Inspiring Friend to Open Eyes

A few years ago, an acquaintance/friend of mine opened my eyes to a challenge I never thought possible. You see, I give him that title because I see the guy one time a year at a fantasy football draft so our discussions and camaraderie is limited at least until that particular draft day.  At a draft party, he randomly shares that he signed up to do Ironman Texas. Many responded with the usual, “why”, “yeah right”, etc. but I just listened thinking wow. His response to those questioning, “oh, I’m doing it or I just lost $650.” Many months go by and I think little of it then I get an email from the Commisioner of our league congratulating him and forwarding a link to a newspaper article done on him to which my memory was sparked.  Holy cow, he did it…he was an Ironman!

Now I realize there are thousands of Ironman out there but this one is different. You see, he and I are of similar build and not your typical triathlete stature to say the least. We’re both over 6′ tall and big guys. Now I won’t share his weight but let’s say that when he started it was north of 300. Becoming an Ironman didn’t happen to guys like us or at least that was my narrow minded way of thinking. It was then that my eyes were opened.

All this time I thought you had to be fast and thin to do this sport. I mean we’ve all seen Ironman World Championships in Kona on TV and there aren’t many guys our size or at least any that get the airtime.  Thank goodness for the expansion of the sport and my vision. There is an Ironman event in my backyard and it can be done even by Super Clydesdales like us.

For years, I’ve always referred to him as Coach.  Not because he coaches for a living but rather it’s short for his fantasy football team name, Da Coach  (yes, he is a big fan of Da Bears).  Well, now I guess it takes on an even deeper meaning because in another aspect, he did provide me with the motivation and guidance one expects from a coach so thanks Michael.