Dr. Rooney has officially signed up for The Ironman U.S. Championship Triathlon, which takes place in New York City and New Jersey on August 11, 2012. This grueling race covers 140.6 miles: a 2.4 mile swim in the Hudson, a 112 mile bike ride on the Palisades Parkway, and a 26.2 mile run across the George Washington Bridge and ending in Riverside Park in Manhattan.

The Ironman began in Hawaii as a way to settle the debate over who were the best athletes: swimmers, runners, or bicyclists. Of the 15 people who started the first Iron Man Triathlon on February 18, 1978, only twelve finished. The victor was Gordon Haller, a U.S. Navyman, with a time of 11 hours, 46 minutes, 59 seconds. The following year, over 50 people competed, and the race has steadily grown since then.

Today, the race is so large, one can only compete by placing in a qualifying event, such as the U.S. Championship which Dr. Rooney is competing in.

Dr. Rooney understands that a healthy lifestyle goes a long way towards a healthy life and a healthy smile.
Even if triathlons aren’t your thing, regular exercise is key to maintaining good health. A study in the Journal of Dentistry found people who exercise regularly have stronger teeth and a reduced risk for developing periodontitis. Even among former smokers, regular exercise reduced their periodontitis risk by 74%.

Regular exercise is also known to lower blood pressure, and decrease risk for cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and even diabetes.
One reason why triathlon training is so great, is that it works every area of the body. Athletes who train for just one sport are more prone to injuries by overworking specific muscle areas. Because triathletes cross-train, different muscle groups are strained and strengthened, increasing fitness overall.

Many triathletes say the challenge of a bike ride after a swim, followed by a long run makes them mentally strong. Doing something you thought you couldn’t makes you feel like you can do anything! Completing an Ironman is such an achievement that just finishing the race earns you the title of Ironman, and the majority of competitors’ only goal is to finish. Here's a clip from the 2009 race, which shows just how difficult the Ironman is.

Whatever your exercise method of choice, just keep moving and flashing that smile!

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