TEAM IMF, THE IRONMAN FOUNDATION

 Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant. - Horace  

The essence of my pursuit of ever greater challenges is rooted in a straightforward truth: I aspire to be a living testament for countless aspiring athletes, from all walks of life. Whether you're a budding triathlete, a parent, a grandparent, or someone unfamiliar with the world of IRONMAN, I want to show that monumental achievements are within reach.

I recognize that not everyone knows where to start or has even heard of IRONMAN. I've walked the path of an underdog, facing setbacks and obstacles. Yet, I stand as proof that with unwavering dedication, discipline, and the will to push through each day, remarkable feats become possible. The secret lies in taking those steps, one at a time, until the seemingly impossible becomes reality.

By continually pushing my boundaries, I aim to inspire others to uncover their own potential, embrace challenges, and embark on their unique journey toward greatness.

My Resilient Journey: From Setbacks to Triumphs

Life has a remarkable way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. On a fateful day in March 2022, while immersed in a 9-mile run, a sudden collision with a car knocked me off my feet. Despite the shock and disorientation, I paused my Garmin watch at 8.5 miles, located my phone, exchanged words with the driver, and resumed my run home. With a black shirt concealing the aftermath, I assumed my dampness was from exertion. It wasn't until I changed that I noticed the impact on my left elbow.

Undeterred, I cleaned up, greeted my dog, and drove myself to the ER. Stitches and a splint later, I was back home on the same day. With road rash, injured wrists, and a throbbing head, I emerged with just an elbow injury.

Swiftly adapting, I embarked on an indoor cycling session the next day and resumed running by day four. Just 11 days after the elbow break, I completed a 9-mile run at a 9:16 pace with a full splint. My dedication to swimming aided my mobility, allowing me to manage my daily routine during the 8-week recovery.

Once the splint was off, I returned to the pool, utilizing different strokes to enhance elbow mobility. The silver lining? Running with a splint corrected my form, leading to faster times. This unforeseen change in running style transformed my pace from 9-minute miles to a swift 7-8 minutes.

These experiences are not only a testament to my resilience but also a window into the power of perseverance and adaptation. Through adversity and setbacks, I have discovered the strength within to overcome life's hurdles, setting a pace for others to follow.

Moreover, I've been touched by the staggering statistics: 43 million Americans grapple with low bone density, and projected hip fractures for 2050 stand at 21.3 million. I'm compelled to change these trends and inspire healthier lives. IRONMAN offers more than bragging rights; it empowers you to seize life on your terms.

The car accident wasn't the first time training saved my life. In 2015, I confronted the BRCA1 mutation, undergoing a double mastectomy to prevent a fate like my cousin's. Amidst medical battles, I turned to running to rebuild lung capacity and discovered its power to reshape my life. Running became my anchor, steering me through adversity.

In 2019, I achieved my first marathon despite challenges. In 2020, I embraced road cycling and rekindled my passion for swimming. In 2021, I conquered my inaugural triathlon with aspirations for more.

My journey underscores that setbacks are mere obstacles to overcome, and with determination, they can become stepping stones to triumph. Today, I'm a determined athlete, training rigorously for my first 140.6-mile triathlon at 45 and earlier this year I qualified for the Boston Marathon with a 6:13 buffer!

With each step, stroke, and pedal, I embrace the ethos of "anything is possible." As I continue to strive, please consider supporting my endeavor by donating to the IRONMAN Foundation. Together, we can spark change, bolster community initiatives, and inspire transformation through the endurance of spirit and the pursuit of greatness. 

Please donate to the IRONMAN Foundation, every dollar counts!  The money I raise will benefit community groups & organizations in our community(s) via grant funding. In 2021 alone, the IRONMAN Foundation distributed more than $2.1 million to 1,500 organizations worldwide. $100 could mean bikes for several kids, money that helps keep a community center pool open or money that goes to honoring Gold Star families, or supporting diversity in sport through initiatives like Women For Tri, an organization I am passionate about as endurance sports has dramatically changed the trajectory of my own life.