Creekside Vice Principal Takes on Ironman

It takes a dedicated individual to complete the strenuous Ironman Triathlon course, and last weekend in Tempe, Ariz., Vice Principal Sue Goldman completed this labor of love 30 seconds short of the 17 hour time limit. 

The Ironman saying goes, "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!" This multi-faceted race tests participants' perseverance, strength, endurance and strategic intake of nourishment on the go. 

Goldman's long journey to Ironman began with a series of shorter triathlons, her first in 2003.

"I started out doing very easy triathlons," said Goldman. "And then every triathlon after that wasn't enough."

She described a hunger to continually improve her times and to take on bigger challenges. After her first half Ironman in 2005, she set her mind on training for the full race. 

"The training is challenging," said Goldman's partner Tracy Paxton who also participated in the Ironman Triathlon. "You're getting up at 4:30 in the morning five days a week, getting home at six and training some more. "

Paxton has been participating in triathlons for years, but this was the first race she and Goldman have completed together.

"It's significantly easier to train with someone," said Paxton. "And it's nice to know someone is out on the road with you [during the triathlon.]"

When Goldman began her six months of training, she informed the staff at Creekside and received a great deal of support; particularly from Mary Cummin's art class.

"We think the world of Sue Goldman," said Cummins. "She had told the teachers about the triathlon and that she had a blog, and she was doing some really intensive training."

Cummins talked to the kids in her sixth grade art class and they were eager to show Goldman support. The class did research on what the Ironman Triathlon entails and interviewed Goldman about her training. They then started crafting cards and posters to present to her before her race.

"They all held up their cards as she walked in the room, and she was really overwhelmed," said Cummins.

Goldman said the words in those cards inspired her during the most difficult parts of the race.

"If I can get them interested in setting a goal and accomplishing something big, that's really what it's all about," said Goldman.

After six months of intense training, Goldman will be happy to have her weekends back, but she won't forget the feeling of crossing the finish line any time soon.

"You finish that race a different person," said Goldman. "You learn something new about yourself"

For every race she's completed, Goldman has raised thousands of dollars for the SAMFund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young survivors of cancer to get back on their feet.

Goldman has set her sights on participating in the next Ironman and will be training hard to continue to improve and strive toward becoming a better Sue.