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Today is a birthday of sorts for me. It was April 28th 1985 that I thought the world would be better off without me in it.....I had no idea that it was to be the beginning of a great life instead. I was fortunate that it worked out that way for me. For many including a person I became friends with recently wasn't so fortunate as are many others affected by addiction in this world.
I am 50 years old this year and on this day I am 25 years sober and in long term recovery. I am grateful to so many I can't even begin to list all of you but most of you reading this will feel it so that is my thanks to you for touching my life and being an active part of the support along the way. I even thank those who wished me ill as I in some cases definitely deserved that and yet to this day I want folks to know that I have tried to make amends to all whom I affected by my disease. I try to be a better example as others have showed me along the way.
My message today is simple and I hope you will carry a piece of it with you to others. Don't Give Up.....ever....Be What You Are....always.....Walk with others ....Unity....Reach out and help where you can....Service....Life is Nutz ....we know this...embrace it and show others you care...
Have a great day!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
2010 Life is Nutz ....again
Well folks its already April and the start of Ironman training for Arizona begins for me in 3 weeks. I have weathered last years 6 Ironmans in 11 months and my left calf seems to be making a comeback thanks to much help from Linda, Dennis, Dr Khoury, Dr Andreas (Germany) and the fact that I am not doing Ironmans weekly LOL....
It is still sore at times but tolerable and my running speed has been improving over the past 7 weeks of base time.....
I want to start this next chapter off by Thanking so many friends online and in my life directly for all the great support and inspiration you give us everyday. We at Life is Nutz Inc have truly helped make a difference for others....and YOU are a part of that direct success! What WE can do I can't...there is much to learn and more to do so let's take our grass roots company and continue on as we know how....My biz partner and CEO Bill Beers will be sharing on a soon to be posted next blog to give you more of the details of our business model and our 10,000 foot overview as to where we are today and I will give some of the more inside track of our goals this year for our races and plans to expand too.....
I want to start it off with a prayer. Though I am not a religious person I will say I am spiritual...in fact I tell most folks I am a spiritual being having a human experience...as that is what I believe...too many things have happened in my life to deny the existence and real life happenings that some higher power exists to support me along the way....I am very lucky that I stopped fighting that when I was 25 years old and started the process of accepting my being and not being in fear any longer....one of the most powerful people that I know from a spiritual side is Mother Theresa...probably 80 pounds soaking wet yet she could move millions with her words and more important her actions...I will not forget Dr Wayne Dyer share with us that he witnessed the interview when asked by a peace group if she would march against a war and she refused but said if you march for peace then I would gladly join you...I can only strive to keep becoming more like these folks as we grow together and hopefully lead by a good example as to doing the next right thing which is what my company Life is Nutz Inc is all about.. here is her prayer:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not to forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
We are excited as a company to make 2010 the best that it can be. We know it's been a difficult year for a lot of people yet I feel so blessed to be a positive force in the midst of chaos.
Allot of folks have asked me exactly why we chose the name Life is Nutz and I will try to give you the simplified version. For those of you who don't know in Ironman competition consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile marathon... yes all in one day... that's Nutz... then do 6 to 11 months and two within 13 days... I guarantee you...Life is Nutz... but the truth is we're grateful for LIFE and yes we are a little nutz because of what we do and who we are ...Ironmen...Don't Give Up.....Be What U R....Grass Roots Givers......we know also that Life is Nutz for everyone right now and we want you to do as we do Don't Give up...Be What U R and Join us to make a difference
Til next time
Kevin :)
It is still sore at times but tolerable and my running speed has been improving over the past 7 weeks of base time.....
I want to start this next chapter off by Thanking so many friends online and in my life directly for all the great support and inspiration you give us everyday. We at Life is Nutz Inc have truly helped make a difference for others....and YOU are a part of that direct success! What WE can do I can't...there is much to learn and more to do so let's take our grass roots company and continue on as we know how....My biz partner and CEO Bill Beers will be sharing on a soon to be posted next blog to give you more of the details of our business model and our 10,000 foot overview as to where we are today and I will give some of the more inside track of our goals this year for our races and plans to expand too.....
I want to start it off with a prayer. Though I am not a religious person I will say I am spiritual...in fact I tell most folks I am a spiritual being having a human experience...as that is what I believe...too many things have happened in my life to deny the existence and real life happenings that some higher power exists to support me along the way....I am very lucky that I stopped fighting that when I was 25 years old and started the process of accepting my being and not being in fear any longer....one of the most powerful people that I know from a spiritual side is Mother Theresa...probably 80 pounds soaking wet yet she could move millions with her words and more important her actions...I will not forget Dr Wayne Dyer share with us that he witnessed the interview when asked by a peace group if she would march against a war and she refused but said if you march for peace then I would gladly join you...I can only strive to keep becoming more like these folks as we grow together and hopefully lead by a good example as to doing the next right thing which is what my company Life is Nutz Inc is all about.. here is her prayer:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not to forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
We are excited as a company to make 2010 the best that it can be. We know it's been a difficult year for a lot of people yet I feel so blessed to be a positive force in the midst of chaos.
Allot of folks have asked me exactly why we chose the name Life is Nutz and I will try to give you the simplified version. For those of you who don't know in Ironman competition consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile marathon... yes all in one day... that's Nutz... then do 6 to 11 months and two within 13 days... I guarantee you...Life is Nutz... but the truth is we're grateful for LIFE and yes we are a little nutz because of what we do and who we are ...Ironmen...Don't Give Up.....Be What U R....Grass Roots Givers......we know also that Life is Nutz for everyone right now and we want you to do as we do Don't Give up...Be What U R and Join us to make a difference
Til next time
Kevin :)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Joe Turcotte Completes the Journey with Stellar Performance at Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii Oct 10th 2009
Bodymarking and just before the start with Randy, Diane & Pam.
