, I’m able to get the time off to travel to Hawaii. First and foremost, I want to enjoy the experience.” 
 Name: Robert Spina Jr. Age: 50 Residence: North Massapequa Occupation: Attorney, private practice Previous Ironman World Championships: 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005 Quote: “A friend told me that the winds the past month [in Kailua-Kona] have been horrific, and they are expected to continue. .?.?. I’m lucky to be in the game. I’m appreciative to be in the game.” 
 In addition to Brian T. Dessart’s live Twitter updates, the 2013 Ironman World Championship can be viewed on www.ironman.com. NBC will air the event special on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 4:30 p.m. &nbsp; 
 <img align="left" src="http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.5014451.1365176572!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/mugshot_100/image.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; float: left; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 3px"> 
 Brian T. Dessart is a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a New York State Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician and&nbsp;an FDNY firefighter. He can be reached at bdessart@strengthusa.com or on Twitter: @briandessart. 
 <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/175078066/Ironman-World-Championship-Bike-Course-2013" style="text-decoration: underline" title="View Ironman World Championship Bike Course 2013 on Scribd">Ironman World Championship Bike Course 2013</a> 
 <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_85732" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/175078066/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe> 
<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/175078677/Ironman-World-Championship-Run-Course-2013" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Ironman World Championship Run Course 2013 on Scribd">Ironman World Championship Run Course 2013</a> 
 <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_3321" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/175078677/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe> 
<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/175079020/Ironman-World-Championship-Swim-Course-2013" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Ironman World Championship Swim Course 2013 on Scribd">Ironman World Championship Swim Course 2013</a> 
 <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_39765" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/175079020/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>

Ironman: A history and race day lookahead

Ironman hawaii

Below are the course profiles, including changes in elevation when applicable, for the cycling, running and swimming portions of the 2013 Ironman World Championship that will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013. 
 &nbsp; 
 <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/175078066/Ironman-World-Championship-Bike-Course-2013" style="text-decoration: underline" title="View Ironman World Championship Bike Course 2013 on Scribd">Ironman World Championship Bike Course 2013</a> 
 <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_85732" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/175078066/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe> 
<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/175078677/Ironman-World-Championship-Run-Course-2013" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Ironman World Championship Run Course 2013 on Scribd">Ironman World Championship Run Course 2013</a> 
 <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_3321" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/175078677/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe> 
<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/175079020/Ironman-World-Championship-Swim-Course-2013" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="View Ironman World Championship Swim Course 2013 on Scribd">Ironman World Championship Swim Course 2013</a> 
 <iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_39765" scrolling="no" src="//www.scribd.com/embeds/175079020/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;show_recommendations=true" width="100%"></iframe>

