Scotts Valley Volunteer Mike Moses Shares Lake Tahoe Ironman Triathlon Experience

Scotts Valley, Calif. October 1, 2013 – More than 2700 amateur and professional athletes took the plunge into Lake Tahoe on Sunday, September 22, 2013 to compete in the 2013 Ironman Lake Tahoe Triathlon.  Santa Cruz resident Mike Moses was among those participating in his first Ironman, after training for more than one year, finishing overall 415th with an impressive time of 12 hours, 44 minutes & 45 seconds.

The Ironman is a difficult race of the fittest consisting of a 2.4 mile swim in the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe  112 mile-bike ride around the Lake and 26.2 mile hilly run. This was the first official race in California since 2001.

Mike teamed up with Children of Peru Foundation as his sponsor for the race.  This not for profit organization assists with better healthcare and education for underprivileged children. Mike’s volunteer work in the Peace Corps and experience raising money as a PTA dad for a local Scotts Valley School, he recognized a little money would go a long way for classrooms and those without medical services.  “As a father and a firefighter, I felt I could relate to a cause specifically for kids,” said Mike Moses. 

Family and friends answered the call to helped raise money.  Sixty two families supported Mike who raised $5,168.60 that he named Team 62.  Both Children of Peru Foundation & Team 62 was his emotional support and inspiration behind the triathlon that tested his mental and physical endurance.   

The day prior to the race weather conditions were brutal with winds, rain and snow.  The morning of the race was cold but Mike persevered with fan support from his wife, sons, brothers, family and friends who joined him on the course.  

His rally call on race day was a quote he found from a long distance swimmer, Diana Nyad, “You’ve got to find a way” His months of training paid off as he crossed the finish line, posting an unbelievable time. He’s thankful for the support of his wife, two sons, family and fellow Ironman participants.  

Mike is not concerned about his next race, “I’m training for life” he comments with a tearful eye.  “Tahoe Ironman is more than just a race or about medals, it is a physical and mental journey”. I wanted to set an example for my two boys and hope to inspire others to make exercise a daily part of life”, said Mike  

Now Mike can add Ironman to his list of accomplishments.  

Mike Moses By the Numbers

Estimated Training:  

6,217 laps swimming

1,158 miles biking

328 miles running  

Ironman SPLIT TIMES

Swim

01:03:41

t1

00:15:10

Bike

06:43:26

t2

00:09:41

Run

04:32:46

Overall

12:44:44

RANKINGS -

overall rank

415 / 2748

category rank

89 / 464