Joe's Roadies Dixie, Will & Diane
The start
The start
He's out of the water!
On the bike
and then on the run at 10 miles
The finish
(L-R) Will, Dixie, Kevin, Joe, Diane, Keith, Pam, Leslie not pictured Randy -Took Photo
(L-R) Keith, Joe & Kevin just after Joe crossed the finish. We were his Catchers at the finish!
On October 10th at 7:50:48 PM Joe Turcotte put the finishing touches on the IronNutz Journey this year by crossing the finish line at the Ironman World Championships in Kona Hawaii! It was truly a magical and amazing day for Joe. He is an IronStud and a great guy who has lead us though this past year and stepped up to the plate today at the Superbowl of Ironmans and shined from beginning to end.
His day started with 1700 of the most elite athletes in the sport lined up to try their best at the Magic of Kona. This is the most difficult race period mainly due to its hot hot temperatures, 100% humidity and the infamous tradewinds of Hawi on the return on their bike. This year didn't disappoint those who contended and earned their finish.
Keith and I are very proud of Joe and what he has meant to us as a coach, mentor and most of all our friend. We can't even describe the feeling properly here on the blog but the 3 of us know the magic that we share and hope that Joe takes a moment and shares it with you on the blog. I don't want to say much more except We are proud of you! You are Amazing and We Love You bro!
Congratulations on an amazing ride and for showing us the way on our journey together throughout the year. We are very grateful to call you friend and are a part of a brotherhood of IronWarriors that share a common bond and message for others in a positive light!
You da man Joe Turcotte!
Best
Kevin & Keith
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ironman Wisconsin Part 5 6 Ironmans in One Year is complete
As you all may know we have begun our last race now.....it's 7 AM....the gun has sounded...2406 bodies are churning the water in a symphony that can only be witnessed as one of the most moving experiences you can tap into at any one live moment. To get here these athletes and their families, friends and others sacrificed allot to have this day arrive. 30 weeks of training at a minimum and much of it alone has brought everyone here together to the wonderful sounds of Mike Reilly sending us on our day. It is a Magical Moment. I would hope that anyone reading this that has not experienced an Ironman Race to try and do so as it will change their life in a positive way. Now the symphony may be how the spectator views this but for the athlete it is a very different experience. For most of us in the water the first 10-15 minutes is a maddening churning of a washing machine and your are the towel. sometimes you are in control of that middle throttle pushing folks from side to side and sometimes you are the receiver of another ebb and flow that sends your rhythm out of sync and fighting to get beyond the madness. The wetsuit definitely helps when others push down on you as it helps you float back to the top. You now understand how a school of fish feels sliding around off of each other and all heading in a similar direction. I haven't shared this fact with everyone until this point but one of the nagging injuries I have had to endure over this past year is my left shoulder (from overuse)which has now already begun to flare up and I am only maybe a half mile into the 2.4 mile swim. As I begin to free myself from the crowd and just get into a good rhythm I find myself thinking of the man just a few nights earlier that decided to swim at 9 PM in a drunken haze. I was feeling bad for him and his family and thinking this must be a very difficult day for them as they had not discovered his body yet. I gave a moment of silence to them and prayed they would have some peace in their difficult time. I then focused back on technique and getting to the finish of the 1st leg of 3 for me. That's how I break up my day. I take it One Leg at a Time and try and save energy and body parts for each one. I am not the fastest swimmer yet so I try and conserve my legs more for the bike where I seem to be better at lately. But today was going to change that a bit as about 1 1/2 miles into my swim I was in trouble. My left arm would no longer get out of the water to execute a good stroke. I was almost doing a weird version of the side stroke for the remaining mile and my time out of the water reflected that. As I exited the water y shoulder had pain I had not felt at any of my previous 5 Ironmans so I was not sure how being in the aero position on my bike was going to feel. All in all I am happy 1 leg down and only 2 more legs to go!
Out of the water and help from the infamous volunteers who peeled off my wetsuit and sent me towards transition to change into my bike gear. This venue was quite interesting as we had to run quite a ways towards a helix which went up 4 stories to the top of the parking garage where the transition area was to change and also where our bikes are to head out on our 112 mile journey throughout Madison and the surrounding communities. All up the helix were spectators cheering you on the way to help you trudge up bare feet on the concrete to the top! They were also very loud because of the echoing of the concrete surrounding us. It was interesting to hear that after absorbing half of Lake Monoma in my head. It was actually pretty cool!
Changed up and took my time as I wanted to be sure to get my gear on straight and then head out to the Porta potty and take care of some Number 1 business then off to grab my bike and head out onto one of the most scenic rides on the circuit......
