Ordinary People Achieving Extra Ordinary Things

This interview was featured in 'The Runner's Edge' and written by Eladio Valdez III. 

Nam Ahrens completed his first Half Ironman. This is his reflection of the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and half marathon run.

BTW - for those who may be curious as to how the Ironman settled on the distances for these 3 sports, Ironman came about from an alcohol infused debate among a few hardcore athletes, including Ironman founder John Collins as to who the toughest athletes were - swimmers or runners with cyclists also thrown in. With the first Ironman taking place in 1978 in Honolulu, they settled on 3 existing endurance races there - the 2.4 mile Waikiki Roughwater swim, the 112 mile Round the Island Bike Race around Oahu (of which Honolulu resides), and the Honolulu Marathon!

Please share your background as a runner along with any other sports or exercise you’ve done.

Before I was a runner, I did martial arts for 22 years. During that time I also did track and field with UMKC. In 2011, I joined KC track club and that’s when I knew running was going to be a passion of mine. I’ve been running for 14 years now, having participated in over 30 half marathons and 8 full marathons. I’ve also have done 5 triathlons

What experience did you have as a cyclist and swimmer before attempting your first Half Ironman? 

I had some experience. I would say more swimming than cycling. When I lived in Germany, I joined a triathlon club and they were more swim and cycle focused.

Why did you decide to take on a Half Ironman?

It has been on my bucket list for a long time. Having watched the worlds in Kona for a long time it inspired me to one.

Which one did you do and when?

Ironman 70.3 in Des Moines on June 8, 2025

How did it go with the biking and swimming?

Swimming went well. I should’ve started more toward the front. There were definitely slower people when I started. Biking was ok. Long. I was already having maintenance issues early in the ride. So that slowed it down. There was head wind the whole way and the course was really hilly.

What was the hardest to do and why?

The bike for sure, because you’re on it the longest. I think what was tough, was to remember to stay fueled.

How did you handle the swimming with everyone in the lake at the same time?

The way swimming started was 3 people every 5 seconds. So they definitely made sure that it wasn’t too congested. I felt like it was still congested. The way I handled it was I stayed on the outside of the crowd, which made the swim a lot smoother. I did get kicked in the face a few times, but I just kept moving

How did it go with the transitions?

T1 took 7 minutes, wish it could’ve been faster. I felt like I had everything set up before the start of the race. T2 took 4 minutes. It felt quicker

How was the weather?

The weather was nice all weekend, high 73, low 60s. On race day, it was also nice. It started to get overcast about half way through my bike. Then 10k through the run, it started pouring but stopped before I finished.

Please share the highlights of how your Half Ironman went

I think the best highlight for me was being able to meet a lot of athletes from all over the world. Getting to know their background in not just triathlon but in fitness. I also was able to meet the race director.

Are you happy with your performance?

I am! I felt like I left it all out there!

Are you glad you did this?

I am. It tested both my physical and mental game to the max

Looking back, what do you wish you had done differently in training and in the race?

During training, I wish I could’ve spent more time on the bike. As far as the race, I wouldn’t have changed anything.

Any future triathlon goals?

Absolutely! I definitely would like a new PR in the half ironman. And also to do a full distance Ironman.

How about any future running/racing goals?

There are a few goals in mind. I’m running the Chicago marathon for the 2nd time this fall, so a new marathon PR would be nice. I would like to run the Boston Marathon one day. I also would like run an ultra.

What advice would you give someone who wants to attempt their first Half Ironman?

I would tell them to get a coach, spend as much time on the bike as you can.