Second Chance in Tempe

The last year of my life has been dedicated to reaching a goal: completing an Ironman, in my Dad’s memory.  In doing so getting my health back, remembering that my Dad didn’t get a second chance.   An Ironman is an endurance race in which athletes swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 and run 26.2 all within 17 hours.  I had completed a couple of marathons before becoming a mom.  This photo was taken after finishing my first, the Chicago Marathon in 2005.

The swim of my scheduled race, Ironman Louisville, was cancelled due to extremely high levels of toxic algae in the river.  The race continued just without the swim.  It was a beautiful day that I am wholeheartedly grateful for.  It was truly a celebration of a year’s worth of blood, sweat and tears for both me and my family.  I was also blessed by having my family and friends there to cheer me on.  So many times during the race I fought back tears as I could feel the love and support of those folks carrying me through every pedal stroke and every stride. 
Now that I'm back to reality and my gear is unpacked and put away I still have a feeling of unfinished business.  How could 2.4 miles mean so much?  In the same respect the thought of sacrificing another year of my life, time with my family, etc. to train for another Ironman in the next year or two is a daunting one.  A friend suggested that maybe I could find another Ironman race this season while I’m still in training shape to get that swim in.  An interesting thought indeed.  Also a very expensive thought.  I’m pretty sure the only thing more crazy than trying to do an Ironman is trying to do two in one season. 

I’ve chewed on this for a week now and the reality is that the last 2 races of the season are next month.  Florida and Arizona.  Florida is less than 2 weeks away and my body has not had enough time to recover from Louisville, nor can I logistically pull that off.  Arizona is a month away, trick is regular registration is full.  The only way I can get in is to join the fundraising team for the Ironman Foundation.  I love the idea that if I can pull this off I’d be doing it for a greater good cause and not just for myself.  This organization gives back to communities around the world that host their races through volunteerism, community service projects and grant funding.  Their motto is to “Give Globally And Act Locally”.  I’ve got 3 weeks to make it happen.  I’m seeking donations to reach my fundraising goal of $3,500.  This is the minimum fundraising goal for team IMF to guarantee my spot in the race.

I’ll be honest I feel selfish even asking for help, it’s not in my nature and there are plenty of other much more noble causes out there.  But I know I’ll be mad at myself if I don’t at least try.  Someone asked me today what made me want to do an Ironman.  First thing that comes to mind is, it just called to me.  It’s been calling to me and it still is.  I hope you’ll consider helping me reach my goal, as well as helping support the Ironman Foundation.  If I don’t raise enough to make it happen I plan to donate any funds raised to the American Heart Association in my Dad’s memory.