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August 14, 2002
Tackling the triathlon: Needham's Davis set to compete in fourth World Championship
By Courtney Hughes / Times Correspondent
http://www.townonline.com/needham/sports/school_sports/nt_triathlon08142002.htm

Davis started running marathons simply as something competitive to do in college. Then he started competing in triathlons when he began sustaining injuries from doing so much running. Regardless of how or why he got started, Mike Davis has blossomed and emerged as a world-class athlete.

Davis has earned the right to compete at the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in October in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He finished second at the national competition last year to qualify.

The Ironman is more than deserving of its label as this competition truly pushes one to the limit with a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, and culminating with a 26.2-mile run - a marathon in itself.

"The Ironman is a non-lethal way to see what you are made of," said Davis.

Triathlons present some stiff competition, even more so when a trip to Hawaii is on the line.

This year's qualifying competitions drew over 50,000 competitors for a mere 1,500 spots to the annual World Championship. Davis did not disappoint and earned his ticket to the tropical island, marking the fourth time he has accomplished such an impressive feat.

Davis has been running marathons for more than 20 years and has been competing in the grueling triathlon for six years. During he tenure as a marathon runner, Davis completed more than 50 marathons throughout the nation.

Now he only competes in the annual Boston Marathon. At his marathon prime a few years back, the 45-year-old father of four completed his personal best marathon in an astonishing time of 2:26. While he competes in just one marathon each year, Davis participates in a dozen triathlons each year, the famed Ironman and several shorter more local half-Ironman or sprint triathlons.

So what drives someone to such high levels of competition? One cannot just jump into this type of activity. It takes hard work, dedication, and commitment and for Davis, the ability and willpower to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to train before work.

"I have always enjoyed doing something competitive," he said. "You always think you can do better. I still don't think that I have had my best race."

Davis' resume is impressive to say the least. A marathon in less than 2:30, four World Championship appearances, the New England Triathlon Tour Points Champion the last three years, and Davis feels he has yet to give his best performance.

When asked what he thinks is the benefit or the rewarding aspect of triathlons, Davis commented, "Each time, something happens. You have to make it work."

He cites a competition two years ago in which he got quite seasick during the swim as an example of having to work with what arises.

Davis has been fortunate thus far in his career, sustaining very few and all minor injuries. His biggest obstacle: time management. A full time job, a wife, four children and training 20 hours each week would surely keep anyone busy.

"I have fun doing these races," he said. "I would not be doing it if I did not have fun. And I am really grateful for how supportive my family has been. They are a big part of me getting where I am. Team Psycho, the group of people I often train with, are also very supportive."

Davis is aiming high for this upcoming competition, as he hopes to have his best finish yet at such an elite competition, placing in the top twenty in his age bracket. With the commitment and dedication to his training, Davis' goal is well within reach.

His family will get to make the trip to Hawaii in October, he said.

"My kids are really looking forward to it too," he said. "My eight-year-old has been asking, 'When can we go back?' since the last time we went two years ago," Davis said.