Hattiesburg attorney and part-time judge Tony Mozingo will compete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 19.

Approximately 1,500 competitors from every state and approximately 50 countries will take part in the event, which consists of a 2.5-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride across a lava field and a 26.2-mile run.

Mozingo, 40, talks about the Ironman in a question and answer format.

Question: Why would someone want to compete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship?

Answer: I figured I couldn't win an election so I would try to do something that I could do. It's a personal challenge, but also, if I could motivate somebody in their 30s or 40s, its a neat thing.

I turned 40 this month, so one reason I entered, I kind of wanted to set a precedent for how you want to live rest of your life. So this is part of my 40th birthday celebration.

Two or three years ago, even six months ago, I never thought I would be doing something like this.

Q: Have you competed in anything like this before?

A: I first started walking after a car accident in 1995. I was in not-great health. I smoked. I ran in a local 5K race, then started running some 10Ks, then a half-marathon. I found that exercise really changes your life.

I never thought I would be able to do a marathon until I got in Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America in 1997. It sponsors people to train together from local areas to raise money for leukemia patients. Once I did several marathons - I was on the Hub Fins swim team growing up - so triathlons were a natural fit for me.

Every year we do the Hub City Hustle triathlon. Triathlons are better for me because they break up the monotony of running all the time

Q: How do you prepare for a triathlon of this type?

A: You have to commit. It's been an exhausting, hot summer. I've been out on roads and in the lake. Saturday morning I (swam) two miles. Then get on the bicycle for six hours. Sunday before church, I (ran) three hours. During the week, I'll run one hour at a time. My training peaks next weekend. I will be tapering off, storing up carbohydrates after that. I will do a short 20 minutes here and there. You have to devote perhaps 15 to 20 hours per week. You have to treat it like a second job.

Q: What are your strong points?

A: The swim is my strongest event, by far, because of my background in the Hub Fins for several years growing up. I'm an average runner. I'm having to get acclimated and stronger on the bike, because I have no background in that.

Q: When did you decide to go to Hawaii?

A: I didn't merit it. People around the world put in for lottery slots. I saw the Ironman on Wide World of Sports when I was growing up. Last year, on a whim, after I did a few marathons, I decided I would put my name in the lottery, never dreaming I would get chosen. Once I got chosen, I had to validate my slot by completing a half-ironman.

I'm the only person from Mississippi to go. Michael Barnes of Hattiesburg did it two years ago. Last year a guy from Picayune went. We feel like they try to get somebody from each state. Kay Sullivan of Hattiesburg has been trying for years and years, her lifetime dream is to go. My first year to try, I get selected.

Q: What is your goal in the Ironman?

A: I would like to complete this in 13 hours. Last year, winds were up to 60 miles per hour on the bicycle portion. So really, if I can finish it, that's my goal. But would like to finish it in 13-14 hours.

Q: Do you have any tips for people concerning physical fitness?

A: Many people think they smoked too long or ate too much (to get in shape). It's not about that, it's about heart. I work, I have family like everyone else, but there's nothing preventing people from taking charge of their life and exercising. It's about where your priorities are and time management. You can do that if you want to change your life.

I'm not athletic. My first 5K, I came in last in my age group, but it motivated me to try another one. I set goals, met other runners. I started doing things with the Pine Belt Pacers club.

You can do it if you're determined. I race with people who have prostheses. I've raced against a guy whose arm was bit off by a shark. He was able to compete because of his attitude. Make the best of your life. It may not be the Ironman, it may be a 5K or 10K, but do something that makes you healthier.