As I got on the bke my shoulder started to feel like it was loosening up and feeling better so I pushed along at a good pace and kept an eye on my speed as I usually do to maintain a decent pace to finish. One day soon I will push at 1 Ironman and rewally kick ass but today is not the day for that. Today is a day to finish our journey by getting to the finish by midnight and that will be just fine with Keith & I. The bike I was told would be worse than Lake Placid which I find hard to believe at this point as they say it has more elevation gain overall but those hills(mountains) in Lake Placid were brutal and long......as I rode along through the first loop I did notice there were definitely more hills but the grade wasn't near as bad to me as Lake Placid so I was pretty pumped and feeling pretty good. The town of Verona has a special chute you ride through as well lined with thousands of spectators cheering you up Mt Herob and then off to make your second loop. The only down thing hat happened through here was a wasp or bee flew into my shirt right to my chest and as I tried to squish it it stung me. Luckily I didn't feel a swelling so I just brushed it aside. Memories for Madison I guess. I guess when I left Louisville from 13 days ago their hometown boy Mohammed Ali decided to float like a butterfly to Wisconsin and sting me like a bee in Verona. One thing I noticed about this course was that it was extremely bumpy and unforgiving to the bike itself. There were times I could not go aero just because you hit so many bumps in a row....As I rode along past a large mall area I heard Jim & Bonnie Whetstone shouting out my name as they drove by in the car. They were excited to find me and took pics as I rode and I think even some video. They also called ahead to my wife who was with Bernadette, her boyfriend and Brad awaiting my second loop turn. I stopped to say hi to them briefly and checked out my chest to be sure there was no swelling and then headed out onto the second loop. As I neared the final hills wich were pretty steep and brutal the scond time through I noticed smething I had never witnessed and any of the 7 Ironmans I have done (including Lake Placid) and that was people walking thei bikes up the hills. I was not about to be one of them. As I pushed up one of the last big hills the gal in front of me slipped out of one of her pedals and twisted her bike right in front of me and I was forced to stop or hit her which meant I had to get of my bike and took two steps walking and jumped back on again and continued up the hill. I may have to walk part of the marathon but I was NOT going to walk up any hill with my bike!!!! .............and I didn't.....As I headed back into Madison I felt a great feeling for the first time along this journey that I was almost 2 legs down and only one more to go with plenty of time left on the clock. As I neared mile 108 I had my first mechanical issue of the Ironman.....a flat tire.....and then as I looked at the other tire it was low....as I refilled the first hoping it would hold air a nice lady on a scooter with a pink Ironman helmet pulled alongside of me and hurriedly got off her scooter and grab her tools and within 5 minutes had changed my bike tire and got me back on the road. She was amazing! I am sure with all of the bumps on these roads she had a busy day along with the other mechanics on the road. They do allot of the work and get little thanks! Thanks Mechanics! As I came along the beautiful city of Madison along Lake Monoma I could see the next helix I would ride up and dismount and get to transition again to change into my run gear and finish this Amazing Magical Journey! I may be Nutz but I can tell you now there is no greater feeling in the world to know you are so very close to completing something most thought improbable or impossible altogether. I also knew that Keith was out on the marathon course so I was very excited that we would both have a great shot at doing this together............................
to be continued............
p.s. I will be writing soon about our friend Joe who is our Coach, Mentor and Original IronNut who is at this moment in Kona Hawaii perparing for the Super Bowl of Ironman Races the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii....and also our great friend and Professional IronNut Swen Sundberg from Germany will be there too......oh and did I mention that I am on a plane at this moment heading over there on Virgin America to cheer them on! ......and Keith will be there too! Its going to be awesome The 3 Original IronNutz in Hawaii together to cheer on the man who lead u down this path to begin with. This is an Amazing Magical and truly Spiritual Journey we are on together and I for one am grateful to witness and be a part of good guys doing good things for one another......see more of Joey's story and donate at www.joeturcotte.com
Out of the water and help from the infamous volunteers who peeled off my wetsuit and sent me towards transition to change into my bike gear. This venue was quite interesting as we had to run quite a ways towards a helix which went up 4 stories to the top of the parking garage where the transition area was to change and also where our bikes are to head out on our 112 mile journey throughout Madison and the surrounding communities. All up the helix were spectators cheering you on the way to help you trudge up bare feet on the concrete to the top! They were also very loud because of the echoing of the concrete surrounding us. It was interesting to hear that after absorbing half of Lake Monoma in my head. It was actually pretty cool!
Changed up and took my time as I wanted to be sure to get my gear on straight and then head out to the Porta potty and take care of some Number 1 business then off to grab my bike and head out onto one of the most scenic rides on the circuit......
As I got on the bke my shoulder started to feel like it was loosening up and feeling better so I pushed along at a good pace and kept an eye on my speed as I usually do to maintain a decent pace to finish. One day soon I will push at 1 Ironman and rewally kick ass but today is not the day for that. Today is a day to finish our journey by getting to the finish by midnight and that will be just fine with Keith & I. The bike I was told would be worse than Lake Placid which I find hard to believe at this point as they say it has more elevation gain overall but those hills(mountains) in Lake Placid were brutal and long......as I rode along through the first loop I did notice there were definitely more hills but the grade wasn't near as bad to me as Lake Placid so I was pretty pumped and feeling pretty good. The town of Verona has a special chute you ride through as well lined with thousands of spectators cheering you up Mt Herob and then off to make your second loop. The only down thing hat happened through here was a wasp or bee flew into my shirt right to my chest and as I tried to squish it it stung me. Luckily I didn't feel a swelling so I just brushed it aside. Memories for Madison I guess. I guess when I left Louisville from 13 days ago their hometown boy Mohammed Ali decided to float like a butterfly to Wisconsin and sting me like a bee in Verona. One thing I noticed about this course was that it was extremely bumpy and unforgiving to the bike itself. There were times I could not go aero just because you hit so many bumps in a row....As I rode along past a large mall area I heard Jim & Bonnie Whetstone shouting out my name as they drove by in the car. They were excited to find me and took pics as I rode and I think even some video. They also called ahead to my wife who was with Bernadette, her boyfriend and Brad awaiting my second loop turn. I stopped to say hi to them briefly and checked out my chest to be sure there was no swelling and then headed out onto the second loop. As I neared the final hills wich were pretty steep and brutal the scond time through I noticed smething I had never witnessed and any of the 7 Ironmans I have done (including Lake Placid) and that was people walking thei bikes up the hills. I was not about to be one of them. As I pushed up one of the last big hills the gal in front of me slipped out of one of her pedals and twisted her bike right in front of me and I was forced to stop or hit her which meant I had to get of my bike and took two steps walking and jumped back on again and continued up the hill. I may have to walk part of the marathon but I was NOT going to walk up any hill with my bike!!!! .............and I didn't.....As I headed back into Madison I felt a great feeling for the first time along this journey that I was almost 2 legs down and only one more to go with plenty of time left on the clock. As I neared mile 108 I had my first mechanical issue of the Ironman.....a flat tire.....and then as I looked at the other tire it was low....as I refilled the first hoping it would hold air a nice lady on a scooter with a pink Ironman helmet pulled alongside of me and hurriedly got off her scooter and grab her tools and within 5 minutes had changed my bike tire and got me back on the road. She was amazing! I am sure with all of the bumps on these roads she had a busy day along with the other mechanics on the road. They do allot of the work and get little thanks! Thanks Mechanics! As I came along the beautiful city of Madison along Lake Monoma I could see the next helix I would ride up and dismount and get to transition again to change into my run gear and finish this Amazing Magical Journey! I may be Nutz but I can tell you now there is no greater feeling in the world to know you are so very close to completing something most thought improbable or impossible altogether. I also knew that Keith was out on the marathon course so I was very excited that we would both have a great shot at doing this together............................
