DR. RICHARDBOSSHARDT TAKING POSITIVE STEPS

Dr. Richard Bosshardt recently completed one of the most grueling races known to mankind — a full Ironman triathlon.

During the race, which was held November 2 in Panama City, the 61-year-old plastic surgeon fi nished a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.2-mile run in 13 hours, 36 minutes, and 33 seconds. Adrenaline pumped through his body as he arrived at the fi nish line, where he was greeted by a cheering crowd and the booming voice of the race announcer who proudly proclaimed, “Richard Bosshardt, you are an Ironman!”

At that moment, Dr. Bosshardt realized the impossible just became possible. This magnificent triumph was the culmination of a year’s worth of intense training and digging deep whenever difficulties arose.

“During the swim portion, I was accidentally kicked in the hand and hit in the eye by someone’s heel,” says Dr. Bosshardt, who owns Bosshardt and Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates in Tavares. “At that point, I just told myself to embrace the chaos and have a good time. And at the beginning of the run my muscles did not want to work because I had just completed a 112-mile bike ride. I kept running and after a few miles, my muscles limbered up. I paced myself and conserved energy.”

For Dr. Bosshardt, this was the latest feat in an impressive list of athletic accomplishments. He has completed two other Olympic-distance triathlons and a half Ironman. Each April, he participates in a two-day, 100-mile bicycle ride to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. He has also conquered both the Boston Marathon and Disney Marathon.

Although his career as a plastic surgeon keeps him busy, he always fi nds time to exercise. He says others should be able to fi nd time, as well.

“We all have 24 hours in a day, and everyone has time if they make time,” says Dr. Bosshardt, who became a vegetarian in July 2012. “I also believe that everyone is capable of doing more than they do. In one year you can be in a completely different place.”