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The sport of triathlon lost one of its warriors Friday morning.<br><br>
Mike Clark, aka Iron Mike, passed away unexpectedly -- and much too early. Mike was a mentor, friend, multiple Ironman, avid runner and cyclist, and true advocate for the sport of triathlon. He welcomed and nurtured beginners despite being such a talented athlete. He freely offered advice and his own war stories to make you realize everyone had to be a beginner at some point. He always had a smile on his face... and a Coke in his hand. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
When my husband was first starting out in the sport, Mike was the first person to invite him to training rides and encourage him.<br><br>
When my friend Jen shyly joined a regular Friday night swimming group, Mike was the one who encouraged her to jump in and share a lane, even though she feared she was far too much of a novice to join in.<br><br>
When new Spinners came to his very advanced, hardcore Spinning class on Sunday mornings, Mike urged them to work at their own pace and not give up.<br><br>
He competed in Ironman Hawaii in 1984 and 2007. It was fitting that his final race was the one that he'd worked so hard to get back to.<br><br>
Rest in peace, Iron Mike. You will be missed.
Mike Clark, aka Iron Mike, passed away unexpectedly -- and much too early. Mike was a mentor, friend, multiple Ironman, avid runner and cyclist, and true advocate for the sport of triathlon. He welcomed and nurtured beginners despite being such a talented athlete. He freely offered advice and his own war stories to make you realize everyone had to be a beginner at some point. He always had a smile on his face... and a Coke in his hand. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
When my husband was first starting out in the sport, Mike was the first person to invite him to training rides and encourage him.<br><br>
When my friend Jen shyly joined a regular Friday night swimming group, Mike was the one who encouraged her to jump in and share a lane, even though she feared she was far too much of a novice to join in.<br><br>
When new Spinners came to his very advanced, hardcore Spinning class on Sunday mornings, Mike urged them to work at their own pace and not give up.<br><br>
He competed in Ironman Hawaii in 1984 and 2007. It was fitting that his final race was the one that he'd worked so hard to get back to.<br><br>
Rest in peace, Iron Mike. You will be missed.
