Mike Blessing
On Aug. 24, the Back Mountain Triathlon returns for its third year to Harveys Lake and the Back Mountain community. Over 300 athletes are expected, with many of those being first-time triathletes. The race this year will again feature a Sprint distance course (750 meter swim/12 mile bike/5K run), occurring at the same time as the original Olympic length race; aqua bike and relay options are also offered. Sprint triathlons are approximately half the distance of an Olympic triathlon, making it a great entry point for beginners or new triathletes.
Leading up to race day, the Back Mountain Triathlon Committee and the Times Leader will present a 17-week series that focuses on the inspiring stories of athletes who will be involved with the race in 2025. Without them, the future of triathlon would be less optimistic, and the race itself might not be possible. Each Sunday, the articles will highlight these new stories about the future of triathlon in the Back Mountain and around the U.S.
Michael Blessing’s athletic journey is anything but ordinary. A Kingston native and proud graduate of Wyoming Valley West, Michael first made his mark there on the football field.
He continued his football career at King’s College, where he played offensive tackle and served as team captain his senior year — an early sign of the leadership and grit that would define his athletic pursuits. Even as a lineman, he was known for his explosive speed and quick footwork — skills that later helped him succeed as a triathlete.
After college, Michael transitioned into the world of powerlifting and Strongman competitions, embracing the challenge and intensity of strength sports. There aren’t many triathletes who could match his efforts in the yoke carry or truck pull (imagine carrying 1,050 pounds for 18 feet!)
Despite being a self-described “big guy,” Michael never let that stop him. Inspired by his wife Jessica — herself a triathlete— he took the plunge into the world of endurance racing after she signed up for her first race. Blessing grew up watching the former Wilkes-Barre Triathlon, so there was always that lure in the back of his mind. It was time for him to prove that determination and heart matter more than size.
Speaking of size, Blessing is 6-foot-8 and his current race weight is 310 pounds. To put that in perspective, current Ironman world champion Patrick Lange stands about 5-9 and weighs 141.
Blessing currently races on a gravel bike that is XXL and runs on 45mm tires. But he still climbs the same hills as every other athlete, he’s just doing it with some extra ballast. Good thing he has that Strongman background.
With five races under his belt now, Michael has competed in events like the iconic Escape the Cape and the Back Mountain Triathlon. He and Jessica, along with their two young sons, have made triathlon a family affair. Whether it’s splitting training sessions or fielding questions like, “Did you swim today?” from his curious kids, Michael finds a way to balance family life with his passion for training and racing.
From football captain to Strongman competitor to triathlete, Michael’s story is one of transformation, perseverance, and the power of chasing your goals — no matter where you start. The local triathlon community looks forward to seeing how far that gravel bike will take him.
Where did you grow up?
Kingston
What was your high school/college athletic experience?
I primarily played football both in high school and college. I played offensive tackle at King’s College and was a captain my senior year. After college I started powerlifting which eventually led me to the Strongman world and I competed in a few Strongman competitions.
I always like to stay active and athletic, like playing pick up baseball and basketball. Even though I am a big dude, I have always wanted to do triathlons since I was a kid but never thought it would be possible due to my size.
Did your athletic background help you in triathlon?
Yes, it has helped me be disciplined and motivated. Through all the sports I played, I developed a “no quit” attitude and getting into triathlon for the first time as an adult, having that ingrained in me has really helped push me through the hurdles of starting something new.
Do you have any family members who are also triathletes? Yes, my wife, her two uncles, and my brother in law.
Do you have an inspiration or someone who motivated you to begin triathlons?
My wife, Jessica. I had always wanted to do a triathlon so when she told me she signed up for her first one in 2023 and I said, “Well now I have to do it!”
How many triathlons have you done?
Five.
What/where/how long was your first triathlon?
Escape the Cape in Cape May, N.J., in 2023. I competed in the sprint distance. Since this was my first one, I didn’t have a road bike and I had to improvise. So I threw some 4-inch slicks on my Surly fat tire bike. I completed my first three triathlons on that fat tire bike before upgrading to a gravel bike.
