.JPG)
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........
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment