December 8, 2018

The first IRONMAN Triathlon took place in 1978 in Oahu, I was fascinated by the race. Around that time my parents went to Oahu and, “all I got was a T-shirt,” I wore that T-shirt until it was full of holes. At SDSU, I swam for my lifeguard certification, biked Tecate to Ensenada races and ran AFC half marathons but I could never put together a triathlon much less a Ironman. After college, “life” took over; small business work, later marriage and children became my priority. 

In 2006, “I’m much too young to feel this damn old,” becomes my life theme song. I was barely able to complete the 4th of July Fun Run. Then some of my friends got me moving again, I started coaching SR girls soccer, playing beach volleyball, adding short runs which lead to SR friends getting me to train for the RocknRoll Marathon, at age 53 I ran my first marathon. I started lap swimming to help my body recover, then swimming at LJ Cove, then SR Masters swims. In the back of my mind was the a youthful question, “how much is a triathlon bike?” 

As Hannah prepared to leave for college, she asked, “what are you going to do now Dad?” I had been a soccer coach and cheer-dad for many years, she worried about me as an empty nester. At age 56, I did my first triathlon on Fiesta Island with TriClub San Diego, over the next 3 years, I completed more marathons and 6 triathlons, finally registering for my first full Ironman 140.6 distance in Tempe AZ. Sunday, November 18, 2018, I took a dream from my youth and made it a reality, 40 years later. A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, then a 26.2 mile run. In that 14 hours I smiled through the pain and lived out my dream, finally reaching the finish line and hearing the words, “you are an Ironman.” 

Of course, I could hear Kathie’s voice reflected in the cheers and smiles of Hannah and Madison as they followed me all day. Many of you have followed our journey since the accident, I thought I would share my physical journey and completion of a life’s dream.

The following week was Kathie’s Birthday on Thanksgiving Day,
Dave

Comments

  1. Sue DDecember 9, 2018 at 10:34 PM

    Congratulations on a dream come true! What an accomplishment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SandigeeDecember 12, 2018 at 12:09 PM

    I read this and just say, "Wow, wow, wow!" Congratulations -- love the picture. Madison reminds me so much of her Mom. You definitely are an Ironman.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carol LangJanuary 23, 2019 at 6:48 AM

    Fantastic!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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