Last Summer, Father Dan Callahan, SA, competed in his final Ironman, capping a decorated run of 24 triathlons in 25 years.
But the Iron Friar, as Father Dan is affectionally called, isn’t quite finished.
Although he has participated in his final Ironman, Father Dan will compete on Saturday, June 24, in the Tupper Lake Tinman. The Tinman features all the same Ironman events – swimming, biking and running – but in half the distance.
For many years, Father Dan used the Tinman as a warmup for the Ironman. Although his Ironman days are over, he chose to stick with the Tinman, since he’s grown accustomed to it.
“I decided I was going to do one more Ironman (last year), and that was it for the Ironman,” Father Dan explained. “But I will continue to do the Tinman. Why not?! I know everybody there, in Tupper Lake. It’s a little town, and the last several years it’s been well run.”
The Tinman begins with a 1.2-mile swim, followed by a 56-mile bike expedition. It ends with a 13.1-mile run. Conversely, the Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run.
“It really is a great diversion and makes sure that I stay in shape,” Father Dan said. “I’ve been working out every other day since I was 19 years old. I work it into my life and my routine and don’t change anything.”
Part of the appeal of the Tinman, Father Dan added, is the event’s informality.
“It’s a hometown feel and everybody there is really committed to the town and the race. The neighbors will have their sprinklers out, so you can run through a sprinkler, if you want,” Father Dan said. “I’ll go to Tupper Lake, do the race and just play the ball where it lies.”
Following the Tinman, Father Dan plans on competing in another half-Ironman event, the Ironman 70.3, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 9 in Geneva, New York.
Good Luck! Have Fun!