It is Ironman World Championship Week Part 1 with the Men competing in Nice, France. 2025 will be the last year for the split championship format with both men and women competing together again in Kona in 2026. PTC will be represented at the Men's Championship race by teammate Justin Ehring. Prior to boarding a plan to France, Justin took some time to tell us about his deep history with triathlon, his ingenuity and a trip to Home Depot to mitigate a bike issue and some insight into his training.
How did you get into triathlons and how long have you been in the sport?
Justin: I got into triathlons at a pretty young age, almost 20 years ago, my family took a trip up to watch Ironman Lake Placid when I was 11 years old to watch some of my Dad’s friends race. The whole family got into running and triathlon around that time and I was hooked immediately after spectating all day. At that age, I don’t think I understood quite how far 140 miles really was but I remember setting the goal to race one as soon as I was 18.
How many full 140.6 have you done? What other ones?
Justin: I have done 8 fulls. Lake Placid twice, Maryland, Chattanooga, Couer dAlene, Florida, and Kona twice
What has been your favorite 140.6 and why?
Justin: Ironman Lake Placid by far. It’s a special place to me since that’s where my triathlon journey started, it’s where my Dad did his first full and where I did my first full in 2013. The atmosphere in Lake Placid is better than any other race I’ve been to and I think it needs to be on every triathletes bucket list. It’s also meant so much to me I named my triathlon coaching business Oval Endurance (www.ovalendurance.com) after the Ironman finish line at the Olympic Oval.
At what race did you qualify for World Championships? Any memorable highlights? (ie the course, crowds, race moments, anything you experienced, etc)
Justin: I qualified at Ironman Florida last year. The most memorable part of that race was the most stressful—two days before the race, while putting my bike back together, the seat post bracket broke free from inside the frame (apparently an issue with Shivs from 2013; I just never had a problem until now), so I couldn’t tighten my seat post enough to stay up while riding. I visited the bike tech at the expo, and he said he couldn’t do anything, so thankfully, Home Depot was down the street. I rigged up a PVC pipe with zip ties and a roll of electric tape, hoping it would hold the seat up for the full race, and luckily, it held up!
Any specific memorable moments or lessons you have learned training for this Ironman?
Justin: Not necessarily for this Ironman build up but two years ago I was in a bike accident a week before I was supposed to race Ironman Lake Placid that required a shoulder surgery. Ultimately, I was fine, but being forced to miss time really puts into perspective how much this sport means to me, and I’ve just come to enjoy the day-to-day process of training more than I used to.
What are key races/training sessions you had to prep you for the championship race being in Nice?
Justin: I raced Eagleman 70.3 and a few DQ events and spent A LOT of time climbing hills on Zwift and a quick training weekend in Lake Placid to try and be ready for the elevation on this bike course
During a day full of mental challenges, any favorite matras or self-talk you like to use to keep on pushing through?
Justin: I think a big part is embracing the hard parts of the race. At this point, it’s nice to lean on experience from previous races and remember points where I was struggling mentally and that my mind always came back around so I try to be patient to let myself bounce back instead of getting frustrated. It’s also a reminder that if your mind starts to go- eat!
What's your favorite multi-sport related purchase so far in 2025?
Justin: After my bike malfunction in Florida it was time to retire my old bike after 12 years and I got a new Quintana Roo for this season which has been great so far!
Any Thank you's or Shout Outs?
Justin: A huge shout out to my friends and family for the support- they’ve literally traveled the world to watch me race. Also, a huge shoutout to Katie Lee for helping me so much this year and introducing me to PTC- it’s been a great first year!
Thanks again, Justin, and we can't wait to track you from afar. You will smash it!!