This will be my final post on "Heroes" for a while. It seems some of my best thoughts come from my Wednesday night dinners. I usually go to track on Wednesday nights then head to Goose's Acre. This past Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending a party with my oncologist and friend Rick Hagemeister. Rick and I shared the stage in January 2008 at an inspirational dinner for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We both spoke on the topic of "Heroes". As I said in a previous post, it was totally unplanned. Rick brought up my speech at the party Wednesday. He was talking to a Fellow at M.D. Anderson about our speeches. What is funny to me is he brought up a part of my speech that I had forgotten. It got me to thinking about "Heroes" once again. I used "The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King" as the backdrop. Here is a conversation that was held between Sam and Frodo near the end of the movie:
"Sam: [Both are overcome by exhaustion] Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?
Frodo: No, Sam. I can't recall the taste of food... nor the sound of water... nor the touch of grass. I'm... naked in the dark, with nothing, no veil... between me... and the wheel of fire! I can see him... with my waking eyes!
Sam: Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you! "
The point was everyone looks at Frodo as the hero in the movie. Sam was a hero in that he knew he could not carry the ring and fulfill the destiny, but he could help and make sure the destiny is fulfilled. He was there as support that was desperately needed.
Such are many of the "Heroes" in our lives. There are coaches, spouses, friends, and family that help us to carry the "ring" and fulfill our destiny. They are not looking for the spotlight and are rarely seen, but without them, we would not succeed. They are the true "Heroes" in our stories. Without these "Heroes", we the survivors/athletes would not be where we are today.
This post really is just to say thanks to all of the Samwise Ganges in our lives who carry us to the finish line. In my life that would be my wife and kids, my coach, and my many friends around the country. A huge thank you to all of you. May God bless each of you greatly.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Heroes Part 2 or my CapTex Tri Report
I posted about Heroes on Friday because of the upcoming TNT event I was to attend. Let me say, I met a lot of Heroes this weekend. This is the first year that I have attended the CapTex Tri and not participated as an athlete. I was there strictly as a coach and support person. I think this made all the difference in the world.
I left The Woodlands at about 6:00 AM Sunday morning with my three participants following closely behind. We had to be in Austin by 10:00 AM as I had to attend a mandatory coaches meeting. I actually took my bike and all of my triathlon gear with me. I don't know if it was just out of habit or if I really hoped to find some way to participate in the race on Monday. We arrived in Austin about 9:00 Am which gave me time to check into my hotel room, unload my car and freshen up from the drive.
After a rather uneventful meeting, I went to packet pickup to help Chad, Andres, and Angela get their packets. I ended up being the go to person for anyone TNT related as problems arose almost immediately. There were problems with one day USAT licenses to people trying to switch races. I was able to help or find the right person who could help.
Next was our "Inspiration Dinner". The last time I was in Austin, I was the featured speaker at the dinner. It felt so different being there as coach. The whole dinner was great and a true testament to what heroes these participants were. Collectively they had raised over $900,000.00 to find a cure for my type of cancer.
Race day was next. I have participated as the Honored Hero, the fund raiser, and now the coach. I have to say, my favorite is the coach. Once the race started, I moved over to my spot which was about 2.5 miles into the run. From there I was able to cheer for bikers and runners. I saw a group of disabled vets participating, many missing arms or legs. I saw professionals competing and I saw everyday people competing. I was there to help anyone of them that might need anything. I saw many of my friends doing this race and enjoyed every minute of it. The greatest moments a came though as I saw each of my three participants pass by me on their way to the finish line. As each one passed, A new set of tears filled my eyes. I am so proud of them and their accomplishments. They are truly heroes in my eyes and I will never forget them. Thanks Chad, Andres and Angela. It was a great weekend.
I left The Woodlands at about 6:00 AM Sunday morning with my three participants following closely behind. We had to be in Austin by 10:00 AM as I had to attend a mandatory coaches meeting. I actually took my bike and all of my triathlon gear with me. I don't know if it was just out of habit or if I really hoped to find some way to participate in the race on Monday. We arrived in Austin about 9:00 Am which gave me time to check into my hotel room, unload my car and freshen up from the drive.
After a rather uneventful meeting, I went to packet pickup to help Chad, Andres, and Angela get their packets. I ended up being the go to person for anyone TNT related as problems arose almost immediately. There were problems with one day USAT licenses to people trying to switch races. I was able to help or find the right person who could help.
Next was our "Inspiration Dinner". The last time I was in Austin, I was the featured speaker at the dinner. It felt so different being there as coach. The whole dinner was great and a true testament to what heroes these participants were. Collectively they had raised over $900,000.00 to find a cure for my type of cancer.
