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Resident tackles Ironman
Physical feats a family tradition
Iron Family pic
Steve Muir looks through the “bling box” at their home last week. He and wife, Krist, have competed in triathlons all over the country. - photo by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

The Bible says that just “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

  

Few duos are a better testament to the scripture than Steve and Krist Muir of Dawson County.

  

Over the past few years, the couple has competed in countless races, marathons, triathlons and other tests of physical ability.

  

Most recently, the Muir Family traveled to Louisville, Ky., to take part in the annual Ford Ironman, a one-day endurance event of swimming, biking and running.

  

Because of a physical injury, Krist Muir was unable to compete, but she was there on the sidelines cheering on her husband in his most recent Ironman finish.

  

“To finish Ironman is an accomplishment in itself,” said Steve Muir, who has completed the event multiple times over the past decade.

  

After swimming 2.4 miles, biking 115 miles and running 26.2 miles, “it’s all about crossing that finish line,” he said. “It’s like no other feeling. There’s tough men that break down in tears when they cross that finish line. It’s an emotional moment.”

  

If you think that training for Ironman is easy, think again, said Steve Muir.

  

“The race itself isn’t bad if you’re properly prepared for it,” he said. “It’s the training that gets you. You have to be dedicated to the training.”

  

Training is made easier by the accountability a training partner can provide, said Krist Muir.

  

“We give each other guilt trips a lot,” she said. “If one of us is going out for a run, and the other is still in bed, for instance.”

  

Both Muirs are 46 years old, but neither feels a day over 30. The secret?

  

“All we do is train, work and sleep,” said Steve Muir.

  

For the couple, being prepared for events like Ironman means a weekly regimen of running 50 miles, biking 200 miles and swimming for three hours.

  

Training for the annual triathlon is only the tip of the iceberg, they said. The family prepares for and competes in countless 5K runs and marathons throughout the year.

  

For Krist Muir, it’s all about “the bling.”

  

At their home, the couple has a plastic container — which they call a “bling box” — filled with dozens of shiny keepsakes and medals from their competitions.

  

“Before we enter an event we have to ask ourselves: ‘Is there bling involved?’” she said.

  

The Muirs, who moved to Dawson County from Ohio just months ago, hope to continue to train together and compete “as long as we possibly can.”

  

The couple plans to begin training soon for the 2011 Ford Ironman.