to be continued............
p.s. I will be writing soon about our friend Joe who is our Coach, Mentor and Original IronNut who is at this moment in Kona Hawaii perparing for the Super Bowl of Ironman Races the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii....and also our great friend and Professional IronNut Swen Sundberg from Germany will be there too......oh and did I mention that I am on a plane at this moment heading over there on Virgin America to cheer them on! ......and Keith will be there too! Its going to be awesome The 3 Original IronNutz in Hawaii together to cheer on the man who lead u down this path to begin with. This is an Amazing Magical and truly Spiritual Journey we are on together and I for one am grateful to witness and be a part of good guys doing good things for one another......see more of Joey's story and donate at www.joeturcotte.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ironman Wisconsin Part 4 6 Ironmans in One Year is complete
Keith and West Coast Jen arrived back at the hotel after their last supper around 8:30 and Brad set up an interview area up on the top floor of the Hotel Sheraton as they provided us with a well lit area for us to film our final thoughts before our last Ironman along with what our significant others felt as well.
This was the last thing we did before retiring for the evening one final time to prepare for the day of PAIN.....not sure if it's the best idea but it is important to record it so we all met to share our final thoughts on our journey prior to race day. Keith and I sat and listened to both West Coast Jen and East Coast Jen share their thoughts about what they've been through this past few years. It was pretty amazing to listen as people close to you share their feelings on what you've done and the impact that it's had on others. I also realized just how lucky I was to have my wife by my side and the greatest family and friends one could ever want.
I don't think I will write about what Keith and I shared we will save that for a short video clip that Brad can post. We wrapped up for the evening and said our good nights. We would be getting up in five hours or so to start the morning routine before the race.
I woke up at 3:30 AM got some coffee and a little breakfast. My morning meditation on my knees to ask my higher power for help as I always do. Took a shower by this time Jen had awoken and I'd come out of the bathroom and started the first application of body glide. I went through my morning bag to make sure my wetsuit goggles and swim cap were there I then took my timing chip attached to the Velcro strap and then placed it on my left leg near my ankle. All systems are go we headed down to the lobby to meet Keith Jen and Brad. We all headed down to the venue. Parking area we had used all week was closed so Keith and I jumped out as we had to do our last minute checks on our bikes and our transition bags. Brad followed us as well so that he could videotape us. Basically at this time five or 5:30 AM there are literally thousands of racers and their families doing exactly the same thing as we are and the anxiety and energy levels are incredible. Once Keith and I had completed all of our tasks we called the girls and met them near the swim start. It was about 6 AM so we had plenty of time before the 7 AM gun goes off.
Our friends Jim and Bonnie Whetstone and Bernadette and her boyfriend showed up about 6:30 AM and it appeared to us that they were as excited as we were and we took many photos together. Keith and I said our goodbyes to everyone in headed in with the other 2406 athletes to the mass swim start. I am not a fast swimmer so I stayed near the edge and positioned myself back right of the crowd let would not be caught up in the washing machine of madness that I have experienced in many other Ironmans. Before Keith headed into the water we shared a good moment as we usually do prior to each race as we looked at each other the reality that this was the final race of this journey hit me and I'm sure him in a similar way. We hugged and wished each other luck and as Keith is a fast swimmer he headed into the water. I still remained off to the side and waved at our roadies standing together near the Jumbotron. As I awaited the gun sound a young volunteer spoke with me and I asked him if he was excited and he was. He couldn't have been more than 18 years old and he asked me how I was feeling and I told him good and also about our 6-ironmans in one year that this was the final one. I also told him I hope to see him at the finish! Mike Reilly introduced the national anthem singer and we all quietly listened in the first gun went off at 6:45 AM and the pros begin their day. Our start would happen at 7 AM. As I looked at my watch and I looked at my friends and I took in the whole spectacle I still could not believe that I'd come to this moment ready to finish the journey that many thought would be impossible.....including some of my closest friends and family doubted even one of us would make it this far never mind both of us. Keep in mind none of these friends and family actually told us this much but Keith and I both knew. I looked down at my watch again it said 6:59 AM and I felt like it was an eternity in it was so peaceful and serene and I knew in a moment that would change. As the clock struck 7 AM the gun went off the churning of the water had begun 2406 bodies began a journey of many moments that would change their lives forever. It is a Magical Day!
To be continued....
This was the last thing we did before retiring for the evening one final time to prepare for the day of PAIN.....not sure if it's the best idea but it is important to record it so we all met to share our final thoughts on our journey prior to race day. Keith and I sat and listened to both West Coast Jen and East Coast Jen share their thoughts about what they've been through this past few years. It was pretty amazing to listen as people close to you share their feelings on what you've done and the impact that it's had on others. I also realized just how lucky I was to have my wife by my side and the greatest family and friends one could ever want.
I don't think I will write about what Keith and I shared we will save that for a short video clip that Brad can post. We wrapped up for the evening and said our good nights. We would be getting up in five hours or so to start the morning routine before the race.
