70.3 Miles for St. Simeon’s
On March 15, 2026, the Rev. Bryan Beard is taking on his first Ironman 70.3, and he’s dedicating every step, pedal, and stroke to the residents of Saint Simeon’s Senior Community.
Read a short message from Fr. Bryan on his Ironman below.
About two years ago I began a physical health journey for myself. I happen to be a Type 2 diabetic, and I didn’t like where my blood sugar levels had gotten to. With that came extra weight and plenty of persistently nagging ailments that were a constant reminder of the physically unhealthy space I had arrived at through poor eating habits and a lack of physical activity.
So, I changed what I was eating and drinking and started engaging in more physical activity. In the beginning that was just a mile or two walk a day, and a few brief rides on an indoor bike. Over time that stretched into running, longer outdoor bike rides, and eventually swimming as well. As my weight went down, and my physical fitness increased I started putting challenges out on the horizon for myself.
Starting out in March of 2025 I completed several fitness events. St Pat’s Day 5K(run), Spring Fever Sprint Triathlon, Cop Land Classic(bike), Tulsa Tough(bike), Olympic Distance Territorial Triathlon, Sapulpa Ninja 15k(run), Tour de Cowtown(bike), Tulsa Run 5k/15k(run), and the Route 66 Half Marathon(run). Perhaps you noticed that I happen to be someone who likes having something on the horizon that I’m training for.
Knowing that about myself I decided to put a bucket list goal on my radar for 2026. I want to complete a Half Ironman event in 2026. The better name is Ironman 70.3, which is how many miles you cover: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. Fortunately for me on March 15th, 2026, Little Elm, Texas (NW Dallas area) will host its inaugural Ironman 70.3 event. I’m registered for the event and have been training and preparing for it.
When I chose to put this event on my event calendar, I also started some reflection. These fitness events have been great motivators for me personally, but the good done has really been limited to just myself. It occurred to me that the Ironman 70.3 might be an opportunity to extend that good beyond myself and try to do some good elsewhere.
I decided I wanted to tie completing the event to a fundraising effort for Saint Simeon’s Senior Living Center, an assisted living center for seniors in the Tulsa area. Working with the Saint Simeon’s Foundation team we’ve setup the following website 70.3 Miles for Saint Simeon's - Saint Simeon's Senior Community where donations or pledges can be made. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Perhaps there’s a flat dollar amount you’d like to give or lean into the 70.3 of the event and pledge a certain amount per mile that I complete on that day. For example, a $1/mile pledge would be worth $70.30 when I successfully complete the event. Regardless of if you’re able to give a little, give a lot, or even just offer up a few prayers and best wishes for Saint Simeon’s and myself all will be greatly appreciated.
To learn more about Saint Simeon’s and the wonderful work they’re doing there you can visit their website at Saint Simeon's Senior Community | Tulsa Faith-Based Senior Care. You might also consider their other larger fundraising efforts at their Spring Soiree and Western Days events.
Thank you so much for your consideration and support!
The Rev. Bryan Beard
