Triathlete Roher Completes 120-Day Ironman Countdown

David Roher marked the 120-day countdown to the Ironman Copenhagen event by running to the summit of the Kensico Dam on Thursday. The triathlete used the steep climb to transition his training from early spring conditions to the demands of the upcoming competition.

Roher described the run as a test of endurance and terrain. He navigated a dirt path along the side of the stone walls, where loose soil made forward progress difficult. The hillside resisted his attempts to dig in, forcing him to scale the incline with careful footing.

After covering one-third of the distance, he reached a set of cement stairs. The steps lacked railings, presenting a physical risk if he lost his balance. He climbed through a darkened section of woods where the canopy blocked the morning light, emerging only when the ascent ended at the top.

At the summit, Roher found a small, solitary structure that he described as a guard house. The building sat like a sentry overlooking the dam. He searched for a plaque or historical marker to explain the structure's purpose but found no information. He then stepped onto the road leading to the reservoir itself.

The dam stands 307 feet high and serves as a major landmark in the region. Roher has used the location as a checkpoint for his long runs during the past five weeks. The reservoir touches the towns of Armonk, Harrison, Valhalla, and White Plains, where Roher was born.

The site holds personal history for the coach. He watched summer fireworks at the location during his childhood. The village of Kensico was flooded to create the reservoir, and the name comes from Coken-se-co, a Siwanoy Indian chief who signed the deed for the city of White Plains.

Roher noted that the change in seasons required adjustments to his hydration strategy. He switched from carrying a 16.9-ounce water bottle to purchasing a second Gatorade at a Dunkin Donuts located at the five-mile mark of his route. He runs the course in the pre-dawn hours, often passing through sleeping suburbs and tree-lined roads.

The run concluded with a final stretch of ten miles. Roher planned to shower and say prayers before 7:30 a.m. He is a USAT certified triathlon and marathon coach and a veteran special education teacher. He can be reached on Instagram at @David Roher140.6.