Gaiser, William give Ironman another shot

The last time Scott Gaiser did this, it was a complete success.

"Everyone said enjoy the experience, don't blow out, finish with a smile on your face," said Gaiser, of Kalispell.

"That's what I did."

That was the 2003 Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.

Gaiser completed the grueling test in 10 hours, 40 minutes.

Well Gaiser is back and will compete in the 2005 Ironman this Saturday, but with a different attitude.

"If I could be close to 10 (hours), that would be great," he said.

"This time I'd like to push it. My goal this year is to give it my best shot."

The Ironman will begin at 7 a.m. with a 2.4 mile swim in Kailua Bay followed by a 112-mile bike on the Kona-Kohala Coast highway and concluding with a 26.2-mile run. All on Kona, Hawaii's big island.

This year there will be 1,800 competitors.

"I'd like to finish before dark," he said.

"Six p.m."

Gaiser is one of three Montanans competing. The other two are Chris Williams, a 1997 graduate of Flathead High School, and Adam Jenson of Missoula.

"It was kinda like the unknown," said Gaiser of his first Hawaii Ironman.

"Hadn't been there, kinda excited. An honor to be there, the accomplishment."

Gaiser left for Hawaii and his second Ironman on Tuesday.

"I'm anxious to get there," he said before leaving.

'"Get the feel. It's pretty exhilarating with all those athletes there from all over the world."

Gaiser qualified for the Ironman by completing the Cour d'Alene Ironman in a time of 9:56:02.

He was a last-minute entrant, but finished a very respectable 51st overall.

"It's an honor to be there," he said.

"It's a lifestyle. I feel very blessed, healthy enough to do this. However it works out, I hope to continue."

Gaiser has been training under the guidance of professional triathlete coach Craig Howe of Boulder, Colo.

"A great learning experience for me to follow a scientific regimen," he said.

"A lot more diversity in what I'm doing with my bike, swim and run. Diversity in workouts."

Williams will be competing in his third, and perhaps, his final Ironman.

"I've cut way back on training," he said.

"I do more alternative stuff. I learned how to surf this year. When I'm home in Montana, I run in Glacier Park.

"I like to be fit," he continued.

"To me it's more important to go out for a long day of skiing, hiking than to stay on my schedule for the sport of triathlon."

With that in mind, he says this time he plans to take advantage of the island.

"My first two times I was focused on the race," he said.

"This time, I want to go surfing, snorkeling, check out the waterfalls, spend time with friends and family."

Williams is currently in his final year of dental school at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

"Dental school takes priority," he said.

Williams, like Gaiser, qualified for the Ironman at Coeur d'Alene.

"I feel relaxed and confident," he said.

"The biggest thing, you realize what gives you confidence, peace of mind. If you get too nervous, you set yourself up for failure."