Race day was next. I have participated as the Honored Hero, the fund raiser, and now the coach. I have to say, my favorite is the coach. Once the race started, I moved over to my spot which was about 2.5 miles into the run. From there I was able to cheer for bikers and runners. I saw a group of disabled vets participating, many missing arms or legs. I saw professionals competing and I saw everyday people competing. I was there to help anyone of them that might need anything. I saw many of my friends doing this race and enjoyed every minute of it. The greatest moments a came though as I saw each of my three participants pass by me on their way to the finish line. As each one passed, A new set of tears filled my eyes. I am so proud of them and their accomplishments. They are truly heroes in my eyes and I will never forget them. Thanks Chad, Andres and Angela. It was a great weekend.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Heroes
About 18 months ago, my doctor and I spoke at a Houston Marathon pre-race dinner. Our topic was Heroes. We were not assigned the topic and actually were surprised when we discussed our talks prior to the dinner. It is time for me to revisit that topic.
This weekend is the weekend for the Capital of Texas Triathlon in Austin, TX. I have been coaching a group of Team In Training triathletes for the last four months as they prepare for the race. In exchange they have each raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. They have each in their own way become heroes in the fight against cancer.
So what makes a hero? Dictionary.com defines hero this way:
1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.
When I think of heroes, I think first of the men, women and children who everyday are battling against cancer and surviving. These are the people that you do not read about. They are out there living their lives and trying to just keep going. They fight everyday for their life.
Then there are those that take care of these fighters. These would be the caregivers. The spouses, parents and significant others that sit there and hold the patients hand while he throws up everything he has eaten. The caregivers are the ones who also sit up late at night praying for the recovery of the patient. They are there at all hours while the patient is receiving chemotherapy. They make sure the patient lacks for nothing. These heroes come in all ages. They are children, teenagers and adults. They never falter even when they get tired.
Finally, there are the doctors and nurses. These people take up the fight every day. They spend hours upon hours comforting patients and at the same time trying to find a cure. They could be in private practice making a whole lot more money, but chose instead to work in a field where there is a need for a cure. A field that has a high mortality rate and often sees death.
So where is this going? As we have started planning for Remission Run 2010, I was reminded that my wife, my two kids, my doctor and my running coach are all my heroes. I would not be where I am today without each one of them. They were there through the vomiting, through the chemo , through the hospital stays and through the recovery. I love every one of them and dedicate this weekends effort at CapTex Tri to them.
Go TEAM!!!!
This weekend is the weekend for the Capital of Texas Triathlon in Austin, TX. I have been coaching a group of Team In Training triathletes for the last four months as they prepare for the race. In exchange they have each raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. They have each in their own way become heroes in the fight against cancer.
So what makes a hero? Dictionary.com defines hero this way:
1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.
When I think of heroes, I think first of the men, women and children who everyday are battling against cancer and surviving. These are the people that you do not read about. They are out there living their lives and trying to just keep going. They fight everyday for their life.
Then there are those that take care of these fighters. These would be the caregivers. The spouses, parents and significant others that sit there and hold the patients hand while he throws up everything he has eaten. The caregivers are the ones who also sit up late at night praying for the recovery of the patient. They are there at all hours while the patient is receiving chemotherapy. They make sure the patient lacks for nothing. These heroes come in all ages. They are children, teenagers and adults. They never falter even when they get tired.
Finally, there are the doctors and nurses. These people take up the fight every day. They spend hours upon hours comforting patients and at the same time trying to find a cure. They could be in private practice making a whole lot more money, but chose instead to work in a field where there is a need for a cure. A field that has a high mortality rate and often sees death.
So where is this going? As we have started planning for Remission Run 2010, I was reminded that my wife, my two kids, my doctor and my running coach are all my heroes. I would not be where I am today without each one of them. They were there through the vomiting, through the chemo , through the hospital stays and through the recovery. I love every one of them and dedicate this weekends effort at CapTex Tri to them.
Go TEAM!!!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
First Swim Meet
Saturday was the first swim meet of the season. As head referee for our local swim team, I get to watch almost every race. It was fun watching the little four year olds as they swam in their first swim meet. They give it everything they have and take it so seriously. They may not come in first place, but the fact that they are there and actually doing this makes it exciting. The sportsmanship shown by both teams this weekend was amazing and made me realize that though most of these kids will not be competitive above the local or state level, they truly have what it takes to be winners in life. My own two kids did an awesome job. Both of them improved on their times from last year and made me very proud. Looking forward to the next six weeks of swim meets.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Winning and Losing
As I posted earlier, on Wednesday night I went to Goose’s Acre after track. I was in great company. Each of the people there was an athlete, a runner to be more specific. We all range in our level of athleticism from beginner to very accomplished. But each of us shared some things in common. We shared friendship and running. Each of the people who was there is a winner in his/her own right.