What is your experience with the WB or Back Mountain triathlons?
I’ve done one Olympic Aquabike and the Sprint tri.
What is your proudest moment in triathlon/endurance racing?
After my first race, I was just happy to complete it and was pleased with my times. Since I’m a big guy, I knew it would be a challenge.
Married?
Yes.
Are they involved in triathlon?
Yes, my wife and I have done four together.
Kids?
Yes, two boys.
How do you fit them into your training?
They’re young, so Jess and I split training sessions often. They know that we race and love to talk about “doing triathlons.” My youngest often asks me, “Did you swim today?” as soon as I get home from the pool.
Swim, bike, or run?
Swim. I’ve really improved over the last two years and learned to really enjoy open water swimming. And it doesn’t hurt that I’m naturally buoyant.
Has your favorite changed?
Not yet.
Favorite triathlon/endurance race, or dream race location?
My favorite race has been Escape the Cape. Jumping off the Cape May-Lewis Ferry into the ocean is absolutely insane. But my dream race location was always Harveys Lake. I had watched several friends compete in the Wilkes-Barre Triathlons years ago and had always wanted to try it. So when the Back Mountain Triathlon came back in 2023, I was 100% competing.
Ideal pre-race and post-race meal?
I keep it simple pre-race, PB&J, bananas and electrolytes. Post-race my big guy appetite comes out and I have no problem demolishing some pizza and wings and an ice cold beer.
Any superstitions for race day?
I had them when I played football, but so far I haven’t developed any for race day.
(Blessing admitted that he wore the same lucky shirt under his uniform for all four years at Kings, in practice and in games).
What is your favorite type of workout when training for a race?
I enjoy doing a mini-tri with friends to simulate race day and work on transitions.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of triathlon or endurance racing?
I have a lot of hobbies, really anything outdoors but hunting is my number one favorite. I hunt pretty much every season and spend a lot of time in the woods hunting deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game, you name it!
Favorite memory from a triathlon race?
The first time my wife and I jumped off the Ferry to kick off Escape the Cape and our first ever triathlon together. There were a lot of emotions at that moment but once you hit the water, it’s game on.
Do you have a mantra or a phrase that gets you through the tough parts of training/racing?
I have some choice words for myself, but I’ll keep those in my head.
Favorite race weather conditions?
Probably like most would say, cool and low humidity.
Garmin or Apple or No watch?
Currently have an Apple watch, have been considering the upgrade to Garmin this year.
Indoor or outdoor training?
Swim outdoor, bike outdoor, run outdoor.
Flip turns or wall touch?
Couldn’t tell you how to do a flip turn, so I’ll take the wall touch.
Coach, training plan or self-led workouts?
Self-led workouts, but I do enjoy the group workouts at the CYC pool.
Full kit or mixed up pieces for race day?
Full kit but will add a shirt sometimes.
Hand massage, Theragun or neither?
Theragun.
Aero bars or tri bars?
Aero bars (had these on my fat tire bike but haven’t put them on my gravel bike yet).
Relay or full tri ?
Full tri.
Do you have any goals for your triathlon career?
I have only done Sprint triathlons and one Olympic Aquabike so far. My goals are to crush my times in the Sprints and to finish an Olympic tri, if not this year by next year.
How do you stay motivated through the offseason?
I enjoy working out so I try to do something most days of the week. This year I started swimming in the pool at the CYC three days a week which really lit a fire in me to continue training. I have done the most offseason training this year and have seen improvement which is really motivating.
Any advice for those racing for the first time this year?
Three brief phrases: survive the swim, enjoy the ride, and just keep running.
What does your race calendar look like this season?
I have the Harveys Lake Run, Escape the Cape triathlon, Ben to Shore 65-Mile bike ride, of course the Back Mountain triathlon, and I’d like to complete a 5k swim at Harveys Lake on my own with my wife spotting.
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