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Ironman Lake Tahoe athlete profile: Truckee’s Jeff Dostie

Sun staff
Jeff Dostie says he likes all three parts of a triathlon — swimming, biking and running.
Courtesy Josh Hejl |

TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — The 2015 Ironman Lake Tahoe triathlon is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20, when more than 2,500 athletes will attempt to conquer the demanding feat.

It begins with a 2.4-mile swim at Kings Beach in Lake Tahoe, followed by a 112-mile bike trip with a two-loop circuit traveling from Kings Beach, Truckee and over Brockway Summit, before finishing at Squaw Valley.

Athletes then must complete a 26.2-mile marathon run through Squaw Valley and up to Tahoe, before eventually looping back to Squaw for the finish.



As we count down the weeks leading up to this year’s biggest adventure race, the Sierra Sun is publishing a series of Q-and-A interviews with local athletes who are registered to compete. Up first is Truckee’s Jeff Dostie.

Name: Jeff Dostie



Residence: Truckee

Age: 41

Q: What is the most challenging athletic event you’ve competed in to date?

A: “I’ve only competed in two things in my life. I did an Olympic-distance (triathlon) and I did a half Ironman down in Santa Cruz. Other than that, just my average fun outdoor activities are of that level. I like to go out on big day missions in the mountains — running, climbing, mountain biking, or whatever it might be. I like to think of those as being easily as challenging as an Ironman-style event.”

Q: So you did a half Ironman. How do you anticipate the full-distance Ironman Lake Tahoe comparing to that?

A: “I think it will be a good challenge, for sure. But I think it will be fun. I think it will be a good time doing it here on home turf and having a bunch of friends participating and spectating as well. I think I’ll be a one-and-done Ironmaner.”

Q: What inspired you to sign up for the 2015 Ironman Lake Tahoe?

A: “I signed up last year and didn’t get to do it. But I guess just the challenge, to see if I could do it. It seems like something that’s really hard to do, so I wanted to see how challenging it is and how much fun I can have with it.”

Q: What are your emotions entering Ironman Lake Tahoe. Are you nervous, excited, both?

A: “No. Last year I was really serious about training, and this year I’ve actually taken it super easy. I didn’t even start training until last week. I’ve just been mountain biking a ton because it’s been an amazing summer for that with all the precip we’ve gotten. And a little bit of trail running here and there. I just got on the road bike and started swimming last week, and I’m feeling good. I’m trying to go at it with a laid-back attitude.”

Q: What is your favorite portion of a triathlon — swim, bike or run — and why?

A: “I like all of it.”

Q: How is your training going? Do you feel like you’ll be prepared for the challenge on race day?

A: “I think it will be fine. I think a lot of folks could do the event — any fit individual. It’s the speed or the time that you might be going for that you have to prepare for. So if you’re trying to win or aim for a certain time, then you definitely have to prepare for that. I have a time in mind, but I’m not stressed about it. So I just want to make sure I can complete the mileage and go out and have fun with it and smile all day.”

Q: You mentioned having a time in mind. What is that?

A: “Well, last year I think I could have done it in 12 (hours). But being a little more laid-back this year, I think sub-13 is more realistic.”

Q: Who among your friends and family will be on hand to root you on?

A: “My wife will be out there, and then I have about a dozen friends who will probably be out. Just a bunch of local folks.”

Q: How do you plan to celebrate your finish?

A: “Hopefully with a Pliny (an IPA from Russian River Brewing Co.), if I can find one.”


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