Inside the World of an Iron Man Tri-Cities Competitor

We all know him as 'Paul Drake" former Local On Air Personality and Town Square Media's long-time Operations Manager and "Boss" to most of us here.

I've known Paul Hinkson (his real name) since 1989 before moving here from Utah in 1990. We've worked together off and on ever since.

I've seen Paul transform over the years into one of the most athletically fit people I've ever known. He takes his health and fitness seriously and it shows.

Iron Man 70.3 consists of swimming, biking, and running

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Most people can get in shape at some point in their lives but it takes a lot of determination to stay in shape and maintain that level consistently.

In this spontaneous interview, (as I caught him walking out the door), he talks about what initially inspired him to make necessary changes in his life and become more health conscious. He tells us where the upcoming Iron Man Tri-Cities 70.3 race challenges him and his hopes for finishing the race.

We will learn about the structure of the race and how it's scheduled to play out with the competitors who have come from all over to participate.

Training techniques for Iron Man are available for new comers

Paul lets us in on the trick he discovered which will make one segment of the race a bit easier and how he has mentally and physically prepared for this incredibly intense race.

You can track Paul on an App to see his progress as he goes from swimming to biking and finally to running in hopes of completing this 70.3-mile race through our Tri-Cities area.

Click the link above or go to Ironm Tracker in your App Store, scroll to Tri-Cities Iron Man Race then enter Paul Hinkson in the search bar. This is so much fun! I can't wait to track him through the race.

You can then find a place on the race course to cheer him on!

Iron Man can have up to 1000 contestants

Some of the roads and boat docks will be closed Sunday. I know this is inconvenient for Richland residents in particular. There will be ways to detour around, but it could be challenging.

The Iron Man event will bring in millions of dollars in revenue for the Tri-Cities area so this is helpful for our community.

Expect more traffic in all areas of the Tri-Cities over the weekend. No doubt we will see visitors here to support their race contestants. Leave a little earlier if you need to be on the roads and give yourself some extra time.

I think it's awesome that people of all ages challenge themselves to be stronger and healthier no matter their age! I wish I had more of that mindset. It takes a brave, strong person to participate in a race like this.

I hope you enjoy some of Sunday's races! Don't forget to click the video and watch the interview.