So, what is winning? For each of us winning is something different. I have a friend named Sara who is a winner. She went from not running a year ago to completing her first marathon in Nashville. A feat she did not even consider before a year ago. In her own words, this has helped make her a better mom. She may not have crossed the finish line ahead of everybody else, but she still won. Another winner I think of is a friend named Frank. Frank is an 80 year friend who also fought non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He has since completed numerous Ironman races including Hawaii many times. He may not cross the finish line first, but he has beaten cancer. One more example is my wife. Dana-Sue is a very talented runner and triathlete. She does not seek glory in that and rarely talks of it. She is a winner in that she takes great care in doing the every day details of life. She is a very supportive wife (going along with most of my crazy ideas). She is also an amazing mom, always knowing exactly what to say to our kids in every situation.
I have given examples of winners, so what defines a winner. Someone who overcomes adversity to accomplish a task. Yes, maybe. Maybe more like someone who does their job/activity to the best of their ability always looking for ways to improve and acting on those ways. Not every winner gets the gold medal or the podium finish. Some of the most amazing winners I know have never had their names in the spotlight. Yet they are winners. They are winners because they take to their task and they see it through to completion, again looking for and finding ways to make improvements in the process. They do not quit. They may stumble along the way, but they always get up and press on. They are not seeking attention for themselves, but often find ways to help others along the way. Their focus is not on themselves or what they have accomplished, but their focus is on others and who they can help along the way. These people accomplish amazing things in their own right. Some of them go on to the “podium” finish, but it never really is about that. It is about the people along the journey.
“Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” - Leo Buscaglia
So, what is winning? For each of us winning is something different. I have a friend named Sara who is a winner. She went from not running a year ago to completing her first marathon in Nashville. A feat she did not even consider before a year ago. In her own words, this has helped make her a better mom. She may not have crossed the finish line ahead of everybody else, but she still won. Another winner I think of is a friend named Frank. Frank is an 80 year friend who also fought non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He has since completed numerous Ironman races including Hawaii many times. He may not cross the finish line first, but he has beaten cancer. One more example is my wife. Dana-Sue is a very talented runner and triathlete. She does not seek glory in that and rarely talks of it. She is a winner in that she takes great care in doing the every day details of life. She is a very supportive wife (going along with most of my crazy ideas). She is also an amazing mom, always knowing exactly what to say to our kids in every situation.
I have given examples of winners, so what defines a winner. Someone who overcomes adversity to accomplish a task. Yes, maybe. Maybe more like someone who does their job/activity to the best of their ability always looking for ways to improve and acting on those ways. Not every winner gets the gold medal or the podium finish. Some of the most amazing winners I know have never had their names in the spotlight. Yet they are winners. They are winners because they take to their task and they see it through to completion, again looking for and finding ways to make improvements in the process. They do not quit. They may stumble along the way, but they always get up and press on. They are not seeking attention for themselves, but often find ways to help others along the way. Their focus is not on themselves or what they have accomplished, but their focus is on others and who they can help along the way. These people accomplish amazing things in their own right. Some of them go on to the “podium” finish, but it never really is about that. It is about the people along the journey.
“Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” - Leo Buscaglia
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Track workout
Knocked the track workout out of the park.
Coach had me doing 300's on the 1:10 with 100 recovery. I did twelve of them averaging about 1:06 each. Afterwards, had a great time with good friends at Gooses' Acre.
Thanks Coach!
The 11 year old's surgery was a success. Thanks for the prayers.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tough day
Today is a tough day emotionally. My father is having triple bypass surgery at the age of 69. I go back and forth on being worried for him, angry at the situation, and then just down right hurt about all that has happened. My prayer is that God would touch his heart and help him through this.
Also, one of our dear friends has an 11 year old daughter who is having surgery today. Both surgeries are very serious.
My prayers are with our friends and my father.
Will run out my emotions on the track tonight.
Also, one of our dear friends has an 11 year old daughter who is having surgery today. Both surgeries are very serious.
My prayers are with our friends and my father.
Will run out my emotions on the track tonight.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My first post
My first post on a blog. This week has started out interesting. Last night I found out I was chosen in the lottery to participate in the St. George Marathon. I immediately placed this info on facebook and found several people who described the course as tougher than I had heard. One thing I have to remember is advice from Bobby McGee. "Get out of your head." I will update as I continue training for this race.
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