I woke up at 3:30 AM got some coffee and a little breakfast. My morning meditation on my knees to ask my higher power for help as I always do. Took a shower by this time Jen had awoken and I'd come out of the bathroom and started the first application of body glide. I went through my morning bag to make sure my wetsuit goggles and swim cap were there I then took my timing chip attached to the Velcro strap and then placed it on my left leg near my ankle. All systems are go we headed down to the lobby to meet Keith Jen and Brad. We all headed down to the venue. Parking area we had used all week was closed so Keith and I jumped out as we had to do our last minute checks on our bikes and our transition bags. Brad followed us as well so that he could videotape us. Basically at this time five or 5:30 AM there are literally thousands of racers and their families doing exactly the same thing as we are and the anxiety and energy levels are incredible. Once Keith and I had completed all of our tasks we called the girls and met them near the swim start. It was about 6 AM so we had plenty of time before the 7 AM gun goes off.
Our friends Jim and Bonnie Whetstone and Bernadette and her boyfriend showed up about 6:30 AM and it appeared to us that they were as excited as we were and we took many photos together. Keith and I said our goodbyes to everyone in headed in with the other 2406 athletes to the mass swim start. I am not a fast swimmer so I stayed near the edge and positioned myself back right of the crowd let would not be caught up in the washing machine of madness that I have experienced in many other Ironmans. Before Keith headed into the water we shared a good moment as we usually do prior to each race as we looked at each other the reality that this was the final race of this journey hit me and I'm sure him in a similar way. We hugged and wished each other luck and as Keith is a fast swimmer he headed into the water. I still remained off to the side and waved at our roadies standing together near the Jumbotron. As I awaited the gun sound a young volunteer spoke with me and I asked him if he was excited and he was. He couldn't have been more than 18 years old and he asked me how I was feeling and I told him good and also about our 6-ironmans in one year that this was the final one. I also told him I hope to see him at the finish! Mike Reilly introduced the national anthem singer and we all quietly listened in the first gun went off at 6:45 AM and the pros begin their day. Our start would happen at 7 AM. As I looked at my watch and I looked at my friends and I took in the whole spectacle I still could not believe that I'd come to this moment ready to finish the journey that many thought would be impossible.....including some of my closest friends and family doubted even one of us would make it this far never mind both of us. Keep in mind none of these friends and family actually told us this much but Keith and I both knew. I looked down at my watch again it said 6:59 AM and I felt like it was an eternity in it was so peaceful and serene and I knew in a moment that would change. As the clock struck 7 AM the gun went off the churning of the water had begun 2406 bodies began a journey of many moments that would change their lives forever. It is a Magical Day!
To be continued....
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Ironman Wisconsin Part 3 6 Ironmans in 1 Year is now complete
Keith and I dropped all of our transition bags and our bikes and did our last minute checks of everything and oiled our chains one last time before the big day tomorrow. To both of us everything was a bit surreal. We had finally reached a day that we had thought would never arrive and both of us were very grateful that up to this point we had both completed all 5 prior races and were relatively confident that barring any injuries or major equipment malfunction that we would have done something that no 49 year old had done ever within 11 months and that is to complete all 6 WTC Ironman Events within the USA. And the fact that both of us have a chance to did it together is truly remarkable to me.
All along our journey Keith & I talked about all of the folks in our lives who sacrificed so much in order for us to be here at this moment. We also thought about the $$$ and awareness we have raised along the way to help those in need and what that means to each of those communities and the people they have helped. We thought of our great friend, coach and mentor Joe Turcotte who could not be here with us because he is preparing for his race in Hawaii and also giving back to his charity. My Dad and Mom have given so much to me in my life they have to be the first for me to thank as without them I wouldn't be here at all. They have also told me many times in my life that there are givers in this world and there are takers and I feel strongly that I love to be around the givers and know in Keith & Joe that is 100% the case. Major thanks to them for being not only a part of this journey all along but being a part of my life. My wife knows how I feel and she has been there all along this journey and has never once discouraged me from doing this. We both have sacrificed so much to reach this moment and it is worth every bit of the time and money and we have no regrets. You all get to read and hear about the highlights mostly but trust me there are low lights and times when I don't want to get out and sit on my bike for 5-6 hours training in crappy weather or running a long run when I'd rather be spending time with my wife and kids. For 2 years they have all pretty much given up their weekends with me as when they wanted to plan some sort of outing I'd say something like OK just as soon as I am done with my 5 hour ride and nap ok? And whenever any of my kids were going through a challenging time I would think to myself maybe I should bail on this whole thing as they need my 100% focus right now and yet from them they would not want me to stop this mission as they knew what it was all about. THEY GOT IT..... THEY UNDERSTOOD.........THEY SUPPORTED ME....I can't let anyone of these kids, my wife, my friends, my extended family down. I had to keep trudging the road to Happy Destiny.... Keith, Joey & I and now maybe you have an inkling that this had become much more than any of us as individuals. This had become a following of supporters from all of our families, our charities and their supporters and families, our friends and their families, our facebook friends, media that had covered where watching our exploits and reporting on us, and yes even folks that wanted to see us fail. I have been blessed to know all of my charities personally and what they do. I literally want to see them in action so that I can share their experience strength and hope with all who want to hear. This is what I have learned from making right choices in life. Sharing my experience, strength and hope is more important than anything else that I do. It is the gift that I have been given to give to the next person who may hear my story.......so before I tell you about our last supper before IM # 6 you will have to learn a little about me that you may not know until now.......
