Air Force Pilot Prepares for International 70.3 Triathlon Championship
First Lt. Tara DeGeorge, a skilled Air Force pilot, is gearing up to compete in the upcoming International 70.3 Triathlon Championship. This renowned event, also known as a Half-Ironman, entails a grueling 1.2-mile swim, a challenging 56-mile bike ride, and a demanding 13.1-mile run. Competitors typically spend four to seven hours completing this rigorous race.
The women’s race is scheduled to take place in Lahti, a city located approximately sixty miles north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. For DeGeorge, this competition presents an exciting opportunity to showcase her talents and passion for racing and training.
DeGeorge’s dedication to fitness and athletics began from an early age. Encouraged by her mother, she delved into swimming during her childhood and later competed in long-distance swimming in high school. When exploring potential colleges, DeGeorge’s mother suggested joining the swim team at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
During her first two years at the Academy, DeGeorge dedicated a staggering 18 hours per week to swim team practice alongside her academic classes and mandatory military training. Despite being cut from the swim team after her sophomore year, DeGeorge’s unyielding determination led her to pursue another athletic endeavor: triathlons.
Reflecting on her journey, DeGeorge shared, I told my mom I would never join the military, then, I attended a summer camp there for swimming. I decided that I really liked what the Air Force stood for, with everyone working together for a common goal.
Even after being stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, DeGeorge continued her training and participation in triathlons. In preparation for the upcoming world championship, she undertook a race that was double the distance of the Half-Ironman she will compete in Finland.
DeGeorge conquered her first full Ironman in April, a daunting 140.6-mile endeavor consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. This feat served as an excellent foundation for her current training, leaving her confident that the shorter distance of the Half-Ironman will feel comparably easier.
As DeGeorge’s international triathlon championship approaches, she remains focused and committed to achieving her personal goals. Balancing her military responsibilities with her fervor for racing, she embodies the essence of determination, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude.
The Air Force pilot’s journey is an inspiration to many, reminding people to pursue their passions and find ways to stay active and fit. Through her dedication and drive, DeGeorge embodies the spirit of the Air Force, working towards a common goal while pursuing her personal aspirations.
The upcoming International 70.3 Triathlon Championship will undoubtedly be an exhilarating event, showcasing the grit and determination of athletes from around the world. As DeGeorge takes on this new challenge, she is poised to make her mark and demonstrate the resilience and tenacity that defines both her military career and her athletic pursuits.
