Do we have a world champion in our midst? Published Sept. 9, 2012 By 2nd Lt. Anthony M. Mutti, Public Affairs 104th Fighter Wing Barnes Air National Guard Base, 104th Fighter Wing - Westfield, Mass -- Lt. Col. Michael Cousins isn't at drill this Sept weekend; instead he's in Los Vegas, Nevada racing in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship! This triathlon consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run - how many of you could do that? Cousins came in top for his age group during a qualifying race in Panama City, Panama February 12, 2012. "The real honor is in qualifying, and frankly, I was a little surprised that I did," said Cousins. "Now, I've really focused my training during the warm summer months." How does one train for an endurance triathlon? If you're Cousins put aside at least 15-19 hours a week to swim, bike, run, lift weights and work on your core. When asked how his 23 years in the military might have helped prepare him for this race, Lt. Col. Cousins had this to say, "Of course, there's the whole focus on fitness, but it's also just another mission. It may be difficult, but you focus on things one step at a time, you focus on all the little pieces, you do those right, and the whole thing will come together in the end."