Local teacher finds peace of mind through triathlon training

The path to peace of mind is more than a three-step program of swim, bike and run.

But David Neale is trying.

Triathlons have given the 43-year-old Spokane man a chance for some focus, a chance to turn all those of “why-me’s?” into “why not?”

The upcoming Ironman 70.3 in Coeur d’Alene is many things, but mostly a benchmark for physical fitness. Sunday’s more than that for Neale, who has dealt more than his share of one-step-forward, two-steps-back.

His parents split when he was 3 years old, and Neale is twice-divorced himself. He served his country as a sniper in the Marine Corps and saw action in Somalia, but his military career ended after a rappelling accident tore a shoulder out of its socket.

However, Neale persevered, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. With a kinesiology degree at Washington State and a master’s in human development, he teaches robotics and life science at Mountainside Middle School in Mead.

However, his home life suffered. By 2015, Neale was divorced for the second time and was packing 255 pounds on a 6-foot frame.

“I was depressed,” Neale said. “I asked myself ‘why did all these things happen to me? I certainly never thought I’d be divorced twice.”

“There were some good times, but some things I needed to process,” said Neale, who also wants to be a strong role model for his two daughters, ages 14 and 8.

Motivation came that fall in the Glow in the Park 5K event in downtown Spokane. Training was tougher than expected: Neale’s first attempt ended after less than a mile.

However, he finished the 5K, then doubled his fun at the Wild Moose Chase later in 2015.

“Then I’m saying, if I’m running 7 miles, why can’t I run 13?” said Neale, who followed with a half-marathon.

By the spring of 2016, Neale was ready for his first triathlon. The ex-Marine had no trouble with the swim – a sticking point for many new triathletes – and quickly got comfortable on the bike.

Inspiration was all around him. “I was never much of a social media guy,” said Neale, who says he’ll never touch Facebook but found support via Instagram from friends and fellow athletes.

Inner peace came on those long training sessions, which are even longer as Neale prepares for his first half Ironman.

A recent workout included an 1,850-yard swim, two hours on a stationary bike and a one-hour run.

Elapsed time: 5 ½ hours, plenty of time for reflection.

“This has helped me process, why do I have certain insecurities, certain triggers and anxieties,” Neale said. “I’ve learned to let things go, and trust that God has a plan for me.”