“This is the only sport, of many, I have ever done where I compete WITH athletes and not AGAINST athletes” – Jim Birch
If you haven’t met Jim, then let me introduce you; if you have, then you are a lucky one. Jim Birch is a loving husband, a cancer survivor and has been a Triathlete for thirty years. He has qualified for eight World Championships, competed in seven of them, and has podiumed in two of them. It is hard to believe that over thirty years ago this world champion competitor was a couch potato extraordinaire. This year, Birch will be returning June 10th, to his original training grounds, which includes much of the Grand Rapids Triathlon course. We asked him if he would share some of his Triathlon insight with us, and he kindly agreed to pass along his wisdom.
How did you begin doing triathlons?
Birch: At the beginning, I was a 246 pound couch potato. A fellow 250-pounder challenged me to compete in a 10K race and I accepted the challenge. In preparation, I walked to the end of my driveway, looked down the street to the stoplight and told myself that jogging to and from that stoplight I would have run one mile…ahh, “A journey does begin with only one step”.
During this time, I vividly recall watching Julie Moss literally crawl across the finish line at one of the first televised *World Ironman competitions. This was to become my inspiration. I soon joined a swim program and borrowed a bike with a basket, which immediately gave away my “amateur status”, and I embarked on the rest of my life trip!
What is your motivation?
Birch: The variety of the three disciplines, it’s impossible to get bored; and above all, the people that participate. I have met so many wonderful, positive, inspirational people from all over the World. This is the first sport I have ever been involved in that knows no gender gap or age gap! As competitors, we all want to win or at least, beat the age grouper in front of us, but if winning goes to the next guy; everyone is there to congratulate him or her on a race well done. I’ve been fortunate enough to have enjoyed conversations with some of the Icons of Triathlon, the Pros, and have always been impressed with their open camaraderie and love of the sport. To have a 25 year-old triathlete seek me out for conversation is so satisfying and fun. I always have room for more friends!
What is your number 1 rule?
Birch: When working out: Be kind to yourself. We do this for the fun of it, not the pain of it. When competing: First use your right leg, then your left … and repeat! Also, keep breathing!
On living your dreams.
Birch: During my first Hawaii World Ironman race, I hit a water bottle at mile 60 on the bike course, my handlebars jackknifed, and I ended up diving into the highway head first. I don’t have any memory of that event or of my trip to the hospital. The diagnosis: three skull fractures, and a total loss of hearing in my left ear. About two months later, while recovering at home, a phone call comes from the Race Director of the Ironman World Championship, checking to see how my recovery was progressing. My Wife assured her that I was progressing physically, but that I was emotionally distressed and depressed over not finishing my “dream” race. With that being said, the Director and “new friend”, Diana Bertsch, offered me a return slot for the next year’s race. Overjoyed, I gratefully accepted, returned to Kona the following year and finally, fulfilled my dream! To this day, Diana and I keep in touch, and we sat together during the Inaugural 70.3 World Championship some two years later.
On being a survivor.
Birch: About 12 years ago, I was informed that I had Cancer and that I would need to have surgery to remove the diseased tumor. Fortunately and thankfully, all has turned out well. I did, at that time, have an unthinking colleague approach me with the statement that I would surely die from Cancer.
I “thanked” him for his concern and responded by telling him that I chose to live with Cancer, NOT die by Cancer. A big part of survival is being surrounded by loving, caring people who share my passion. I still get excited when the gun goes off, and the testing of myself begins again. Admittedly, I relish the feeling of accomplishment when I finish. There’s never a way of knowing in advance which Jim Birch is going to show up for any given race, but there is always the understanding that however difficult or challenging the day turns out to be, I am going to be able to share it with people who know the value of a smile.
