Chuck Totero is a 50+ years young member of the club. He's interviewed here for this Spotlight feature.

Chuck unloads his revamped feather-light Litespeed

Chuck, I know you've literally climbed mountains. But how did triathlons enter the picture?
"I started running in medical school. An injury got me onto a bike and the rest is history. It all started in an attempt to stay in shape to climb. As the climbs got bigger and more dangerous the boss, Julie [Chuck's wife] became more upset with my pastime. Ironman became my "big mountain" alternative. It was just in time because my climbing buddy Beck Weathers wound up frozen on the top of Everest. Ironman seems tame!"

You seem to have dived right into the sport. What keeps you going?
I love everything about it. The health benefits, the friendships, the competition. It's a non-lethal way to test what you are made of. It satisfies a primordial urge (fight and flight) that is strong in all of us who do this - especially Ironman."

People seem to have a connection to the club through Tom or Rich. What was yours?
"I did all my training alone until I ran into "El Presidente" at a freezing Montauk Triathlon. Rich said, 'Why don't you come and ride with me and my friends', and again, the rest is history."

You've gone long each year I've known you. This year is no exception, no?
"Ironman USA and Ironman Wiscconsin this year. I'm looking forward to going back to Lake Placid where the Ironman thing all started for me. Canada was the best but Lake Placid is a close second."

How are you adapting to the stresses of going long each year?
"As the old bones get older, injury is a major consideration. Less training, less running, better nutrition and getting to the start line thin, thin, thin. Not easy for a fat Italian kid from the Bronx. I wanna be like 'Rich' (Mike)..."

You've had some recent work done on your bike. What did that involve?"
"As you all know I like to keep it simple!!! It was just a little bike re-do by Saul and Carl Strong. The LiteSpeed is now 3.5lbs lighter and I have Izzo drooling."

What's your occupation?, and what's your training schedule?
An Ironman. I pass the rest of the time as an Orthopedic Surgeon. Being your own boss makes it pretty easy. Up at five every day, long weekend workouts and an understanding wife also help.