David Tatum might seem the more academic type, having recently finished his doctorate in philosophy and theology from The University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom and teaching a biblical studies course at Fresno Pacific University. Others might note his musical talents as the worship pastor at North Fresno Church in California.
But those gifts were virtually irrelevant as Tatum swam, biked and ran his way through the New Zealand countryside in his fifth Ironman 70.3 World Championship triathlon in December 2024. On a recent afternoon, he laid aside his guitar and academic books to talk about what it takes to be an ironman triathlete.
What does 70.3 mean?
70.3 refers to the number of miles you are racing. In a 70.3 Ironman race, you swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles.
How do you qualify for the World Championship?
Anybody can sign up to race at a qualifying event. 70.3 Ironman races are held all around the world. To qualify, you typically have to place in the top three to five in your age group to earn a spot at the World Championship race, which is held in a different location every year. I’ve competed in five World Championships, three in the U.S. and the other two in Finland and New Zealand.
What are some of your accomplishments along the way?
I’ve placed top five in my age group at several 70.3 Ironman races. At the world level, my goal is always to improve my age group placement. Last year I was about 197 in my age group in the world. In New Zealand this year I moved up to 154. One accomplishment I am still aiming for is to do 50 70.3 Ironman races by age 50.
How do you prepare?
I work out six days a week, at least an hour on workdays and three or four hours on my days off. It’s challenging to balance getting better at all three sports. Typically, you can improve at two of them, but it’s hard to excel at all three disciplines at the same time.
What can go wrong when you’re racing?
People often struggle when they are running low on fluids, sodium or carbohydrates. When you hit the state of running out of fuel, we call it bonking. Even in this state, though, people often finish. Sometimes you’ll see people cross the finish line and they all of a sudden collapse. It’s a strong testament to the power of your mind.
What could Christians learn from Ironman triathletes?
All sorts of lessons carry over. Here are four: Humans have an immense ability to overcome pain and suffering. Good habits and patterns are essential to success. Goals are achieved by thinking long term instead of the short term. Repetition, despite how you are feeling, is essential in achieving long term goals.
Kathy Heinrichs Wiest is a freelance writer who loves the smell of whole wheat bread in the oven, the feel of an orange being plucked from the tree and the view from her front porch in Kingsburg, California. On Sunday mornings you’ll find her in the fourth pew from the front on the left at Kingsburg MB Church, moved by the hymns and praise songs and inspired by the stories of God at work locally and around the world. She and her husband, Steve, own Dovetail Remodeling. They have two grown daughters, one son-in-law and a precious granddaughter.
