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SimplyStu Podcast Series


Welcome to my Podcast.  I love what I do and hope you enjoy the shows!

Time to move on...

Aug 28, 2007

Several children sat to play a game. They took turns playing the game, moving the pieces around the board. They played and played until there was finally a winner. The child that won stood up and yelled, "I won, what do I get?" A young boy that was also playing the game smiled and said "You win joy."

On the surface the children didn't catch what was going on. They didn't know what just happened. The teacher in the room did. The boys mother had cancer and was almost certain to die.

I bring up this story not to preach or teach. I bring up this story as September 9th, 2007 is important for so many reasons. I have had a hard time bringing this up, but maybe, just maybe I should?

It has been 10 years since my daughter completed treatment at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. It is the very same hospital that we will run past on the Ironman route. I will be able to see that hospital so many times. I will first see it about mile 5 and will last see the hospital about mile 21. I run past it in training almost daily. On Ironman day, I'm sure it will be different. If all goes well, I will see Abby at the finish line. I will see her for the FIRST time at the finish line. She has been to races with me in San Diego where I had it all planned out. I had it set. I was to run up to her, grab her out of the crowd and run to the finish line. That never happened. Might this year be different? I'm not sure.

Either way, the last few miles of any race are emotional. For me, time is not all the important. I can honestly sit here today and say that I have given all I have to my team. I have given all I have to my Coach. My family is far different. Yes, I have given all I have, but they have given far more to me. Once Ironman is over, it's time for me to repay them. I have given 500+ hours to training that I could have spent with them. I have given almost the same amount of time just thinking about the race.

When the cannon goes off on Sunday, I will focus on the swim. I will get on my bike and work hard keeping consistent power, eating, and drinking to stay in the race. Once I get on the run I will start to dream about the finish line. At times I don't want this journey to end. At other times, I can hardly wait. Come Sunday about mile 23 I will focus on family. I will smile and dream about that finish line. Will I get to carry Abby and Austin across that line? Only time will tell. All I can tell you is the UW Hospital will be the cornerstone of that day. Our family lived in that hospital 8 months. After 10 years, its time for me to finally let it go and celebrate. Its time for me to take a cue from that boy playing the game. What did I win? Joy. The joy of seeing Abby at the finish line 10 years later.


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Kyle
over seventeen years ago

I hope you and Abby are able to cross the line together. I\\\'ve been following your blog for over a year thirsting for as much IMOO as I can get.

This year will be my first IM and would like the opinion of you and your readers. I want to Race on Sunday and also want to have a little fun along the way. I put a cowbell on my aerobars as a tribute to IMOO (I\\\'m also a native Wisconsinite.) Do you think this is too distracting to other athletes or not appropriate for an IM? I don\\\'t want to come off as a clown on the race course. I put a pict of it on my blog.

May all your training give you what you want on Sunday!

rambonie
over seventeen years ago

God Bless

Andy
over seventeen years ago

Great post Stu. I have a child on the way, so it definitely hit a tender spot.

Have a fantastic race this weekend!!

Jonathan Walton
over seventeen years ago

Hi Stu

You have been a great inspiration to many people through your podcasts and your website but despite being fitter than most and as competitive as hell, you have never lost sight of whats important in life. At 43 years old, I am doing my first event in the UK (also on the 9th) and expect that will be emotional at the finish. I am fortunate to have the support of my children and wife and they are as excited as me.

I hope you have a great day

Jonathan

xt4
over seventeen years ago

AWESOME post Stu.

Oh, and...race numbers are up!

Jamie
over seventeen years ago

Amazing post Stu.

You have a lot to be thankful for.

I just can\\\'t wait to track you as you tear up the course!

qcmier
over seventeen years ago

Awesome post. I think you\\\'ve already won some joy. Go tear up the course at IM WI.

Jumper
over seventeen years ago

You will win Joy!

It doesn\'t get any better than that. I can\'t decide if I don\'t want to see this because it\'s too emotional (I\'ll cry like a baby) or if I do want to see it just to see the joy in others.

Sean
over seventeen years ago

Best of luck to you on race day Stu! I pray for that finishline photo for you with your family. It\\\'s a great place to be when we\\\'re able to recognize that our families have given a much larger sacrifice for us to race than we have to train. Enjoy your time with them!

Rural Girl
over seventeen years ago

You most definitely will win joy. You have a wonderful outlook on life and it has rubbed off on all of us.

wil
over seventeen years ago

Awesome post, awesome sentiment. Almost there, almost there...

Lisa Walters
over seventeen years ago

We love you Stu! You\\\'re the best. Good luck!!!!

bold
over seventeen years ago

you know how i feel about this Stu.

you will win Joy.

i guarantee it.

hak
over seventeen years ago

From one father to another...just being a great example for your daughter and being there for her during her times of need is what she\\\'ll remember most. After all, with any of our children, friends, parents and even pets, we all have such a short time together. It\\\'s up to us to make the most joyful memories we can during that brief journey together.

Looking forward to reading about your race.

hak