On May 17th in Galena, I will be completing the first step toward doing an Ironman. Since the 1980s, every year I have watched Ironman Kona on TV. Each time I have experience the same emotions and tears. I always felt sometime that I would be one of those athletes to hear those words, "You are an Ironman".
I volunteered at the finish line last August at Ironman Louisville. The range of emotions was overwhelming as I helped each finisher across the line. I knew that somehow I needed to complete an Ironman. There were alot of obstacles ahead of me but I knew I could overcome them.
My number one movtivation is my patients and their familes. I am a radiation therapist in a Cancer Care Center. My patients come Monday through Friday for an average of 6-9 weeks getting their radiation treatments. Their courage, strength, and perserverence are an example for all. To support cancer research, I have raised over $2,000 in my races.
Another one of the people that truly inspire me is Sister Madonna Buder. She has competed in 37 marathons, 300 triathlons and 31 Ironman Triathlons, all after the age of 50. She found a way to join the training to her spirituality. Buder's faith motivates her to complete Ironman. "I see the finish line as symbolic for the Pearly Gates. You want to get there, and you want to know you have given all you have to give when you arrive," she said.
According to Buder, participating in a triathlon has parallels to life. During training she has time to be in nature and "enjoy the captivating scenery that Mother Nature has to offer." In a race setting, when you are flying down a course as fast as you can go, you are susceptible to all the dangers life has to offer, she said.Like life,races do not always end well. '' I believe that also.
When I was 48, I returned to running. I have completed the Chicago marathon twice and the Flying Pig Marathon. Also I have finished 8 half-marathons. I then turned to duathlons and completed 7. At the end of the 2007 season, I was first in th USAT Midwest Region Duathlon Series 50-54 age group.
In October 2007, I commited to do Steelhead 70.3. I did not know how to swim. I began taking lessons and lost 27 pounds. Last week, I swam a solid 1600m in Master's swim.
I have alot to offer the Team in the way of motivation, commitment and belief. I also hope to show others that no matter what your age or ability is when you can achieve whatever you set your mind to with commitment and the proper training.
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