Define Your Ability

We all encounter moments of doubt, fear, shame, or darkness. We have all wondered how do I overcome this hurdle? What we fail to recognize or remember is that we were created to be more than those moments. These moments do not define our limitations or destination. Rather, they should help us be determined and focused to define our own abilities.

While I continue to ramp up training for IronMan Wisconsin, I continue to be amazed and inspired by the stories of many Captains from myTEAM TRIUMPH. Whether it's in the form of 10 Captains attending a training run on a Wednesday night, or Captain Pancakes sharing his story with local clubs and organizations, or hearing about Captain Ian impressing the ladies at St. Norbert College - I continue to realize that in my moments of doubt or fear I can overcome anything and rise above because they have. 

This past Wednesday I had the opportunity to train 'officially' with Captain Tom and Captain/Angel Jana for the first time. While it was a shorter run, it provided a great time to share and talk about life, training, and IronMan Wisconsin. I was impressed to hear that Tom continues to share his story on many different avenues. For a guy that really likes to plan, he seems to have a place on the stage for sharing his struggles and triumphs.

While training can be grueling and early mornings tough to get up, I continue to be inspired by Jana's drive and passion to be better. I don't think there has been a day in two weeks where I haven't received a text from Jana with a training update. Now I know why Tom described her as the competitive one - I have no doubt in my mind she could swim the 2.4 miles tomorrow if she needed to.

What they both may not know, nor get to see, is that they help to motivate me to get up early in the morning, climb mountains on my bike virtually, run after work, and choose to eat healthier. They both continue to show me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, don't give up, and persist to rise above the doubt! 

"So rise

Breaking the dark, piercing the night

You're made to shine

An army of hope

Bringing the world

A radiant light

A radiant light

You were made to rise, rise"

~ Danny Gokey, "Rise"

And The Journey Begins

This past weekend kicked off the start of the myTEAM TRIUMPH season. The Night of Triumph Gala saw Captains of all abilities from all over the state come together to be celebrated. From a Red Carpet entrance full of cheers and unique introductions, to food, laughter, and dancing, the night had something for everyone! It was most definitely a great way to greet and kick off the 2018 season.

Perhaps making the evening more special was the special announcement that I was grateful to be a part of. myTEAM TRIUMPH has a great history with the IronMan race organization. And this year, I am honored to be part of a team that will help Captain Tom become an IronMan. To say Tom was surprised by the news would be an understatement...Tom didn't quite know how to respond and did his best to hold his emotions in check in front of a crowd of 200.

Tom G., an mTT Board Member and Captain, loving husband and father, is an engineer by trade. The engineer in Tom quickly went into planning mode, trying to figure out how all of this was even possible and going to work for a whole day in Madison, Wisconsin. As the dust settled and Tom could appreciate the moment (the next day of course), he quickly became filled with excitement and anticipation. And who wouldn't, he's going to become an IronMan.

Who's on Tom's team and will be helping him complete the amazing journey? Let's start with the swim leg. The swimmer that will be pulling Tom aught to be very familiar with who he is and what he likes...Jana S. - Tom's wife of 10 years. Jana, whom is usually a Captain with mTT, is changing it up for IronMan Wisconsin and becoming an Angel. Jana will pull Tom 2.4 miles in the open waters of Lake Monona. Once a very competitive swimmer, Jana will be working hard to conquer the swim course.

Tackling the tough terrain of the bike course with Tom is myself, Cliff G. A Northeast Region Crew member for mTT, Cliff has been eagerly biking most of the winter indoors. After giving Zwift a try with mTT Director Christian J., Cliff has been hooked at improving his cycling endurance. A new friend and face for Tom and Jana alike, the group seemed to hit it off planning away the summer during a recent mTT Conference in Green Bay. Cliff and Tom will spend many hours together this summer as they prepare for the hills of the Verona and Mt. Herob area outside of Madison, riding a total of 112 miles by bike.

The anchor leg of the day and the marathon run belong to Tom's long-time friend Summer E. According to Tom, Summer is responsible for encouraging Tom to hop into one of the mTT chairs and enjoy the feeling of freedom that came along with the run/ride. Summer, former Fox Valley Leader and now board member has been involved with myTEAM TRIUMPH for many years. The friendship between Tom, Jana, and Summer is very strong, evident by the long, heartfelt embrace at the conference. Summer will continue to train from the Fox Valley region and push both Tom and Jana on this journey.

This spring and summer will bring about many opportunities to train and create a bond that will go much deeper than any could imagine. Add in Tom and Jana's son Zane into the training plan and lots of fun will be had by all. As the group begins planning their training and event line up, be sure to check back regularly for updates, biographies, and progress. Thanks for joining us on this amazing journey. 

#RunLikeAngels