Michael Hennessey enjoys a brief moment of rest from Ironman Canada on Monday, before flying home to San Antonio, Texas to see his family for a couple of days, as he continues a bid to set a world record for completing the most Ironman length races in one year.
Rest isn‘t something Michael Hennessey lingers over these days.
The 42-year-old from San Antonio, Texas is attempting to break the Guinness world record of Ironman distance triathlons in a single year. The current record is 14; Ironman Canada marked Hennessey’’s eleventh Ironman this year – his next is this Sunday in Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts.
Hennessey‘s motivation behind this incredible undertaking is to raise awareness for trisomy 13 and 18, a chromosome disorder similar to Down’’s Syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, that occur when a third chromosome is attached to the 13th or 18th chromosome pair.
"It’’s not too odd to do one Ironman," Hennessy said Monday. “Why shouldn’’t someone do all of them in one year?"
Hennessey got involved with children living with trisomy 13 and 18 through his wife’’s work with autistic children. The couple were so touched by the courageous families they met they started a non-profit organization called Ironman for Kids.
He said that raising awareness is the first step in a long process to help children living with the disorder.
"Everyone knows what Down’’s Syndrome is, but no one knows what trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 is," Hennessey explained.
His own family is a large part of Hennessey’’s desire to help children. He is the father of six children, the oldest being 8 years old. Hennessey says that his love for his own children drives him to do what he can to help others battling this disorder.
Hennessey hopes to use his Ironman Guinness record attempt to bring trisomy 13 and 18 further attention, saying that friends and supporters line the courses cheering him on, holding signs bearing the name "Ironman for Kids" and help spread the word.
Hennessey says the amount of support he receives from the local population in the Ironman cities is nothing short of extraordinary.
That support is vital, as Hennessey says that the biggest strain is not on his body, but on his financials. He and his wife have all but spent their life savings to get their charity started. "It’’s been real hard, but you take it one race at a time," said Hennessey.
Despite these challenges, Hennessey remains optimistic. He casually describes his routine in between races, saying he does a few basic workouts but nothing too strenuous. He says his body feels good, despite the difficulty of the course in Penticton.
"This is by far the hardest course I’’ve ever done," he said. His only explanation for how he has managed 11 Ironman races in less than four months is strength from God.
Hennessey said the other competitors contribute a great deal to his success as well, adding that he draws motivation and strength from having so many other racers on the course with him.
"Can you imagine how hard this would be if there wasn’’t as many people out here?"
Along with the financial stress, and the physical beating his body endures with each race, Hennessey must contend with long absences from his wife and children.
He enjoyed a brief rest before flying home Monday for a short reunion with his family, still wearing the straw cowboy hat he sports for every marathon.
"I’’m perpetually on my bike or on an airplane," he said.
Hennessey said he is used to people telling him he is crazy for attempting this. He has competition for the record however; Stefaan Engels from Belgium is also on his own quest to beat the record.
About four and a half months in to his year-long quest, Hennessey has a long way to go. Yet after all his races, he has not slowed down, stumbled, or ever considered quitting, at least not seriously.
"I always tell my wife to give me at least 24 hours before asking me if I want to do another one," he said.
More information can be found on Hennessey’’s website www.ironmanforkids.com. Top of Page
