"Partners In All Things," the acronym that Brian and Cheryl Patterson, reining Power Couple of Tri-Loco Indy, live by, perfectly encapsulates their journey leading up to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Theirs is a tale of shared determination, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence that stretches beyond personal achievements. As they prepare to represent Tri-Loco on the global stage, let's delve into their inspiring narrative, interwoven with their own words.
"Cheryl was the first to get into the sport," Brian recalls, reminiscing about Cheryl's sprint triathlon debut in 2012. "I remember her telling me on the phone she was doing it; I was so ignorant to the sport that I asked her if she swam with her shoes on!" Brian's initiation came soon after, with Cheryl guiding him into the world of triathlons. From there, their shared journey spiraled into a passionate commitment. "We've been hooked since!" Brian's sentiment echoes their shared dedication that has shaped their triathlon adventure.
As they prepare to stand among 6,000 remarkable athletes at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Cheryl's perspective resonates. "A person definitely wonders if you deserve to be here," she acknowledges, underlining the scale of the event and the exceptional prowess of its participants. "It's a humbling experience." Their mindset emphasizes personal growth, embracing the challenge rather than focusing solely on outcomes. "We have to remember that this is a hobby, it's what we love to do," Brian adds. The stage may be global, but the essence remains true to their love for the sport.
Drawing parallels between their military background and their triathlon journey, Brian points out, "The discipline and work ethic instilled in us in our military careers has definitely helped shape the type of people that we are." Their commitment to triathlons and each other mirrors the dedication that defined their military service. It's an ethos that now guides their training, strengthening their resolve to excel.
Navigating the challenges of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship's unique setting in Lahti, Finland, Cheryl speaks candidly. "One of the biggest adjustments has just been the jet lag and trying to get our body adjusted." Amidst the changed routine, their focus remains on the bigger picture. "This is the World Championship, so everyone here is fast and are top-tier triathletes," Brian acknowledges. This perspective allows them to shift their focus from external pressures to internal celebration.
As they stand at the threshold of the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Brian and Cheryl's journey is emblematic of shared goals, mutual respect, and unwavering dedication. "PIAT" speaks to their journey as a couple, each bolstering the other as they traverse the worlds of work, training, and triathlons. Cheryl's words echo their philosophy, "We both love triathlon, so there is not much negotiating required for vacations & weekend adventures." Their camaraderie and love form the backbone of their journey.
Brian's disciplined ethos shines when he shares his race day strategy, a reflection of hard work and consistent training. "Discipline is doing what you hate, but do it like you love it," he quotes Mike Tyson. Their unwavering grind, honed through rigorous training and experience, propels them to stay focused even when faced with adversity. Their journey is marked by resilience and tenacity.
Their story is one of camaraderie, shared challenges, and triumphs. "Triathlon is an absolute incredible community of people," Brian states, underlining the sense of belonging they've cultivated. As they look ahead, Cheryl's voice is hopeful. "We are very fortunate for that!" she acknowledges, encapsulating their aspirations for the future.
Brian and Cheryl Patterson's story exemplifies the heart of Tri-Loco – a community bound by shared passion, determination, and a deep sense of camaraderie. As they venture into the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, their journey inspires us all, inviting us to stand united in celebrating their achievements and embracing their legacy.
You can track their race day progress with the IRONMAN app; Brian on Sunday Bib # 3799, Cheryl on Saturday Bib # 2215
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