The Beginning: Part III
– The Comeback
April 22, 2017, Ironman
Texas 140.6 Race Morning:
The racers suited up
in their wetsuits as they prepared for a long, grueling day of racing. The
volunteers marked the number “581” on my Dad’s arms, age 57 on his calf. I had
seen it all before, I knew the drill - but this morning was different than any
other race morning. 7 months prior to this morning, I woke up not knowing
whether my Dad would live to make it back to the US, or if he would ever toe
another Ironman starting line. But here he was, and I was so full of emotion – nerves,
excitement... but mostly gratitude.
We wished him good
luck as he approached the dock, and we ran to the bridge to watch the race
begin. As we watched the sea of colored swim caps like a school of fish swimming over each other, I did
my absolute best to replace all of my worry with faith. My Dad took his time on the
swim, strategically staying away from the other racers to prevent getting
kicked in his ribs. He completed the 2.4 mile swim in 1:50:08, and I felt an
immediate sense of relief as he exited the canal. "He’s got this," I sighed.
He began the bike portion
of the race, and I got to see him on his way out. He looked strong, he was
smiling even... That was my Dad - a true Ironman. He completed the 112 mile bike
course in 6:10:09. This was slower than his normal pace, but still impressive given the circumstances. I knew once he made it on the run course, there was no stopping
him. It was a hot day, but I knew he had the willpower to keep moving forward despite whatever challenges he may face. He
completed the marathon, 26.2 miles, in 5:13:00. Heck, that's about my marathon time now!
My Dad completed Ironman Texas 140.6 7 months after the accident in a total time of 13:33:31. Watching my Dad cross
the finish line was the proudest, most surreal moment of my life. I remember
seeing him approach the red carpet, and tears immediately started falling uncontrollably. I ran alongside
the finish line chute, fighting the crowd to get to the end so I could wrap my arms around him and tell
him how proud I was. I was overwhelmed with happiness. He did it. He defied all
odds against him, he fought the battle before him, and he did it – he made his
comeback. And little did I know at the time that this moment would plant a seed
in my heart that would change my life forever.
"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny..." - C.S. Lewis
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