Sunday, December 30, 2007

No Ordinary Year: A Review

This has been no ordinary year. Not as much for the 12 races run and personal records set in my most active racing season, yet. Yes, it included running the Boston Marathon, riding all of the MS 150 in a single day, and racing the Wildflower Half Ironman triathlon within 18 days. Yes, I set a personal record in the 5k, Olympic, and half-Ironman distances. Yes, I exceeded my fundraising goal to fight blood cancers. And, yes I carried the names of 540 cancer fighters, survivors, and souls with me for the 140.6 miles of Ironman Wisconsin. Those things on their own, let alone their entirety, would, for me, be monumental and well enough to make the year extraordinary. But those things, weighed on the scales of endeavor, can not match what I have gained in friends, supporters, and most importantly, an amazing love.

Take away the races, the personal records, the thousands of miles on the bike, hundreds of miles run and fewer swam. Toss the dozen finisher medals in a heap with the tshirts. Remove all of these things from the year past but allow me to keep just two parts and I had an extraordinary year. Leave me the friendships, new and old, and the love revealed, then I can truly say my gains far exceed the mileage passed under my feet. To all of you shown in the video below, and to those not, I am greatly thankful.

It is no exaggeration to say that without this love and these friends I would not have toed the starting lines let alone have completed the races. Because, on my own, with my limitations and modest abilities, long void of validation, I dare not include myself in the same company of these amazing athletes. Pushing my warts aside, they took a leap of faith and included me their alliance, invited me into their homes, campsites, and arms. They swam, rode, and ran beside me (although usually in front of me) and pushed and pulled me beyond my expectations. But, most importantly, they shown on me their good light.

Because of all of this; because off all of them, I am a richer man. They continue to remind me: there are few things more worthwhile than a noble pursuit with friends at your side.

Here's wishing you a Happy New Year filled with friends, good health, prosperity and noble pursuits. I look forward to meeting you at the finish line.



The song, "Finish Line," is by Steve Parsons. Check him out at SteveParsons.net

Stay tuned...

24 comments:

Topher said...

Great video..what a year for you. Good luck in '08.

ps - thanks for not including a crazy (or in his case normal) picture of Steve in a Speedo.

Marci said...

Great Video! What an awesome year '07 was for you and I know '08will be even better!

Happy New Year!

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

Thanks Boomer! Love you, friend!
Thanks for inspiring so many people to look outside themselves and make the world a more community focused, and fun place. You are a true gem.
xoxoxo
Jenny

Spokane Al said...

Very nice recap. Thanks for sharing your monumental year.

21stCenturyMom said...

Excellent vid! It's nice to be reminded of what a great bloggy lovin' year o' fun it was.

I think I can speak for the group when I say we were as inspired by you as you may have been by the collective us.

Remember - if you're itching for hills I got your hills right here in Nor Cal.

Fe-lady said...

Well said...hope to meet up with you in 2008!

Fe-lady said...

Great song and video pix too! Thanks-brought a lump to my throat!

Anonymous said...

wow, really nice. thanks for including me; i look forward to seeing you at this year's races!

roman said...

Thanks for including me. That was a joy to watch. Stay tuned indeed.

Born To Endure said...

Thanks for everything TriBoomer..have a happy new years!

greyhound said...

ditto what C-Su said. Thanks for sharing a huge 2008 with me.

Comm's said...

you are a tremendous man with depth and a heart resounding of love. I know when you race it is selfless and meaningful to more then just yourself and your family.

You are rich in ways most will never know.

Thank you for being a friend and to a blessed 2008

TriGirl 40 said...

Wonderful post - was just what I'm needing for the New Year. The slideshow was incredible.

Happy New Year - and looking forward to hearing what 2008 will bring.

Duane said...

Happy New Year!

Steve Stenzel said...

Nice "back burns" photo! Have a great 08!

Supalinds said...

Ahh, great post and great video!

Rainmaker said...

Cool video! Happy New Year and Good luck!

IronGambit said...

GREAT video! Perfect song also huh? Good luck with your racing this year and you decided to run any marathons look me up! I more than most likely will be there! ;)

Jen said...

Thank you for stopping by at my blog.

What a fantastic video. I agree with you entirely - it is the friendships we make on this road torwards our goals that mean the most to us.

Happy new year. I'm looking forward to following your journey.

Molly said...

What an awsome year you had...I hope that 2008 is just as eventful and meaningful!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Take Care

Ryan D said...

Boom-
Came across your blog. I mentored for my 2nd TNT event this past year for San Diego's lavaman. It sounds like your TNT experience was just as memorable as mine.

Congrats on a great season!

triguyjt said...

love how you race to help others...very nice...
plus, got to back up my "advanced and seasoned triathlete buddies"
we gotta stick together.
put you on my fav blogs list..
thanks..keep it up

tri-mama said...

Amen! and Happy New Year!

ShesAlwaysWrite said...

I'm so happy I was in the right place at the right time to capture that wonderful photo of you and Kona Shelley. You guys are such an inspiration to new triathletes like me and I can't wait to cross paths with you again soon!