Gleason to compete for world title

For the second consecutive year, Huntington Beach’s Pat Gleason has

qualified to compete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, which

will be held Saturday in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

The 39-year-old Gleason will take part in an Ironman that consists of

a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run, which must be

completed within the allotted 17-hour time frame.

Training for the race typically requires an athlete to invest 18-24

hours per week for six to eight months, to develop the stamina and

endurance needed to complete the 140.6-mile event.

“I’ve had to juggle training and racing with operating a small general

contracting business, while raising two boys and helping out a pregnant

wife,” Gleason said.

Gleason, who placed 37th overall at last May’s California Ironman,

says he’s entering the Ironman Triathlon World Championships for one

reason.

“To set an example for my kids,” he said. “I want to show them that by

setting a goal and working hard, you can accomplish great things.

“I also want to gain knowledge of my physical, mental, emotional,

spiritual, and nutritional limits, to race the distance, and finish.”