I grew up in Marlborough Massachusetts, just off Stevens Street on Old Charter Rd. Much of my life growing up was a very happy time with my family & friends in those neighborhoods. I had a good upbringing by my parents, who were both very successful in our community of Marlborough, and provided for my brothers and sister very well. They also gave of themselves to the community of Marlborough and taught us that we should try and give back as well.My good upbringing and years at Immaculate Conception and St. John’s had waned and the years of innocence and great promise were lost on many years of prolonged alcoholic drinking and drug addiction. By the time I was 25 I was at a very empty place, a place I wish on no one but never wish to forget. With that very promising future as a young man, I threw it away because of my powerlessness over the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. Not only was I ashamed at what I had become, I had no idea on which direction I should go. I was a very desperate and scared shell of a man. I thought this world would be a better place without me. I thought my life’s journey was ending; I had no idea it was just about to begin.It was April 28th 1985, when I called my brother Rich and asked for help. I didn't want to live but I didn't want to die and had no idea what I should do. He led me to a place that became my life saver. It was a small room in a dumpy building called The ARC, which was on Lincoln Street at that time. I met new friends called John the Indian, Johnny V (who became my sponsor), Vivian and Roland S. This placed welcomed me. I was usually asked to leave places, not be welcomed back. I had no idea this place existed even though I frequented many establishments (bar rooms) along Lincoln Street during that time. I had no idea that this place called The ARC was to be the foundation that literally saved my life. And now today I still frequent this place because it’s not just about me anymore. I am responsible. I realize that it’s about us, people helping people. The ARC, along with my 12-step recovery program, has assisted me each and everyday to remain sober and clean and I truly live a happy life. I am a lucky man.My life is very different today than it was almost 25 years ago. I have a wonderful wife, 3 beautiful children, the love and respect of my family, my friends and my community. I know how to be a son, a brother, a father, a friend and a positive member of my community. I am responsible. I can’t thank The ARC and now Right Turn and a nameless 12 step program enough for what it has freely given to me and I am humbled to be able to give back today.
Ok back to Ironman time.....Keith and West Coast Jen headed off with Keith's kids and their friend to have their last supper and we would meet up later to share our last thoughts before the race with our Video man and Documentarian Brad.
Jen & I headed back with Brad to meet my friends Jim Whetstone and his wife Bonnie who drove up 3 hours from Chicago to see the race for dinner. Jim & Bonnie have been a great friends and supporter for many years and it meant allot to me that they choose to come up and witness that special experience that only Ironman can provide not only the athletes but also the spectators as well. The fact is that as an athlete who will be competing in the 8th Ironman you would think I would be a willy old veteran at this and yet the nervousness and excitement for what I am about to embark on is just as powerful as it was the first time I had done it. It truly is a magical experience for the individual and I feel for the spectator as well because around this time the eve before the race those of you that have watched all along what your athlete has done and endured to get themselves ready for this day and are here at the event to witness the reality of what lay before starts to really sink in and the enormity of the experience and the energy levels are beginning to magnify to a heightened sense of everything around you. The best way I can describe it is that all of your senses are heightened and the feeling of 2400 individuals gathering to achieve the same goal all of a sudden starts to absorb within you as well. The family feel of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Ironman is almost at full swing now and you are standing alone yet with all at the same time.
Dinner was great and everyone talked about the buzz feeling that were getting and everyone was excited about witnessing the madness that was about to begin except for one...me. To be honest I am tired, sore, and so exhausted because of the fact that Keith & I had just done this 13 days earlier in Louisville that our bodies and more importantly our minds had not yet recovered from that experience. This was definitely going to be the toughest challenge of all and I was pretty sure that we would complete it but I was also pretty sure it wouldn't be pretty and I would be fighting within my mind throughout the day. I shared those feelings with all of them and they reassured me and actually made me feel better and back on track about why I am here and what we are doing. Additionally if I don't finish tomorrow my charity for this event Right Turn will not get the additional $10,000 from Janus for being the top fundraiser for this event. So even if I wanted to bail on the day I couldn't possibly let those folks down.
To be continued........
All along our journey Keith & I talked about all of the folks in our lives who sacrificed so much in order for us to be here at this moment. We also thought about the $$$ and awareness we have raised along the way to help those in need and what that means to each of those communities and the people they have helped. We thought of our great friend, coach and mentor Joe Turcotte who could not be here with us because he is preparing for his race in Hawaii and also giving back to his charity. My Dad and Mom have given so much to me in my life they have to be the first for me to thank as without them I wouldn't be here at all. They have also told me many times in my life that there are givers in this world and there are takers and I feel strongly that I love to be around the givers and know in Keith & Joe that is 100% the case. Major thanks to them for being not only a part of this journey all along but being a part of my life. My wife knows how I feel and she has been there all along this journey and has never once discouraged me from doing this. We both have sacrificed so much to reach this moment and it is worth every bit of the time and money and we have no regrets. You all get to read and hear about the highlights mostly but trust me there are low lights and times when I don't want to get out and sit on my bike for 5-6 hours training in crappy weather or running a long run when I'd rather be spending time with my wife and kids. For 2 years they have all pretty much given up their weekends with me as when they wanted to plan some sort of outing I'd say something like OK just as soon as I am done with my 5 hour ride and nap ok? And whenever any of my kids were going through a challenging time I would think to myself maybe I should bail on this whole thing as they need my 100% focus right now and yet from them they would not want me to stop this mission as they knew what it was all about. THEY GOT IT..... THEY UNDERSTOOD.........THEY SUPPORTED ME....I can't let anyone of these kids, my wife, my friends, my extended family down. I had to keep trudging the road to Happy Destiny.... Keith, Joey & I and now maybe you have an inkling that this had become much more than any of us as individuals. This had become a following of supporters from all of our families, our charities and their supporters and families, our friends and their families, our facebook friends, media that had covered where watching our exploits and reporting on us, and yes even folks that wanted to see us fail. I have been blessed to know all of my charities personally and what they do. I literally want to see them in action so that I can share their experience strength and hope with all who want to hear. This is what I have learned from making right choices in life. Sharing my experience, strength and hope is more important than anything else that I do. It is the gift that I have been given to give to the next person who may hear my story.......so before I tell you about our last supper before IM # 6 you will have to learn a little about me that you may not know until now.......
