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TSgt Andrew Lowe becomes unit's first "Ironman"

  • Published
  • By MSgt Brian Stike
  • ANG Band of the Northeast
ANNVILLE, PA --  On August 17, 2014, Technical Sergeant Andrew Lowe, trombonist and Brass Quintet leader with the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, participated in the North American Ironman Championship in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. 

This grueling race, which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run, is considered to be the pinnacle of athletic competitions by most.  Completing an Ironman is an accomplishment that forces the participant to run, bike, and swim for a total of 140.6 miles in less than 24 hours. 

"My day began at 3:30 am when I awoke and had a small breakfast.  At 4:30 am, my wife drove me to the transition area where the day before I had dropped off my bike and 2 of the 4 transition bags which hold all of your running and biking needs" said TSgt Lowe.  "My age group would start about 6:50 am, so I began to get into my wetsuit (the water was 67 degrees) and waited in the corral." 

TSgt Lowe trained for over a year for this event, spending 10-17 hours a week swimming, running, or biking.  Most people say that the hardest part of the Ironman is the training- making it to the starting line without sustaining an injury and staying healthy during the entire training program is extremely difficult.   TSgt Lowe had passed this initial test, and his year of training was about to pay off. 

"I was hoping for about an hour and 20 minutes for the swim, so I was pleased when I got out of the water in 1 hour 15 minutes.  During the transition to the longest portion of the race (the bike), I saw my cheering section of twelve, which included my family, in-laws, mom, and my sisters' family, and that kept my spirits high as I headed into this very draining portion of the race."

Over 300 people participated in TSgt Lowe's age group.  This was the largest segment of the race, and Sgt Lowe was holding his own within the pace of the pack.  The bike race consisted of two loops, each 56 miles long and exactly the same.  "The wind picked up during the second loop and the temperature was in the mid 50's, so I was glad to be wearing a long sleeve T-shirt."  During the next transition, TSgt Lowe changed into his Air Force running Jersey for the full length marathon, and represented our branch of the service well as he completed this grueling race.

"I saw my wife, kids, and nephew around mile 5."  At this point, the race was getting difficult for TSgt Lowe.  The temperature was dropping, he couldn't stomach any nutritional supplements, and exhaustion was setting in.  In addition, it had just started to rain.  "I saw the rest of my entourage around mile 13 of the marathon, and had a plan to run until mile 20 and then walk the last 10K.  I knew I had plenty of time to finish and was feeling OK." 

As the temperature continued to drop and the rain continued to fall, TSgt Lowe changed his plan for the close of the race and ran as much as he could to stay warm.  "With about a half mile to go, I passed the last aid station and just ran through the village, high-fiving anyone and everyone who wanted one.  I saw most of my family as I came through the chute and as I crossed the finish line, I listened for those words that most people who are crazy enough to do one of these races are hoping to hear:  'Andy Lowe, YOU are an IRONMAN!'".   13 hours and 53 minutes had elapsed.  TSgt Lowe had his finisher's medal, and was escorted to the medical tent for evaluation and observation, where he spent a little bit of time rehydrating and recovering. 

The members of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard are extremely proud of TSgt Lowe.  His accomplishment in the Ironman competition speaks highly to his character as a person and as a member of the Air National Guard.  He is a dedicated, passionate Airman who sees things through to the end, no matter the level of difficulty or obstacles he may need to overcome.  His actions both in and out of uniform bring credit upon the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, and the unit is lucky to have him as a fellow Airman, a fellow Air Force Musician, and a friend. 

"What an awesome experience" says TSgt Lowe.  "This was definitely one of the best experiences in my life.  Now the big decision - do I get the tattoo?"