Ironman World Championship course profiles

ironman - crop

Leading up to the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 12 I received an exclusive peek inside the training and specifics that accompany being an Ironman triathlete. 
 My subject? 
 Well, it’s my brother, Kevin, who’s on the verge of entering his eighth world championship and has completed 13 full-distance (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) Ironman races, and over 20 halfers (70.3 total miles). Kevin, 45, formerly of East Rockaway, N.Y., now resides with his family in Colorado Springs, Colo. 
 Note: The Ironman triathlon series consists of full- and half-distance qualification races worldwide. The most elite athletes from those competitions receive an opportunity to enter a field of 1,800-plus in the annual world championship. 
 Where was your first triathlon and what made you eventually graduate into an Ironman competitor? 
 It was a sprint distance race in Connecticut that I raced with former New York Islander Bobby Nystrom and friend Ed DeNave. We all were looking for a challenge and this seemed to be a good one. I was hooked from then on and loved it. I made the jump to Ironman in 1994 when I won a lottery slot, after the St. Anthony’s triathlon in Tampa, Fla. 
 Take us through a breakdown of your training regimen leading up to an Ironman race. 
 I usually do a focus of 18 weeks specific to Ironman and build up to 18-20 hours a week of training during my peak. This year was a little different as I raced Ironman Texas in May, then took some training time off and started up again in mid-July. Therefore, this year was closer to a 12-14 week focus. 
 Please touch on nutrition, in the weeks leading up to an Ironman and anything special you like to eat/drink in the hours (night before) the race. 
 My nutrition is always pretty good so there’s not much change when I’m training. I focus on very little processed food and try to eat a well-balanced diet. The night before an Ironman race is always the same — a 6oz. filet, pasta or quinoa, salad and a glass or two of red wine. 
 Also, what about during- and post-race nutritional intake? 
 During the race I do have a pretty specific plan between Power Bar products and Osmo nutrition (hydration) products. I have specific requirements with amounts that are based off my body weight and time. Post-race is anything I feel like, no restrictions. 
 What Ironman competitions stand out in your mind, and why? Where were your best performances? 
 All the Hawaii races stand out — from my first, to my slowest [where I] battled with hyponatremia. [And during] my last race I had to drop out because of a double flat. This race stands out because I was at mile 40 of the bike and my race was over, so I salvaged the day and worked the aid station for the next three hours. I was able to help all my friends racing and gained a new perspective of the race. Overall, my best Ironman was in Arizona — 9 hours, 10 minutes — and my best Hawaii [time] was 9 hours, 27 minutes. 
 You mentioned a problematic medical condition called hyponatremia. Please explain. 
 I suffered hyponatremia, which is basically too much water and not enough sodium, and this caused me to walk the second-half of the marathon. I learned a lot from this day and it changed my overall hydration plan from then on. 
 Whenever you feel your body has had enough, what motivation do you use to keep yourself going? 
 Sometimes the motivation is rest to make sure I can get the most out of my training. During a race, the motivation is to get to the finish line as fast as possible where I can stop for good. If you stop or slow down during a race, you’re just prolonging the bad feelings you might be having. 
 The world championship in Hawaii has quite a history and is known for its extreme toughness. Are there any places on the course that are extremely brutal? 
 It’s actually in Hawaii because of three races that took place there and a number of guys wanted to see who the best athletes were — swimmers, bikers or runners. The toughest part on the course is typically at the Natural Energy Lab. It comes at approximately mile 17 of the run and can get very hot. By this time in the race, you’ve been racing all day and fatigue is/has set in. 
 Looking forward to Oct. 12, how do you feel, physically, and what are your goals compared to your other world championship appearances? 
 I feel good — tired of training though — and I want the time from now to then to go by faster. My goals are to simply go as fast as I can on race day. I don’t set time goals because conditions may not warrant the goal times you think you can meet. 
 Through your own training for Ironman races, how do you feel your physical conditioning has varied with age and what advice do you have for other athletes who would like to make this type of training long-term. 
 My fitness has gotten better as I’ve gotten older. Racing for over 20 years I’ve learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t, when to train and when to rest. Rest is the key. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that recovery is slower so you just have to adjust, learn what workouts are important and which are a waste of time — get rid of the waste. The advice I’d give is to remain as balanced as possible. Training can take a lot of time, but I always make sure it’s third on my priority list after family and job. &nbsp; 
 <img align="left" src="http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.5014451.1365176572!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/mugshot_100/image.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; float: left; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 3px"> 
 Brian T. Dessart is a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a New York State Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician and&nbsp;an FDNY firefighter. He can be reached at bdessart@strengthusa.com or on Twitter: @briandessart.