I grew up in Marlborough Massachusetts, just off Stevens Street on Old Charter Rd. Much of my life growing up was a very happy time with my family & friends in those neighborhoods. I had a good upbringing by my parents, who were both very successful in our community of Marlborough, and provided for my brothers and sister very well. They also gave of themselves to the community of Marlborough and taught us that we should try and give back as well.My good upbringing and years at Immaculate Conception and St. John’s had waned and the years of innocence and great promise were lost on many years of prolonged alcoholic drinking and drug addiction. By the time I was 25 I was at a very empty place, a place I wish on no one but never wish to forget. With that very promising future as a young man, I threw it away because of my powerlessness over the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. Not only was I ashamed at what I had become, I had no idea on which direction I should go. I was a very desperate and scared shell of a man. I thought this world would be a better place without me. I thought my life’s journey was ending; I had no idea it was just about to begin.It was April 28th 1985, when I called my brother Rich and asked for help. I didn't want to live but I didn't want to die and had no idea what I should do. He led me to a place that became my life saver. It was a small room in a dumpy building called The ARC, which was on Lincoln Street at that time. I met new friends called John the Indian, Johnny V (who became my sponsor), Vivian and Roland S. This placed welcomed me. I was usually asked to leave places, not be welcomed back. I had no idea this place existed even though I frequented many establishments (bar rooms) along Lincoln Street during that time. I had no idea that this place called The ARC was to be the foundation that literally saved my life. And now today I still frequent this place because it’s not just about me anymore. I am responsible. I realize that it’s about us, people helping people. The ARC, along with my 12-step recovery program, has assisted me each and everyday to remain sober and clean and I truly live a happy life. I am a lucky man.My life is very different today than it was almost 25 years ago. I have a wonderful wife, 3 beautiful children, the love and respect of my family, my friends and my community. I know how to be a son, a brother, a father, a friend and a positive member of my community. I am responsible. I can’t thank The ARC and now Right Turn and a nameless 12 step program enough for what it has freely given to me and I am humbled to be able to give back today.
Ok back to Ironman time.....Keith and West Coast Jen headed off with Keith's kids and their friend to have their last supper and we would meet up later to share our last thoughts before the race with our Video man and Documentarian Brad.
Jen & I headed back with Brad to meet my friends Jim Whetstone and his wife Bonnie who drove up 3 hours from Chicago to see the race for dinner. Jim & Bonnie have been a great friends and supporter for many years and it meant allot to me that they choose to come up and witness that special experience that only Ironman can provide not only the athletes but also the spectators as well. The fact is that as an athlete who will be competing in the 8th Ironman you would think I would be a willy old veteran at this and yet the nervousness and excitement for what I am about to embark on is just as powerful as it was the first time I had done it. It truly is a magical experience for the individual and I feel for the spectator as well because around this time the eve before the race those of you that have watched all along what your athlete has done and endured to get themselves ready for this day and are here at the event to witness the reality of what lay before starts to really sink in and the enormity of the experience and the energy levels are beginning to magnify to a heightened sense of everything around you. The best way I can describe it is that all of your senses are heightened and the feeling of 2400 individuals gathering to achieve the same goal all of a sudden starts to absorb within you as well. The family feel of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Ironman is almost at full swing now and you are standing alone yet with all at the same time.
Dinner was great and everyone talked about the buzz feeling that were getting and everyone was excited about witnessing the madness that was about to begin except for one...me. To be honest I am tired, sore, and so exhausted because of the fact that Keith & I had just done this 13 days earlier in Louisville that our bodies and more importantly our minds had not yet recovered from that experience. This was definitely going to be the toughest challenge of all and I was pretty sure that we would complete it but I was also pretty sure it wouldn't be pretty and I would be fighting within my mind throughout the day. I shared those feelings with all of them and they reassured me and actually made me feel better and back on track about why I am here and what we are doing. Additionally if I don't finish tomorrow my charity for this event Right Turn will not get the additional $10,000 from Janus for being the top fundraiser for this event. So even if I wanted to bail on the day I couldn't possibly let those folks down.
To be continued........
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Ironman Madison 2009 Part 2 6 Ironmans in One Year
Continued from Part 1.....
What seemed to be the theme for Keith & I was that obstacles kept trying to get in our way and we had to do allot of going with the flow. The first was our gear bag not arriving, then Keith's computer from his bike was missing so they offered to get him another which delayed us getting our bikes again so they could install it for him. We finally got the bike thing squared away so we could take them to Matt to take a final tune up to them and then ride them back to the hotel for a final check on eveything and get our transition bags ready for delivery to the transition areas tommorow. Then around 5 PM I got a call from our Video man Brad that the flight he was scheduled for to Milwaukee was so far delayed that he would not get into Madison at all and only to Milwaukee by 11:30 PM which is a 1 1/2 hour drive for us and we needed our sleep so it was becoming a very stressful last Ironman trying to get through all of our logistics. My wife volunteered to drive by herself to get him but I wasn't comfortable with that as that meant her getting over tired and stressed so we talked aout it and decided we would pay to shuttle him over as the most cost effective and time efective way. It wasn't easy but we made the arrangements and it all worked out as he was picked up and arrived around 1:30 AM. Thanksfully we got what is usually your best night's sleep before an Ironman 2 night's prior as the eve of Ironman is normally a 5 hour sleep with several wake up during the night....
