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Ironman Wisconsin Changed My Life...

Saturday, 24 September 2016 23:10

By Dani Fischer (via Facebook)

In the words of the great Devon Palmer: "I am leaving behind the rough and tumble rodeo of professional racing for the glitz and glamour of amateurism."
As I sit down to write this post, I reflect on the last 24 months of my life and how much has changed. I took my pro card in triathlon, picked up and moved my life from Wausau, WI to Indianapolis, IN, started a new job as a hospital pharmacist with Community Health Network, bought a new home, came out to my family and friends, having a lot of ups and downs as an athlete along the way.
As a whole, I really only had two very mediocre seasons as a professional triathlete. It took me those two years to realize what makes triathlon worthwhile to me. It's not the elite status, the money, the sponsorships, or the pride I get when I say, "I'm a pro." It's the EXPERIENCE, the PEOPLE, the COMRADERY, being the BEST I can be amongst athletes that are doing triathlon for the same reasons. I've said this before, but I don't do anything to be mediocre at it. Okay, maybe I didn't give being a pro triathlete a true chance, but what is the point in beating a dead horse if I'm not enjoying being a pro? Is it worthwhile to keep fighting through 7th, 8th, 9th place finishes, not make any money doing it, still having to work full-time because that's how I support myself, not allowing for proper recovery like other pros can? That in and of itself is not...

FUN. What IS fun is going to a race with a bunch of your friends, smiling your ass off, working for the win, and inspiring the future generation of athletes. And then going out for a beer with your friends and family afterwards.
Ironman Wisconsin changed my life last week. Nothing about the 100% positive experience I had had ANYTHING to do with being a professional. It was swimming in Lake Monona, looking up and seeing the sunrise reflect off the glass of the Terrace, the blur of the helix, biking through a funnel of people up Midtown Road, running past crowds of fans ringing cowbells on State Street, and bawling the entire last mile because of what I had put my body through, the people there to support me, and what the city of Madison means to me.
I will be racing in the big leagues as an age grouper next year and I could not be happier about this decision! I'm excited to plan a year around races I can actually enjoy and experience with people I love spending time with, instead of chasing a paycheck. Expect to see the Dani-Fischer-swag to return to the amateur scene and crush some souls. I'm not going to write off being a pro forever, but for now, I'm choosing happiness over pride.
Thank you all for your support and I look forward to seeing you out there in the age group ranks in 2017!