Ironman triathlete details journey to Hawaii

kevin dessart - crop

A 2.4-mile swim. Followed by a 112-mile bike. Concluded with a 26.2-mile marathon. I call this 140.6 miles of hell. For others, it’s a slice of heaven. 
 The Ironman triathlon series brings together some of the toughest and most motivated athletes this universe has to offer. The intensity of the trio of events, all done in succession, makes this competition arguably the toughest single-day sporting event on the planet. 
 Each Ironman race -- hosted domestically and abroad -- is considered a qualifier for the world championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii each October. Competitors have the option of qualifying in the full Ironman distance of 140.6 miles or half Ironman, 70.3 miles. 
 The Ironman molds itself deep within my persona. No, I’ve never competed, nor have I ever wanted to. I would die. But my brother, Kevin, is a different kind of animal. The kid’s a freak. A stud. More of one than I’ll ever be or ever desire to be. 
 On May 18, Kevin, 45, qualified for the world championship, again, after finishing first in his age-group, 32nd overall, at Ironman Texas. He crushed the course. “The run was brutal, but I was able to salvage it,” Kevin said, in reference to the intense heat. “I trained to run a sub 3:15 marathon, but I knew during the first 10 steps that my plan had to change. It changed very quickly.” He still finished with the fastest marathon in his age-group. 
 As if the competition’s bodily abuse isn’t enough, even getting to Texas to compete can be a stressful experience. Kevin paid a hefty $100 to check-in his need-a-second-mortgage racing bike, which ended up on a different flight. 
 But I’m allowed bragging rights, too. After all, Kevin’s my brother, and I’ve watched him grow into a helluva competitor. With his stellar finish at Ironman Texas, Oct. 12 will be his eighth time competing in the Ironman World Championship. Kevin’s completed 13 full-distance Ironman races, and 20-plus halfers. In 2006, he set the course record for his age-group at Ironman Arizona. That, alone, is nuts. 
 Interestingly enough, many years ago, Kevin got his initial triathlon itch from New York Islanders-great and friend, Bobby Nystrom. Kevin, who worked in the National Hockey League for more than a decade, with the Islanders, Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils, competed in his first triathlon in a duo with Nystrom. And Kevin hasn’t stopped since. 
 Long Island born and raised, my big bro is now the director of Coaching Education and Athlete Development for USA Cycling in Colorado Springs, Colo., and co-owner, with his wife Tina, of Colorado Springs Swim School/Swim Colorado Inc. In fact, through Kevin’s athletic successes, he’s been able to interact with some of the most respectable athletes sports has to offer. Sure, there’s Nystrom and Kevin’s buddy Mark Deleon from New Jersey, who helped teach him the skills needed to qualify for Ironman, but the one who’s strongly ingrained in my memory is Sheila Isaacs, of Shoreham. 
 In 2004, the then-67-year-old grandmother completed the Ironman World Championship with a little more than five minutes left before the race’s 17-hour midnight cutoff. With the completion of that race, she finished her 100th triathlon and became the first known person to finish a triathlon in all 50 states. I was there to witness that milestone. 
 As Oct. 12 approaches, I’ll be looking forward to traveling back to Hawaii to support my brother. There’s a certain indescribable energy that fills the Kailua-Kona community around that time of year. It’s an electricity that only the Ironman World Championship can generate. 
 I’ll bring the Mai Tais. 
 Po'okela. Hana Hou. 
 <img align="left" src="http://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.5014451.1365176572!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/mugshot_100/image.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; float: left; font-size: 12px; padding-top: 3px"> 
 Brian T. Dessart is a nationally accredited Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a New York State Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician and&nbsp;an FDNY firefighter. He can be reached at bdessart@strengthusa.com or on Twitter: @briandessart.

Ironman lessons learned from the sidelines

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There has been an increase in children ending up in the emergency room after ingesting cannabis, according to a new study from the state Department of Health. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Children as young as 5 years old hospitalized with cannabis poisoning

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"The chances of him being able to walk after that type of injury is in the single digits," said the hospital's chief of spine surgery.

Great Neck man 'beat all the odds' as he takes step toward recovery

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An estimated 400 Holocaust survivors still live on Long Island. As they age, rising costs, health challenges and lasting trauma are creating unique needs for them and the organizations that serve them.

How aging, rising costs and trauma affect Holocaust survivors on LI

The safety demonstrations, focused on protecting children, took place ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day.

Medical staff offer tips to reduce drownings

Foot traffic at one spot has noticeably declined this week.

Foot traffic down at salad eateries amid cyclospora outbreak

The change affects about 200,000 Long Islanders after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract last week.

Fidelis policyholders lose in-network coverage with Northwell Health

The plan to reduce the minimum training hours required to become certified nurse aides by 25% will jeopardize care, some argued, while others said it will help hiring.

New York State plan to cut training for certified nurse aides sparks concerns

The CDC said, as of Saturday, there were 1,644 infection cases nationwide, with public health officials identifying dozens on Long Island.

FDA back to tying cyclosporiasis to Taylor Farms lettuce

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There have been 394 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in New York State since May 1. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports on what you need to know about the parasite outbreak.

'The spread ... is becoming more extensive'

DeVuono describes her scheme to an undercover investigator in January 2022.

See the undercover video of the DeVuono sting

The foundation paid for staff events at wine bars, a $2,000 limo ride and a Gracie Mansion gala. Newsday investigative reporter Peter D'auria, Richard Kessel, current chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation and Albany Law School professor Randle Pollard discuss.

'It should exist for the benefit of the hospital'

New York lawmakers from both parties, and 9/11 victim advocates, are raising concerns about the pace in filling the vacancies for the program that provides health care to more than 140,000 first responders, recovery workers and civilians diagnosed with cancers and other diseases. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has the story.

'It's just beyond upsetting that we have to fight for this'

A draft rule introduced this month by House and Senate Republicans would significantly limit compensation for service-connected tinnitus and sleep apnea for veterans. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I think it's a crime'

Hockey dad back on ice after surviving blood cancer thanks to bone marrow donation from son. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I consider myself an incredibly lucky man'

Two siblings have been diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, and their parents are on a mission to save one of their lives. NewsdayTV's Virgnia Huie reports.

'We're fighting a lot of fights'

NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn sits with two mothers who have gone through a recovery program to better themselves and get their children back.

'I just had to battle my demons'

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