Edwards 'Ironwoman' represents Air Force in Ironman Triathlon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mike Young
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
An Edwards bioenvironmental engineer with the 95th Aerospace Medical Squadron is slated to represent the Air Force in the Ironman World Championship held at Kailua Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 13.

First Lt. Lisa Newman-Wise was selected along with three other Airmen to compete in the triathlon event, which features athletes from all over the world.

"For a lot of people who start doing triathlons, an Ironman is one of the biggest goals to achieve," Lieutenant Newman-Wise said. "There are many people who work their whole lives to complete one."

An Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride, then capped off by a 26.2-mile marathon run. They are held all over the world in places like the United States, Korea, Brazil, France and Japan.

Lieutenant Newman-Wise competed in an Ironman Triathlon held at Florianopolis, Brazil, earlier this year. She won in her age group, which gave her a spot at the world championship competition.

"I was happy to have completed the competition without visiting the medical tent," Lieutenant Newman-Wise said. "I was even more excited when I found out how well I did."

Like any successful athlete, Lieutenant Newman-Wise said she has received a lot of support from people on base. One of her supporters is her coach, retired Marine Lt. Col. Bill Wainwright.

"I am so proud of her," Colonel Wainwright said. "In Brazil, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for two days."

Colonel Wainwright has been coaching Lieutenant Newman-Wise for more than a year and has competed in Ironman competitions for several years himself.

He has also trained several other athletes, but now just focuses on Lieutenant Newman-Wise's training.

She said her workouts usually consist of a one to one-and-a-half hour swim. After a dip in the pool, she runs for two hours.

Once she has those workouts out of the way, Lieutenant Newman-Wise hops on the bike for a four-and-a-half to six-hour spin then winding down with a 45-min run. Her total workout hours for the week usually exceed 20 hours.

Using the roads on base for her workouts, Lieutenant Newman-wise trains in the mornings and evenings due to work and the often extreme conditions on base, she said.

She also rides in the San Gabriel and Tehachapi Mountains on the weekends. She said she does this to experience a different terrain and maximize her physical and mental workout.

"Lieutenant Newman-Wise has incredible drive and focus," Mr. Wainwright said. "She excels because she is great at setting goals and executing them."

Aside from working on her own personal achievements, Lieutenant Newman-Wise takes the time to help others around her with their physical fitness scores, said Col. Dawn Jackson, 95th AMDS commander.

"I am extremely proud of what she has accomplished," Colonel Jackson said. "She is an exemplary athlete and officer. She is the total package."