In the world of triathlons, where physical endurance meets a tight-knit community, the finish line is just one part of the journey. For Josh Wilken, an educator and father, it wasn’t just the race itself, but the support and camaraderie that ignited his passion for the sport.
Wilken was first introduced to triathlons when a former student asked him to help with the swim portion of the Black Squirrel Triathlon in Council Bluffs.
“I helped train him, and then showing up to the event to support him lit a fire in me,” Wilken said. “I saw how supportive the community was, the energy around that kind of event, it was something I wanted to be a part of. It was so different from anything I had ever seen, different from the traditional 5k and 10k road races. It combined different sports, and that excited me. It was a new challenge.”
That first triathlon marked the beginning of what would become a defining chapter in Wilken’s life. At his first triathlon, Wilken faced many unexpected challenges, testing his physical limits and mental resilience. However, through those trials and tribulations, he focused on his goals and drew strength from his support system.
“It’s just something that you have to look inside yourself for and go back to your training. It tests you, challenges you a little bit to find out what you’re made of,” Wilken reflected. “I think that’s something that I enjoy about it. The camaraderie I’ve experienced, not only as a spectator, but as an athlete, has kept me coming back. In my first event, the goal was to finish right, just to get through. The veterans were there to win, but they were also cheering me on throughout the entire event.”
For Wilken, the mental aspect of swimming is the hardest part of a triathlon, but the real challenge lies in sticking with the training, even on tough days. He is a father and a husband above all else, and maintaining balance comes with many sacrifices.
“Balancing everything that I have as a husband, a father, a full-time employee and a student working on my Series 7 is tough,” Wilken states. “The only way I’m going to get everything done and maintain my sanity is to wake up in the morning and just get after it. Sometimes, that’s a mental block and a mental challenge in itself. You don’t get better on the easy days. You get better on the tough days when you stick it out and get it done.”
Through his dedication, the father aims to be a positive example for his kids, demonstrating the value of perseverance and the importance of staying healthy. For him, the triathlon journey is about self-improvement, not medals or recognition.
“I’m not in it to win any medals. I’m not looking for any accolades, and to be honest, I’m just not competing at that level. For me, it’s about self-improvement. I’m looking to drop time as an athlete, and that’s something that I see as competition within myself. I’m also just trying to be a healthier version of myself every day and to be a good example for my kids. To hopefully live long and healthy.”
Wilken started triathlons knowing very little about the sport. However, through asking questions, being supported and dedicating himself to improvement, he’s been able to keep progressing and growing in his craft.
As for advice, Wilken emphasizes, “The best thing that you can do is just get started and learn as you go.”
As he sees it, the triathlon journey is much more than a race. It’s about community, self-discovery and finding the strength to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way.
“If you have to stop, stop. If you need to walk, walk, but keep going with the process.”
