Father of Quadruplets Nick Tierney Turned Ironman Training Into Child’s Play

Father of Quadruplets Nick Tierney Turned Ironman Training Into Child’s Play

The Quadfather’s Journey

Meet Nick Tierney, a 46-year-old athlete from Delaware, OH, who has overcome numerous challenges in both his personal and athletic life. Known to friends, family, and triathlon enthusiasts as "The Quadfather," Tierney is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As a former soccer player and downhill skier, he discovered his true calling in triathlons and made his Ironman debut in Kentucky in 2011.

- Advertisement -

A New Chapter

Just as Tierney was building momentum in his triathlon career, life threw a curveball. His wife gave birth to quadruplets in 2012, forcing him to put his Ironman dreams on hold. Many would assume that his triathlon days were behind him, but Tierney had other ideas. He returned to competition, earning a coveted entry to the Ironman World Championship mere months after the birth of his children. Not only did he compete and complete the race but also raised funds for the Elenore Rocks charity.

Balancing Family and Training

As an athlete, Tierney’s lifestyle underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of his quadruplets. He admits that his training load decreased initially, but he made adjustments to ensure he still had time for his fitness goals. "Everyone’s life is busy, but you can always find time for what’s important to you," he says.

Tierney’s secret to balancing family responsibilities with training is simple: efficiency and early mornings. He wakes up at 4:30-4:45 am, six days a week, to fit in his morning workouts. Tuesdays and Thursdays are shorter sessions, while weekends feature longer runs and bike rides. When the kids are in school or camp, he takes advantage of the extra time to fit in longer training sessions.

Training and Recovery

Tierney’s training consists of 6 days of morning workouts, with some days featuring shorter sessions. His favorite discipline is running, which he enjoys the most. Swimming is his weak spot, but he overcomes this by using his Total Gym workout machine for dry-land exercises and mimicking swim strokes for 15-20 minutes.

The Process vs. the Result

Despite his impressive results, Tierney emphasizes that competing in Ironman events is about the process, not just the result. "When Covid hit, pools closed, and race options were limited. That’s when I jumped into the Ultra races and went for the Burning River 100," he explains. "My most resent Ironman result reflected my training, and I’m hoping to get closer to 5 hours again next year."

Advice for Busy Dads

Tierney’s message to dads who say they don’t have time to be active is simple: "If it’s something you really want to do, you can make time for your own dreams and make them a reality. Everyone has a challenging story, but along with the many excuses as to why you can’t do something, if you want it, do it! It may take some lifestyle changes and sacrifices, but it’s so worth it."

Conclusion

Nick Tierney’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and self-motivation. From his early days as a soccer player and downhill skier to his current endeavors as an Ironman triathlete, Tierney’s story serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt like they don’t have the time or energy to pursue their passions.

FAQs

Q: What was life like before having children?
A: Before having children, I had all the time in the world to train, but I never felt like I did. In retrospect, my training load was not that high compared to my volume today.

Q: Did you wonder if your athletic pursuits would come to an end when you found out you were having quadruplets?
A: Not once. I was excited to learn that we were having four babies, and I continued to train and compete despite the challenges that came with having a large family.

Q: How do you balance family responsibilities with your training?
A: I wake up early, make efficiency a priority, and adjust my training schedule according to my family’s needs.

Q: What’s your favorite discipline in Ironman triathlons?
A: Running is my strongest event and I enjoy it the most of the 3 disciplines.