For me Ironman is about the journey. It’s where I have been and where I am going. To me it’s my progression in life. I know I wear Ironman on my sleeve (My calf really 🙂 ) like I once wore the Dallas Cowboys. But Ironman is different. It tests you mentally more than most people can imagine. Sure it takes a lot of physical ability but anyone who has done this distance knows after about 80 miles on the bike it’s about your nutrition leading up to this point and your ability to either embrace the pain that’s about to start or completely block it out.

Ironman is about giving it your all. It’s living that lifestyle both personally and professionally. This something I am working on to do professionally that I hope will help me to excel in the years to come.

Ironman is also about doing this for other people. It’s not about me even though I am competing in this event. It’s about dedicating it to individuals and groups who I believe have helped me to get to this point in my life.

Ironman Chattanooga is dedicated to my son Hunter, RTB 2014, CCL,  & Sarah D.

My son Hunter who is such a joy to be around. I love with all my heart. I have a ton of fun with him. As he gets older it’s so cute having real conversations with him. This summer he had the chance to help me a bit with my renovations with my house and loves seeing how it progresses. My goal in life is to be a role model to him and show him how much his mother and I love him.

RTB 2014: Running with these group of amazing people is such an inspiration. If it wasn’t for people like Knute, Pete, Vicki, Karl, Jim, team captains, Calumet staff, & several others help to make this happen. Most of us were on staff together at Calumet at some point in the past. We have a common bond to give back. We have raised well over $50,000 to send kids to camp. While out there competing on Sunday the 28th I ask you to think of these kids and consider giving to Calumet or my RTB page. 

CCL (Camp Calumet Lutheran): If it wasn’t for Calumet I wouldn’t be where I am at today. This place taught me so much about life and the people involved in it. I have met so many amazing people. I have friendship’s that have lasted almost 25 years. I have been fortunate enough to meet several role models along the way. Especially people like Evan, Chuck, Todd, & Rory. There are really so many more people that I have looked up to and I want to thank you for it.

Sarah: What you, Leisl, and the millions of others who are fighting cancer are truly the strong one’s. You inspire all of us to not only think of what you are fighting for but to push that much harder on race day. I know I will because of you. The Converse sneaker that is attached to my bike represents you and everyone else fighting cancer. The sneaker won’t be with me for the run this time because I have a different surprise at the finish.