On Sunday, July 30 in Lake Placid, New York, Compaq's Jeff Lynn and John Whalen spent the day and most of the night swimming, biking, and running. The two were among 1,500-plus competitors in one of the world's most grueling sporting events, the Ironman triathlon. An Ironman competition is a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride, wrapped up with a full marathon, 26.2 miles.

"I saw it on television and said, 'Oh, that's crazy.' But it was interesting and I was looking to get in shape," said Whalen, a senior account manager in Bethel, CT.

Training for three sports at once has an upside, according to the competitors. Cross-training reduces boredom and appears to reduce injuries and illness, according to Lynn, vice president and general manager of Compaq Professional Services in Stow, MA. "Since I started doing this four years ago, I'm healthier than ever -- fewer colds, fewer cases of flu," he said.

The sport of Triathlon actually comes in several sizes: sprint, Olympic, Half Ironman, and Ironman. Although this is their first full competition, both men are experienced in the sport. Lynn started out with sprints and, like Whalen, graduated to a Half Ironman last year.

The two have personal goals for Lake Placid. Lynn wanted to finish in less than 15 hours; Whalen was looking for a time under 13 hours. "I want to know that at least once, I was able to do it," said Lynn. "I will have a great sense of satisfaction if I can cross the finish line vertically before midnight."

ESPN will broadcast a taped version on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.