Jeffrey's Road to Ironman: A Sobriety Journey

‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️ From Rock Bottom to Ironman: My Journey to Lake Placid 2027

Hi, my name is Jeffrey Rogers. I’m 38 years old, a full-time meat cutter at Texas Roadhouse, and I’m training for the most demanding challenge of my life: Ironman Lake Placid in 2027.

But this isn’t just about swimming, biking, and running. This is about redemption, transformation, and proving that no matter how far off course life takes you, you can always fight your way back.

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My Story

For most of my life, I struggled—battling addiction, making destructive choices, and ending up in places I never want to go back to. But everything changed on September 13, 2023, the day I got sober.

I’ve been clean ever since.

Now, I’m two years into sobriety and climbing my way out of the hole I once lived in. I’m focused. I’m grounded. And for the first time in a long time, I’m chasing something great—something I never thought I could do: finishing an Ironman.

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What Is Ironman Lake Placid?

Ironman Lake Placid is one of the oldest and toughest full-distance Ironman races in North America. It includes:

• 2.4-mile open water swim in Mirror Lake

• 112-mile bike ride through the Adirondack Mountains

• 26.2-mile marathon run to the finish line in downtown Lake Placid

And you have to do it all in under 17 hours.

This race is no joke—it’s one of the ultimate tests of endurance, and I’m determined to cross that finish line.

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Why I Need Your Help

As I build myself back physically, mentally, and emotionally, I’m also facing the reality of the costs. Training for Ironman over the next two years takes time, consistency, and resources I don’t currently have.

Your donation will go toward:

• Ironman Lake Placid 2027 race entry fee

• A reliable road or triathlon bike

• Running shoes, wetsuit, and training gear

• Nutrition, coaching, and recovery needs

• Travel and lodging expenses for race week

Even $5 makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing my story—every bit of support helps me keep moving forward.

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Why This Matters

This isn’t just about a race. It’s about proving that people can change. That someone with a troubled past can fight for a future worth being proud of. That it’s never too late to start over—and go all in.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you for believing in me.

Let’s get to that finish line—Ironman Lake Placid 2027!!!

— Jeffrey Rogers

‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️ Why I’m Asking for Your Support: A Breakdown of Ironman Expenses

Training for and completing an Ironman triathlon is one of the most demanding challenges on the planet. It requires not only relentless dedication, discipline, and heart—but also a significant financial investment. I’m asking for $10,000 to help cover the full scope of expenses involved in pursuing this dream, and I want to be completely transparent about where every dollar will go.

1. Race Entry Fees – $800–$1,000

Ironman races are premium, logistically complex events. Registration alone can cost nearly $1,000, depending on the race location.

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‍♂️ 2. Triathlon Gear – $4,000–$5,000 total

• Triathlon Bike (new or high-end used): $2,000–$3,000

• Helmet, Cycling Shoes, Tools, and Maintenance Gear: $300–$500

• Smart Trainer for Indoor Training: $500–$1,000

• Wetsuit (Triathlon-specific): $200–$700

• Tri Suit (racing gear): $100–$300

• Running Shoes & Apparel: $200–$400

• Watch (Garmin or similar multisport GPS): $300–$600

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️ 3. Training & Nutrition – $1,000–$1,500

• Coaching or Training Plans: $300–$600

• Gym Membership or Pool Access: $300–$500

• Sports Nutrition (gels, electrolytes, protein, etc.): $50–$100/month

• Supplements, Recovery Tools (foam rollers, massage gun, etc.)

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✈️ 4. Travel & Lodging – $1,000–$2,000

Many Ironman races require travel. This includes:

• Flights or gas

• Hotel/Airbnb stay for 3–5 nights

• Meals and race-day logistics

• Transporting a bike and gear

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5. Miscellaneous & Contingency – $500–$1,000

• Bike tune-ups, new tires, tubes, chain replacements

• Event parking, bag check, tips

• Race insurance

• Entry to smaller prep races (sprint, Olympic, or half Ironman events)

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TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $9,500–$11,000

Every dollar you donate goes toward this once-in-a-lifetime goal. This journey is about more than just crossing a finish line—it’s about proving that with enough grit, recovery, and community, we can transform our lives and inspire others to do the same.

Whether it’s $5 or $500, your support means the world. Thank you for helping me chase this dream.