Dr. Michael Milnes has lived and worked in Rochester, MN, as a physical therapist for nearly two decades. He loves helping fellow athletes heal from injuries and get back in the game. As a triathlete who completed his first Ironman in 2017, he can often be found running, swimming or cycling when he isn’t with his patients.

“I run races to inspire [my patients],” said Rochester, MN’s Dr. Michael Milnes in a recent interview. “The triathlons are also for myself, though, because if you’ve ever felt that finish line feeling, you know you [need] it again and again. I have at least five more Ironman races in me, and dozens more general races.”

Some of Dr. Milnes’ patients have asked him for advice in training for their first triathlons, and he’s happy to help. When asked for an explanation on how he trained, Dr. Michael Milnes wrote:

“I didn’t do one of those crazy ‘run a triathlon in twelve weeks!!’ things. I either ran, cycled and swam every day for a year. Then I set a date with my Ironman race and started the more intensive training.”

Unless you’re already in top shape, take a page from Dr. Michael Milnes of Rochester, MN, and don’t rush into your first triathlon. Train slowly and you’ll have a better chance of crossing the finish line injury-free.