Imagine swimming for two and a half miles, then biking for 112 miles and if that's not enough, then running for 26.2 miles. If these seem too difficult to be accomplished for most people, it is, but not for Mineola's own Barbara Stagnari.

An accomplished athlete who regularly competes in marathons and triathlons, Stagnari recently participated in an Ironman triathlon in Lake Placid, New York. Stagnari's first Ironman competition was a big success. She placed second in her age group for females, 10th out of all non-professional female athletes and 283rd out of approximately 2,000 total entrants, earning her a chance to compete in the prestigious World Championship of Triathlons in Hawaii on Oct. 15.

Stagnari has been an avid athlete, competing in triathlons for 20 years. If training and dedicating herself to athletics wasn't enough, she has also raised four children and has volunteered much of her time to coachng track for both St. Aidan's and Mineola Pal as well as swimming for St. Aidan's. But when the opportunity to compete in an Ironman competition presented itself, she was ready.

While you might think that competing in an Ironman would be enough to exhaust anyone, Stagnari said she felt good the whole way and she looks forward to competing among the world's best athletes next month. "It's really exciting. It's something not too many people have a chance to do," said Stagnari about competing in Hawaii.

Stagnari's hard work and determination has brought pride to the community of Mineola and she has become a role model with a message that anything is possible if you work for it. She will even get some national recognition as the World Championship of Triathlons in Hawaii will be televised on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. on NBC.

Before Stagnari can get to Hawaii, though, she has to raise money for the trip. She estimates that it will cost approximately $2,000 for airfare, room and board. She is already a quarter of the way there and has been promised contributions from Mineola Bicycle and Runner' Edge.

If anyone is interested in supporting Barbara's cause, you can send a check to The Barbara Stagnari Triathlon Fund c/o Marlene Giacinto, 345 Barwick Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501.