Over? It's Just Beginning

"Over? Did you say 'over'? ... Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" -Bluto

"Now what?," we pondered after we finished the Nation's Triathlon. We spent every Saturday and most Thursdays together for an entire season. And now we're done?

"Is it really over?"

Pete, Ron and I spent some quality time searching for answers. Ron started another mission project in Africa, and is leading the effort to open a new church in Washtenaw County.

Pete and I weren't as ambitious. Maybe we could spend some time with our children. Maybe even go out on a date or two with our wives.

Respectively, that is. Don't get me wrong, I like Carol and all...Anyhow, I digress.

Pete, Ron, and so many others from the Nation's Triathlon team agreed that we still wanted to be part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our race was over, no doubt. But the fight against blood cancers is not. Along the way, we met so many families and friends that shared stories of how this disease has impacted their lives.

You shared stories of brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles that have battled and won. And, in private, you shared stories of loved ones who weren’t so fortunate. It is for you – and our loved ones – that I am joining again with Team in Training to compete in the Gulf Coast Half Ironman Triathlon.

I am not doing this alone. I am buoyed by a great group of teammates. Pete is back. As is Andi Duncan, who teamed with us in Washington DC. In all, there are about a dozen of us that will take on the Half Ironman in May for Team In Training.

I also have the love and support of my family. The kids have already gotten after me, after I missed out on a run.

I have my personal hero, Eric Jones. Some of you got to know Eric through my earlier postings. He still is battling through the after-effects of lymphoma. He's making progress. And he continues to keep an amazingly positive attitude. What stength.

And I have you. I can't thank you enough for your kindness and compassion. Without you, it would make for a long and arduous journey. Knowing that you're by my side, I will be inspired through to the finish line.