965th AACS triathlete prepares for upcoming Ironman event

Published June 12, 2008
By John E. Banks
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The physical fitness regimen of many at Tinker means preparing for the physical readiness test or simply getting into shape. Others test their skills at the highest level.
   Kyle Jansen, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, will compete in the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Kansas Triathlon in Lawrence on Sunday.
   Jansen has been training for this type of event all year and is gearing up for this event with a renewed vigor.
   "I have taken two weeks off of training since my last competition, Ironman Arizona, and I have had to curtail my usual training due to being ill on two separate occasions," said Jansen.
   The Ironman 70.3 Kansas is one of the pinnacle events of the annual triathlon calendar every year. The event is expected to attract 1,500 participants and is a qualifier for the 2008 Ironman Championships in Clearwater, Fla., later in the year.
   "This event will definitely test my skills in the Ironman competition," Jansen said. He said the event includes a 1.2 mile swim in a semi-triangle in a counter clockwise direction, a 56 mile bike trek on country roads around Lawrence and a 3 mile run through a local beach park.
   "I am excited about the bike course because it is called Iron Cross. It will be challenging and exciting at the same time," Jansen said. "The athletes can expect long, winding, flat stretches matched with steep challenging hills offering lake front views."
Jansen's training regimen consists of aerobic and anaerobic workouts, which include cross-country running on and off base, cross country bicycling and stage training geared toward particular events of an Ironman contest.
   Each year, Ironman Kansas attracts the elite of the community. Jansen's goal is to be considered in that category.
   "Mr. Jansen is a very talented Ironman contestant and we look forward to him coming to compete at this level," said Ryan Robinson, co-director of Ironman 70.3 Kansas. "His talents in this form of endurance have been on the rise over the past year."
   To track Jansen's progress through the event or for more information, visit http://www.ironmankansas.com/.