Lexus of Las Vegas technician enjoys challenge of triathlons

Stephan Joppien began running marathons in his 20s. After completing several in his native Germany and throughout the United States, however, he found the 26-mile jaunts boring. That’s when Joppien turned to more challenging triathlons.

Triathlons encompass the sports of swimming, bicycle riding and running with distances varying depending on the competition.

Joppien, a technician at Lexus of Las Vegas, has participated in Olympic-distance triathlons that consist of a 1,500-meter swim, a 25-mile bike ride and a 6-mile run. He also has entered half Ironman races that include a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bicycle ride and a 13.1-mile run.

“To me, it’s just finishing it that’s important,” Joppien says. “I always try to find something that challenges me. My ultimate goal is to do a full Ironman.”

A full Ironman is a long-distance triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run. Joppien recently participated in two Olympic-distance events in Las Vegas, the Showdown at Sundown at Lake Las Vegas and the Rage Triathlon at Lake Mead. He also competed in the U.S. Professional Championship half Ironman in St. George, Utah, which he finished in six hours and 50 minutes. Last year, Joppien also finished a half Ironman in Provo, Utah.

“Triathlons are always different,” Joppien says. “Toward the end of 2014, I plan to do the Nevada Silverman half Ironman. It will be one of my toughest races because of the hills, but I like doing this. It helps me stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle.”

The Lexus of Las Vegas dealership is at 6600 W. Sahara Ave. For information, call 702-942-6600 or visit www.lexusof lasvegas.com