Patrick Holland began his love of triathlons in 2007.
The town of Ridgefield, Connecticut held a triathlon that year and the Ridgefield Fire Department, where he has worked as a firefighter/paramedic since 1994, wanted to field a relay team to complete it. Patrick, a swimmer in high school, volunteered to do the swimming portion but the fire department already had that covered. Patrick decided then that he may as well complete the entire triathlon alongside his fellow firefighters.
He hasn’t looked back since.
Patrick completed many triathlons and other endurance events soon after his inaugural race, but in 2008, he tore his ACL and PCL and had to take some time off to recover. He took some more time off from racing in 2011 when his son was born, but he always finds his way back to his training. He likes to include his family, wife Melissa, and his 14-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, in his training.
“Going for walks and bike rides as a family keeps everyone healthy and away from the television, but it’s also just a good time to spend together making memories,” said Patrick.
To date, Patrick has completed 10 sprint-distance triathlons, stair climbs, ski events, and an 18-mile kayak trip around Manhattan.
“There’s no doubt I love adrenaline and the outdoors,” jokes Patrick.
He is already looking forward to completing at least two triathlons in 2017, one of which the Ridgefield Triathlon. He also plans to complete the St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound, a 10 mile swim in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Patrick began at Columbia Southern University earlier this year after being introduced by his fellow firefighters at Ridgefield Fire Department, a CSU Learning Partner. He says having the support of those around him, as well as being on the LifePace track, has made a world of difference for his education.
“I tell everyone I meet in the fire industry about CSU,” said Patrick. “I started my bachelor’s degree at 43 so being a true adult learner, it really fits into my schedule and allows me to balance my time in the best way.”
“I see now that I am in my classes how much I need this degree. It’s not required of me, but everything I learn in my courses is applicable to what I do on the job every day. My time with CSU is going to translate in my career in very big ways.”
Patrick is an active member of CSU Knights Run. He enjoys sharing his training updates with fellow Knight Runners and encouraging others who are just starting out in endurance races.
He is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. He hopes to graduate with his Bachelor’s in Fire Administration in 2019.
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