It's a crucible. My situation of concentrated forces interacting to influence change... a development. If the person that stood on the beach at 7 AM made it to the finish line by midnight he would be a changed person. The Ironman course itself is a calcining refractory vessel melting away and separating the old elements revealing the new. Standing in the light on the far side of the finish line by propelling this body 140.6 miles plus one foot I answered the question. A vial of truth serum was poured over me. Yes, it's true. I had the mettle to be an Ironman. Tongues are still. Speculation is no more.I took my place in front of the cameras and pulled out the Ironman Florida 2006 Honor Roll from my pocket. A finger placed beside Uncle Bob's name and I was ready for the photo to be taken. He plus the others were my companions. If you sent to me the name or names of your cared ones you should know they helped me get through the race. If the only reason I started the race was for my own self satisfaction I would not have made it past the swim. With their presence and their names on me they gave me the motivation and courage to endure. They inspired me, lifted me, comforted me, and counseled me. Thank you for the privilege of taking them along on the race.
There was one more thing to do. An easy one but no less important than any reason why I ran the race. Call my consistent supporter and unwavering believer; Mom. Although it was late she was awake. Waiting up for me like she did when I took the car out on my first night drive. We spoke for only a couple of minutes. Just enough time for her to tell me she had no doubt I would finish. Yes, my unwavering fan.
Now I face my future, new races, new adventures with a new fortune of confidence. How will it be invested? For that we'll all have to...
Stay tuned...
16 comments:
*applause* *applause*
Well done. Well done indeed!
Have I ever told you I think you're the GREATEST?
Well, You Are!
Awwwe gawrsh, Barb!
**blushing**
Thanks.
Aren't mom's the best?? Kudos to you baby!
TriBoomer,
what a great way to finish the journey.
Thanks for raising the money to fight cancer...
I know motivational power of running for one cancer survivor, and can only imagine having a list of more hundreds.
And they all appreciate your efforts. After Chicago, I had my shirt, finishers medal, and several pictures mounted in a shadowbox for the survivor for whom I ran that race. That gesture meant the world for her.
That you would train and race with their wellbeing as your driving factor is awesome.
You brought tears to my eyes with your race report and epilogue. Thank you for running your race to honor all of those people. Congratulations on a great race. I can only imagine what you are capable of when in full health.
Your sir are an ironman
Congrats. And thanks for taking along my dad's name.
You rock and are an inspiration! I am also racing with TNT and know the boost you get from the people we race for and how they can carry you through the rough days. I just hope that my Ironman won't be quite as rough as your :-)
Congrats!
What a wonderful metaphor -- well said, indeed. You serve as an inspiration to me -- an example of how to do something extraordinary for oneself and for others in the same moment. Thank you.
You're awesome!! Way to go and congrats!
Simply amazing. So proud of you and your amazing effort!
For what you did and for whom you did it, many thanks.
very nice....came across your blog; good reading!!! Go TEAM(my son is also a cancer survivor)
What. A. FINISH.
You are a rock star! Fantastic report...can't wait to see what's next!
CONGRATULATIONS!
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