From Iron Bars to Ironman: Ex Addict Turns to Triathlons

The first time Shane Niemeyer thought about Ironman triathlons, he had just tried to hang himself.

In 2003, Niemeyer was a 27-year-old homeless heroin addict in an Idaho jail, awaiting sentencing for drug possession and burglary. Guards put him in a straitjacket, and he says he used his feet to turn the pages of the magazine article about the endurance sport.

Since his March 2004 release from a prison drug program, he has completed eight Ironman distance races, covering a combined 140.6 miles (226.3 kilometres) in each. He placed 19th at a 2009 Ironman race in Wisconsin, out of nearly 2,400 competitors. On October 8, Niemeyer finished his first Ironman World Championship race in Kona, Hawaii.

A remarkable accomplishment to be sure, but not his most formidable one of the year. That came on December 10th when an Idaho judge finally released him from probation, marking what Niemeyer says is the first time in 15 years that he hasn't been either in prison, or under state supervision.

Niemeyer, who now lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he is a strength and conditioning coach and public speaker, said this,

It's good to look back and think how human beings are capable of extraordinary things.

There was something about triathlons, and the commitment they demanded, which tripped a switch inside him -- maybe this was his way out. Maybe he could spend his days swimming, cycling and running, instead of beating up Honduran drug dealers, or burglarizing businesses to fuel his $400/day habit.

While behind bars, Niemeyer would stay in shape by running in the small, rectangular yard at the county jail, or at a state prison track.

He says he can now see how his workout partners have capitalized on the same neurotic, excessive personality traits, that once turned him to drugs, to transform themselves into top successful athletes.

A fine line separates our angels from our demons, I see in them characteristics that went the other way in me."

What we can learn from this

It's always heartening to hear stories of what humans are capable of. When things seem hopeless in life, it's inspiring to know that these obstacles can be overcome.

As we ahead into 2011, take comfort in the fact that you have a great deal of control over your path. People like Shane Niemeyer are proof that we can accomplish great things, even when life seems bleak.

Image Credit: Shaw News