Ironman update: Campus competitors make valiant efforts

The Aug. 27 issue of Wisconsin Week introduced two UW–Madison employees who were training for the Wisconsin Ironman Triathalon, held last Sunday in the Madison area.

John Curtin, assistant professor of psychology, completed the course in 13 hours, 16 minutes and 44 seconds, unofficially 717th among 1,536 finishers.

“It was an incredible day and a lot of fun, but it was also so much harder than I expected,” he says.

Nancy Wiegand, a scientist with the Land Information and Computer Graphics Facility, completed the swim portion, but battled high temperatures and severe foot pain before dropping out at the end of the 112-mile bike ride. She says she has few regrets about the outcome.

“Signing up for the Ironman was a special birthday present to myself as motivation to get back into endurance workouts,” she says. “It worked! ”

Also notable was assistant professor of chemistry Thomas Brunold, who was the top male local finisher and eighth overall, completing the event in 9 hours, 32 minutes and 3 seconds.