http://www.newsday.com/news/health/bobby-nystrom-former-new-york-islander-runs-first-ironman-at-age-61-1.9484969
How does competing in a 140.6-mile Ironman compare with playing an
intense game of professional hockey? “Mr. Islander” Bobby Nystrom knows.
“It’s totally
different,” he said. “Hockey is a number of short bursts, and it’s a
little more anaerobic as compared to the Ironman where you try to stay
below your anaerobic level. The Ironman is a test of will and body, and
is much harder than a single hockey game.”
The 61-year-old --
who played for the Islanders from 1972-86 and helped boost the team to
four Stanley Cups -- completed his first full-distance Ironman on Sept.
20 in Maryland. He finished the course in 13 hours, 50 minutes and 36
seconds (swim 1:39:14; bike 6:39:35; run 5:05:24).
“I felt pretty good during the race but a little
uneasy in the swimming portion -- it was pretty crowded and very
difficult to get into a smooth rhythm,” Nystrom said. “I started to
cramp a little bit at mile 18 on the marathon but was able to eat some
broth, and I felt pretty good for the rest of the run. The biking was
the easiest part, and the beauty of the course in Maryland made it that
much better.”
As five Long
Islanders set their sights on completing the 2014 GoPro Ironman World
Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Saturday, Nystrom offered his
words of encouragement to Liz Fernandez, 35, of Rockville Centre; Steven
Gartenstein, 50, of Hewlett Harbor; Stefan Judex, 46, of Port
Jefferson; Roberta Leventhal, 63, of East Hills; and Dominick Oliviero,
49, of Massapequa.
“I wish them the very
best of luck and to do their very best,” said Nystrom, in reference to
the Long Islanders’ quest to complete the world championship’s 2.4-mile
swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile marathon. “If they do, they should be
totally satisfied.”
Note: Follow
Newsday.com from Oct. 8-Oct. 12 for up-to-date coverage, including a
live feed -- Saturday -- from the race in Hawaii. In addition, the 2014
Ironman World Championship can be viewed on www.ironman.com. NBC will
air the event special on Saturday, November 15 at 1:30pm EST.