‘I thought my life was over’: Stroke survivor trains for Ironman 70.3 Boise race

Idaho’s Southeast Boise This Saturday marks the return of the Ironman 70.3 triathlon to Boise, and a local competitor is displaying incredible perseverance ten years after a stroke that changed his life.

After suffering a stroke in 2012, Kevin Rhinehart never thought he would participate in an Ironman race. However, the athlete claims that since the beginning of his recuperation, he has made significant progress.

“I was in a wheelchair and couldn’t speak right after my stroke,” Rhinehart recalled.

While residing in Kona, Hawaii, in 2017, he volunteered for a World Championship Triathlon, which marked the start of his unexpected triathlon journey.

“And whether it’s part inspiration, God, craziness, I said ‘I could do something like this,'” said Rhinehart.

Soon after, he finished his first Ironman race because of the desire that was ignited by that experience.

He is now getting ready to take on the Boise course, which consists of a 13.1-mile run along our Greenbelt, a 56-mile bike ride through rural Boise roads, and a 1.2-mile swim at Lucky Peak.

Rhinehart continues to have some physical difficulties. During competition, he is supported by an AFO brace.

Rhinehart responded, “It lifts my foot,” when asked how the brace benefits him.

Watch Rhinehart prepare for the Ironman 70.3 Boise event at Lucky Peak:

He claims that local groups, such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation of Idaho and Stroke Survivors CAN!—the term that became his personal mantra during recovery—have supported his path.

Additionally, his charity organization, which offers support groups for stroke survivors and their caregivers, is now named after the same philosophy.

For the 70.3-mile endurance race, Rhinehart trains three to four times a week, but he isn’t focused on winning.

“I say that I’m taking part, not competing. “Triathletes look up to me because I’m persistent, even though I’m not fast,” Rhinehart said.

Rhinehart believes that his experience will encourage others in our community who are dealing with comparable difficulties.

“Whether it’s through sports or something else, you can make your life better. Even after suffering a severe stroke, life goes on. And I do this,” Rhinehart remarked.

On Saturday, July 26, the Ironman 70.3 Boise triathlon will start at Lucky Peak and end in downtown Boise.

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