Reservist

ISS3 2014

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

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7th District triathletes bond through endurance and competition Story by PAC Judy Silverstein, 7th District Public Affairs When Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Copeland signed up for the 2014 St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Fla., he learned two fellow officers were competing as well. That sparked an idea. Copeland, who serves as the Reserve Response Chief at Sector St. Petersburg, reached out to fellow officers he had never met when he heard about the newly-minted military division of the elite triathlon. Cmdr. Mike Vaughn, 45, a reservist judge advocate assigned to Southern Command, and Lt. Sean Lott, 36, an active duty HC-130 Hercules pilot and aircraft commander at Air Station Clearwater had also registered. A risk manager at Hillsborough County Community College, Copeland, 38, is a disciplined swimmer and runner. He was also enthusiastic about having a Coast Guard presence in the triathlon, now in its 31st year. By all accounts, he was also the force linking the trio together. Not only did the veteran triathletes offer support and tips to one other, they hatched a plan to launch a Facebook page (Coast Guard Triathletes). "Our goal is to make training for a triathlon accessible to everyone with an interest," said Lott. While each officer performed well on race day, they were quick to point to the other's accomplishments. They also said the bond they developed was worth the entry price for the triathlon. "The camaraderie is one of the best parts of this sport," said Vaughn, who won the military division. "Overwhelmingly, triathletes are a very supportive community," said Vaughn. On race day the air was surprisingly chilly for an April morning. Copeland and Vaughn waded into Tampa Bay at dawn. Flanked by other members of their age group and the military division, they started treading water while awaiting the starting gun. Then something unexpected happened. Nearly one minute before the start, someone yelled, "Hey all you military guys, thank you for all you do, because it enables the rest of us to live this life." As cheering and clapping ensued, Copeland and Vaughn found themselves smiling as they mentally prepared for the swim. "It was a really cool moment," said Copeland. Despite the supportive kindness of the crowd throughout the race, all three athletes emphasize it was a test of endurance. "Triathlons are always hard," said Vaughn. "They never get easier, but they can also be a lot of fun." Lott calls the sport more than a test. "It's a balancing act to swim, bike and run," he said. Yet all three see parallels with their work and the way they tackle challenges. "It involves a lot of preparation and forethought and you have to reach back and plan for the unexpected," said Copeland. Clearly, the three were up for the challenge. The elite St. Anthony's triathlon with its 4,000 participants from far-flung places across the globe was the culmination of a year of individual achievements for each of the Coast Guard entrants. Lott completed his bachelor's degree. On the day prior to the event Copeland and Vaughn's sons competed in the Meek and Mighty Triathlon. Along with Lott both placed fatherhood among their proudest achievements. They say the triathlon experience also gave them something special. "Competing in the triathlon with others in the Coast Guard was really something," said Copeland. "Looking back, it was a competition that pushed the limits". The trio said they each have plans to keep racing and training - sometimes together. An image of the three of them smiling after the St., Anthony's event is currently emblazoned on the Facebook page banner. They add that training has enhanced their bond. And each has continued training for upcoming races. Copeland touted the mental acuity triathlon competition enhances and obvious physical benefits of training. He added that a 40K bike ride and a 10K run added to a swim offers certain challenges, including timing and synchronizing one's effort. Lott encouraged all interested in triathlons to get started on the Facebook page and to find a local training group. Vaughn, whose passion for surfing is legendary in the Coast Guard, recently completed his first Ironman competition and offered some thoughts on training. "Ironically, preparing for a triathlon requires rational thinking and meshes it with a way to unwind," Vaughn said. "It links to our Coast Guard work because it's a way of seeing a commitment through, while enhancing your physical endurance." Despite varied civilian, familial and military schedules, these Seventh District athletes shared camaraderie, a devotion to rigorous training, and all with a healthy dose of humor. It's why they said they'll keep competing and why they hope others will join them. Shipmates in Focus (cont.) (l. to r.) Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Copeland, Lt. Sean Lott , and Cmdr. Mike Vaughn at the fnish of the 2014 St. Anthony's Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Fla. Photo courtesy Christy Vaughn 34 RESERVIST � Issue 3 • 2014

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