LPST Staff Members Complete Half-Ironman

The staff at Longview Physical & Sports Therapy certainly made a commitment to the “physical” this spring and summer. Certified athletic trainer Beth Soltero, occupational therapist Aaron Varney, and physical therapist assistant Dawn Deering all completed significant physical challenges.

Dawn Deering, Physical Therapy Assistant

Deering competed in the Eugene Marathon on May 4th and finished the half-marathon, which totaled 13.2 miles. Her time was 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Deering is now looking toward the Portland Marathon in October. Her goal is to finish in less than 2 hours.

Aaron Varney, Occupational Therapist

Varney celebrated Independence Day by crossing the finish line at the Sauvie Island Marathon in 4 hour and 4 minutes.

“I maintained my goal pace of 8:30 to 8:45 per mile until we hit mile 18 when I completely ran out of gas,” Varney said. “It took everything I had to keep going.”

Like Deering, the training schedule Varney established was limited by family commitments. He did most of his running during lunch hours and between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. He trained for 18 weeks and racked up 45 miles during week 15 before tapering off prior to the race.

Varney plans to complete at least one endurance race per year and is already scheduled to participate in the Yakima River Canyon Marathon in April 2009. He is also considering an off-road duathlon that combines mountain biking and trail running.

Swimming, biking, and running in 97° heat was no picnic, but Beth Soltero got the job done. She finished the Pacific Crest Half-Ironman in Sunriver on June 28th in 8 hours and 17 minutes.

Beth Soltero, Certified Athletic Trainer

Following a strong 1.2-mile swim and 56-mile bike ride, Soltero had to overcome sunburn, blisters, cramping and fatigue during the grueling 13.2-mile run to the finish line. “This was definitely the hardest race I have ever done,” she said.

Soltero used the event as a fundraiser, with the money going to help cure blood-related cancers. She was able to raise $4,000 and was part of a Portland group that raised $269,000.

Beth has already committed to completing a full Ironman. “It is the ultimate goal for every triathlete,” she said. “There is no stopping me now.”