Skip to main content

Conquering Ironman Coeur d'Alene

**Conquering Ironman Coeur d'Alene: A Journey of Resilience and Family Support**


The fusion of family and determination can transcend any obstacle. This was our mantra when my cousin, Joel, and I embarked on the Ironman Coeur d'Alene journey, championed by his parents, Barb and Dan, our steadfast cheer squad.


Our adventure began on a Friday morning in Spokane, where I was welcomed by Joel, Dan, and Barb. Together, we strapped my bike box onto the car in true hillbilly style and set off to Coeur d'Alene.


On the day of the race, nerves mingled with excitement. The first hurdle was the 2.4-mile swim. An unexpected calf tweak and leaking goggles made the swim challenging, even more so when I had to fix my loosened timing chip mid-swim, floating belly up. Yet, I emerged from the water with a personal record, an optimistic start that filled me with determination.


Transitioning to the 112-mile bike leg, I was welcomed by an unfamiliar cramp in my hip and a seat post that had descended a full 1.5". After resolving these issues, I embarked on the ride, facing violent cramps halfway through. Every incline became a steep mountain, each pedal stroke a testament to my determination.


The final stretch, the 26.2-mile run, pushed my resilience to the limit. The last six miles felt like walking on ice. Every step was precarious, taken gingerly to avoid triggering a catastrophic cramp that could end my race. Yet, with Barb and Dan's ceaseless cheers and Uncle Dan by my side for the final few hundred yards, I persevered.


Joel, although unable to complete the Ironman, showcased immense resilience, completing the swim and half the bike ride. His journey was a testament to the fact that even if we don't finish, we never give up.


Crossing the finish line, my body succumbed to mild shock. The triumphant faces of Barb, Dan, and Joel reflected my own sense of achievement. Through the challenges, from equipment malfunctions to unexpected cramps, we found strength in each other and in our shared mantra: "Crush or be crushed" and "Embrace the suck".


This journey was more than an Ironman race; it was a testament to the strength of resilience, determination, and unwavering family support. Regardless of the hurdles we face, we proved that we have the power to overcome them together.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Psychology of Money: A Personal Insight

Recently, I had an experience that reshaped my understanding of the psychology of money. I took over a property management job where part of my payment came in physical cash, money previously directed to someone else for this task.  Most tenants paid digitally or by check, but one unit always paid in cash. Having that "management" fee/ maintenance fee tangible, in my hand, ignited a unique perspective. It wasn’t about the amount, but the form in which it arrived.  Sure, I could take a full-time job earning in excess of $10K a month. However, that wouldn’t necessarily change my life as it would only take more of my time, the one resource I can't regenerate.  Surprisingly, the extra $1K in cash monthly had a more significant impact, not because it was a windfall, but because it made me more mindful of my earnings. The physicality of cash and the process of earning it manually introduced a sense of value and respect for my work that was somewhat abstract before.  This p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Elk Hunt - Shakespearean style

In Meeker's vale, where mountains touch the skies, An alfalfa field before us calmly lies. Two hundred fifty elk, a sight to glean, To move unseen a task, nigh unforeseen. Our guide named Hugh, and Father by my side, We hunker down, in quiet we abide. At last I spot him—five by five, the bull, Amidst his kin, the scene is nearly full. A hundred thirty-eight yards separates, My steady aim on destiny debates. For three long minutes, in my sight he stays, But cow elk guard him, blocking aim and gaze. I dare adjust—alert, they bark and flee, My chance arrives, as if by fate's decree. The cows disperse, the bull steps forth alone, My rifle speaks; its aim and end are known. Down falls the bull, as twilight fades from view, Amidst the field and mountains' varied hue. A tale to pass, from elder unto youth, Of patience, skill, and undying truth.
Post a Comment
Read more

Declutter - What if

  Introduction The subject of decluttering has always been a hot topic in my family, but it was a recent conversation with my mom that really got me thinking. While there's never a bad time to declutter, I've discovered that timing can make a world of difference. The Psychological Underpinnings of Attachment Growing up, I was around family members who, while not hoarders per se, had a tendency to hang onto stuff—think tools gathering dust and too many sleeping bags "just in case." Over time, I noticed this emotional attachment to things didn't just clutter the house but also our minds. The Ideal Conditions for Letting Go After years of living amidst semi-clutter, I had an epiphany: the act of letting go can be incredibly freeing. It's funny how mental barriers often make it difficult to start the decluttering process. But once you overcome them, you're rewarded with a serene sense of calm. Life Events as Natural Catalysts While events like moving homes or ...
Post a Comment
Read more