Dear Charlene,

Some say that a full-distance triathlon, an Ironman, is the toughest individual test of one’s physical and mental endurance. The average Ironman athlete takes 12.5+ hours to traverse the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. The average Ironman athlete will spend 36-weeks training an average of 12+ hours a week in preparation for this one day test of endurance. So if competing in an Ironman is the toughest individual endurance event then being married to an Ironman athlete is Tougher X2!

Charlene, you are my Ironman, Iron-Woman that is. While training for an Ironman you have to endure my wining, complaining, bumps, and bruises. You have nursed me back to health when ailing from aches and pains. You’ve made homemade energy bars, made sure that the kitchen is stocked with fruits and vegetables, and have made endless meals to help in my daily recovery. You have consoled me when my training and/or racing has not gone so well. You have gotten up early to drive to a race, made signs of inspiration, and have cheered me on every step of the way. All the while with a smile and with words of encouragement to keep me moving closer to my dream. And in addition to all that you find the time to keep our home in order, volunteer as the Leader of Alexandra’s GS troop, volunteer on the Park Girls Swim & Dive Boosters, and work as a Critical Care Nurse. Some think completing an Ironman triathlon is an amazing feat, well maybe they should try a day in your shoes.

In just a few weeks, I will be traveling to Madison again, this time not as an athlete but as a volunteer. I have tentative plans to register on Monday, September 10, 2012 for the 2013 Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon. This would be my fourth full-distance triathlon in five years. But before I can register I need to know that it’s okay with you. I need to know that you’ve got my back. I know it’s not really fair to ask you to do this again. But if I cannot ask you…

You see Charlene, I don’t think I can do it without you. You are my rock when I need stability, the wind that lifts me up when I’m down, my inspiration to keep moving forward when my body just wants to stop, my light when I’m lost in the darkness, my best friend, my lover, my everything.

So I’ll await your reply…

Yours Always,
M