Hewlett resident completes Ironman competition

Hewlett resident Jay Greenbaum participated in the Ironman U.S. Championship in Manhattan on Aug. 11 and completed the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon in 14 hours, 37 minutes and 37 seconds.

During the swim portion, Greenbaum was able to enjoy the view of the Palisades cliffs, however, safety came first after he witnessed a few crashes during the bike segment. “Finally when I jumped off the bike, I changed into running clothes and was on my way for the marathon,” said Greenbaum, who was the Herald’s Person of the Year in 2011. “However, running for me was a fantasy. With the very steep hills and the heat, even walking after a while was a struggle. I knew that stopping to take a break was not an option because starting up again would have been too difficult. “

What kept him trekking through the race was his family. “I thought of my family waiting for me at the finish line,” he said. “I thought of everyone who supported me and that inspired me to keep me going, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other.”

Greenbaum also raised $9,000 for the Nanuet-based Surprise Lake Camp by asking friends and family for their support. “I used the Ironman competition as an excuse to raise funds,” he said. “My kids have been campers and have worked there; it’s a wonderful cause. A lot of families cannot afford to send their kids and it’s a great experience for them.”

Shortly after his donation to Surprise Lake Camp, Greenbaum received an anonymous email from a parent of a child who went to the camp. “When my children come home next week, I will show them your picture. I will tell them it is because of people like you, they were able to go to camp for two months this year,” the email read.