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Reservist turns Ironman dream into reality

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Harvey
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT WORTH, Texas --  "Someday" is a word people often say when they want to do something or make a change in their lives. It's not always possible.

That someday, however, became a reality for Staff Sgt. David D. Staffeld, an avionics specialist with the 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. Before he joined the Air Force Reserve, he would watch Ironman World Championships and think about competing, in the future... someday.

"I have always considered the people who complete that race to be amazing athletes," he said. "I always thought someday I will do that."

Early in 2006, he weighed 300 pounds before deciding it was time to make some changes.

"I needed a lifestyle change, so I decided to lose weight and join the Air Force Reserve," he said.

In order to join the military, enlistees undergo medical examinations at a Military Entrance Processing Station. A person can be disqualified at this stage for being overweight. It was one of many challenges Sergeant Staffeld had to overcome.

"I had to lose about 70 pounds to get through MEPS," he said. "I made the cut-off by less than a half pound."

After joining the Air Force Reserve and deploying to Balad, Iraq, in 2007 and 2009, he took up running. It allowed him to compete in his first marathon and led to the next step in his lifestyle change.

"Late in 2009, I ran in and completed a marathon and decided that someday had come," Sergeant Staffeld said. "The next day, I signed up for a full distance Ironman, which I completed last fall."

He has since moved on to more Ironman competitions in Texas.

"I have competed in 70.3's in Galveston, Lubbock and Austin," he said. "I qualified for the World Championships at the Austin 70.3. I also completed a full Ironman Competition (140.6) in Louisville, Ky. In addition, I have competed in several Olympic distance events around Texas."

The 140.6 races consist of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. The 70.3 is exactly half of the full race requirements. When it comes to training for these competitions, discipline and dedication are key to success.

"I put in about 20 hours of training per week," he said. "If you add in planning, meal prep and travel to the pool or trail, I put in about 30 hours per week."

Several people encourage Sergeant Staffeld through the training process and on race day.

"My family, especially my mom, has been a great supporter of this journey, but my single biggest supporter is my wife Mary," he said. "There is no way I could do this without her. We do the shopping and food preparation together and at the Ironman competitions she is my 'caddie.' She carries my stuff and seems to find a way to be everywhere on the route cheering me on just when I need it the most."

In addition to family, he also has support from his coach, nutritionist and his military supervisors.

"Without support from the maintenance superintendant and my flight chief, I could not find the kind of balance that is necessary to both work and compete at a world-championship level," he said.

After competing in several events over the past year, Sergeant Staffeld's goals remain lofty.

"My short-term goal is a top 40 finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in September," he said. "Longer term, in 2012, I would like to qualify for the full distance Ironman World Championships in Hawaii."

His decision to change his lifestyle in 2006 has encouraged others in his family to lead healthier lives.

"I found my way back to health and wellness a few years ago, but I can say that Dave has inspired me to go further with it," said Master Sgt. Mary Staffeld, 301st Fighter Wing training office program manager for formal school. "All three of our children workout regularly and are healthy young adults."

The Ironman's advice to other Airmen is not to give up.

"Make a decision that today is your someday," he said. "Never forget where you started. Remember, you didn't become out of shape overnight and you aren't going to get in shape overnight. There is no magic pill. It's a lifestyle change, and I can tell you, it's worth every minute you put in."