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After an impressive finish in the Chisago Lakes Triathlon this summer, as well as numerous other races, Andrew Turner deserved a much-needed break.

But, Turner isn't taking that break quite yet. On Sunday, Sept. 13, Turner competed in his first Ironman competition. The Ironman Wisconsin is a grueling test of the body and mind. The race begins with a 2.4 mile swim, then moves to a 112 mile bike, and finishes off with a 26.2 mile run.

Turner did well for his first ever Ironman, finishing in ninth place out of 95 runners in his age category, and coming across the finish line in 214th place overall out of 2,176 competitors.

"I did a lot better than I thought I would,' Turner said. "But, I've been preparing mentally and physically for this day."

Turner said that after the race, it took him nearly four days to fully recover from the torture session. And it didn't help that in those four days he had to work and attend school.

He doesn't plan on doing Ironman's for a full season, though, preferring to only do once a year or once every two years he said. But, he's already signed up for one next year in Louisville, Kentucky. He said the training regimen for the Ironman is just too time-consuming for someone with a job and school to go to.

He still does have a few races left to go this year before he takes a long break, and although he has now graduated to Ironmans, Turner said he'll still be doing all the same triathlons he's been doing for the past few years. They'll just be a lot easier for him now.

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