An Oklahoma priest is in the final stages of training to compete on March 15 in his first half Ironman, which consists of 70.3 miles of swimming, biking and running. But rather than just making a personal effort, he also is raising money for Saint Simeon’s Senior Community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.
The Rev. Bryan Beard is the part-time vicar of Church of the Holy Cross in Owasso, Oklahoma, about 15 miles northeast of Tulsa. He also works full time for Avis, the car rental company.
Beard, who is 52, told Episcopal News Service that his journey to this race began about two years ago, when he decided to get better control of his health. He has had Type 2 diabetes for about 15 years, and by early 2024 both his blood sugar numbers and his weight were too high. So, he changed what he ate and drank, and he began exercising more.
He started with some short walks and riding his indoor bike. As his fitness level increased, walking turned into running, along with extended outdoor bike rides. And with the thought of a possible triathlon on his mind, he started swimming. To read more, click here