We all awoke on Saturday and Keith & I could finally get to the water and swim to test the temp, get familiar with some line of sight areas for the swim and just release some pent up energy. This is usually a fun filled day but also a kind of up and down emotional roller coaster as well. It is a time where Keith & I have some fun together knowing what lay in front of us oh so well. It is also a day where we do our favorite thing at the past 5 Ironmans which is get a massage....later in the afternoon....This last swim before race day was a little different than the last 5 because of something that happened 2 nights before. Apparently there were a couple of guys out on Lake Monoma fishing and at around 9 PM decided they would cool off and go for a swim. Unfortunately they had been drinking and only one made it back to the boat and they had done this very close to the swimming area of the race. The sheriff's boats and divers were searching the murky waters and as there was allot of algae and pretty much no visibility you can just imagine what a difficult time they were having locating the body. This made all of us a little nervous and saddened as we wish no one to have that fate. I can only speak for me but as I swam I was a little freaked out at times thinking about if I would swim into a body by accident and lucky for me it didn't happen cause I probably would have had a heart attack on the spot and joined him.
We got out of the water and Brad did some filming as we got out of our sausage suits and focused on the final day before the race. We have to return to the hotel after doing our final check in with Janus Charity Challenge http://www.januscharitychallenge.com/ which is the vehicle Keith & I used to raise money & Awareness for our charities. Then pack up and ride our bikes and transition bags into each area. We packed all of our transition bags the night before and of course you look in each one probably 10-15 times after you pack it to make sure you didn't forget something....it's a maddening ordeal but for those of you reading it's all part of the experience.....here is an example of some of the logistics it takes for setting up the bikes in transtition in Madison.....to get to our bikes we had to exit the water and then run up a helix to the top of a parking garage and change in the transition area (below) into our bike gear and then proceed to the top where our bikes are located (below right) Can you find my bike please?:
Thanks for reading....
Thursday evening Keith and West Coast Jen Brown arrived from California. As a surprise to their Dad, all of Keith's children will Keith know they would be flying into Madison on Friday. This really helped Keith's mental focus and mine for what we're about to embark on. I also got a phone call from my good friend Jim Whetstone letting me know that him and his wife Bonnie will be arriving sometime Saturday afternoon. Last but not least, Brad Kelly our videographer will also be arriving on Friday evening.
We all woke up Friday, and headed towards the venue so that Keith could sign up and be official for Ironman Madison 2009. Once Keith was registered, we headed over to Tri-Bike Transport to get our bikes and our gear bag. We'd run into a slight snag as they left the gear bag in Minneapolis and this contained both of our wet suits, bike shoes and bike helmets so we need this in order to compete. Marc the owner of tri-bike transport was very accommodating and took care of us as he always does. We recommend him highly if you need them there website is http://www.tribiketransport.com/ . With our video man Brad follow us around and walked along the entire venue especially to the Janus Charity challenge booth to see Casey and Christina. We also stopped by the Ford booth to visit our friends there as well. The venues backdrop was that of the city of Madison with its beautiful capitol building on one side and Lake Monoma on the other. It is a very small city with a large College feel with the University of Wisconsin right in the heart of everything....so all in all it is a very youthful and high energy place.What seemed to be the theme for Keith & I was that obstacles kept trying to get in our way and we had to do allot of going with the flow. The first was our gear bag not arriving, then Keith's computer from his bike was missing so they offered to get him another which delayed us getting our bikes again so they could install it for him. We finally got the bike thing squared away so we could take them to Matt to take a final tune up to them and then ride them back to the hotel for a final check on eveything and get our transition bags ready for delivery to the transition areas tommorow. Then around 5 PM I got a call from our Video man Brad that the flight he was scheduled for to Milwaukee was so far delayed that he would not get into Madison at all and only to Milwaukee by 11:30 PM which is a 1 1/2 hour drive for us and we needed our sleep so it was becoming a very stressful last Ironman trying to get through all of our logistics. My wife volunteered to drive by herself to get him but I wasn't comfortable with that as that meant her getting over tired and stressed so we talked aout it and decided we would pay to shuttle him over as the most cost effective and time efective way. It wasn't easy but we made the arrangements and it all worked out as he was picked up and arrived around 1:30 AM. Thanksfully we got what is usually your best night's sleep before an Ironman 2 night's prior as the eve of Ironman is normally a 5 hour sleep with several wake up during the night....
We all awoke on Saturday and Keith & I could finally get to the water and swim to test the temp, get familiar with some line of sight areas for the swim and just release some pent up energy. This is usually a fun filled day but also a kind of up and down emotional roller coaster as well. It is a time where Keith & I have some fun together knowing what lay in front of us oh so well. It is also a day where we do our favorite thing at the past 5 Ironmans which is get a massage....later in the afternoon....This last swim before race day was a little different than the last 5 because of something that happened 2 nights before. Apparently there were a couple of guys out on Lake Monoma fishing and at around 9 PM decided they would cool off and go for a swim. Unfortunately they had been drinking and only one made it back to the boat and they had done this very close to the swimming area of the race. The sheriff's boats and divers were searching the murky waters and as there was allot of algae and pretty much no visibility you can just imagine what a difficult time they were having locating the body. This made all of us a little nervous and saddened as we wish no one to have that fate. I can only speak for me but as I swam I was a little freaked out at times thinking about if I would swim into a body by accident and lucky for me it didn't happen cause I probably would have had a heart attack on the spot and joined him.
We got out of the water and Brad did some filming as we got out of our sausage suits and focused on the final day before the race. We have to return to the hotel after doing our final check in with Janus Charity Challenge http://www.januscharitychallenge.com/ which is the vehicle Keith & I used to raise money & Awareness for our charities. Then pack up and ride our bikes and transition bags into each area. We packed all of our transition bags the night before and of course you look in each one probably 10-15 times after you pack it to make sure you didn't forget something....it's a maddening ordeal but for those of you reading it's all part of the experience.....here is an example of some of the logistics it takes for setting up the bikes in transtition in Madison.....to get to our bikes we had to exit the water and then run up a helix to the top of a parking garage and change in the transition area (below) into our bike gear and then proceed to the top where our bikes are located (below right) Can you find my bike please?:
Thanks for reading....
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