My Path to Becoming a Man Made of Iron
My name is Nathan Foster. I’m a combat veteran who once planned to make a career in the military as an infantry officer.
I enlisted before college so I could gain experience while obtaining my degree through ROTC to commission. I served in the Army National Guard while in college to gain additional experience. Halfway through college, I realized my calling was in the private sector where I could pursue more entrepreneurial endeavors.
I finished out my enlistment contract. In August 2019, I deployed as an infantryman attached to Green Beret teams in Afghanistan.
Transitioning back to civilian life after a combat deployment was tough. The experience initially set me back but has now become my foundation and motivation. I’d like to share that story with you.
Using Alcohol to Cope with PTSD
War isn’t fun. Combat is an unparalleled mixture of fear and exhaustion. I didn’t realize the toll it took on me until I returned home. My transition back to civilian life after combat wasn’t graceful. I was ashamed, angry, scared, and confused and avoided seeking help.
Instead, I turned to alcohol to suppress my feelings. It became a pervasive and dangerous coping mechanism that permeated every area of my life.
As time went on, the problem only got worse. My mind became more foggy and my environment felt more out of control. It reached levels where I would rationalize death because it would mean that I’d finally have peace and quiet.
I am fortunate that I didn’t give into these temptations.
My Turning Point
My life began to turn around when I started my fitness journey. My VA team kept proposing fitness as a healthier and more effective alternative to alcohol or meds. I was very skeptical at first but thought I’d give it a try.
So, one day, I laced up my running shoes and went out the door. I soon realized running provides a positive physical release to manage my stress and a dedicated quiet time I needed to process things.
How I Became an IRONMAN
When I first started, my fitness just wasn’t there due to the drinking. But, as time went on, fitness gave me more pleasure and release than the alcohol and I found myself consuming less and less.
I knew if I wanted to keep up the momentum, I needed to set a lofty goal. I first set out to complete a marathon. After completing my first marathon, I realized I had much room for growth both physically and mentally.
What’s more challenging than an IRONMAN? I viewed it as the pinnacle of races and the perfect goal that would keep me focused on my fitness and sobriety.
I trained for over two years for my first full IRONMAN. Halfway through, with the help of exercise and therapy at the VA, I fully quit alcohol. Now when the flashbacks and ruminating thoughts happen, I use them to push myself and train harder rather than turning to alcohol.
In April 2024, I completed the Texas IRONMAN and finally claimed the title I’d worked so hard for. To me, this accomplishment symbolized not just the physical endurance I achieved but also the mental resilience I built.
I want other veterans to have that same feeling of accomplishment.
Putting the “Team” in Multi-Sport
Today, my focus is on using fitness as a tool for growth and transformation. By sharing my story and how triathlons changed my life, I hope to help others struggling with similar issues.
As the Multi-Sport Activity Group Leader at Team RWB, I want to turn the solo pursuit of triathlons into a team effort that transforms lives and builds lasting connections. My goal is to keep pushing myself physically while creating a supportive community that lifts up and empowers its members.
Will you join us?
BIG NEWS: Team RWB and Team IRONMAN Foundation are partnering together to give you entries for the Agusta 70.3 this September.
What you get: Free entry, new Team RWB racing kit, help with training, and fundraising support
What you give: Raise a minimum of $1,650 to support our nation's Veterans and show off your 🦅 🔥
Learn more and apply for your FREE entry today.
