FEATURES

Wake Up, Denny...

Monday, 15 August 2011 03:00

By Bonnie Moebeck

My feet felt like they were growing blisters the size of small water balloons. Any minute and they would erupt, sending liquid bursting out of my running shoes. I took in a bit of extra water at the next aid station to offset any potential dehydration that may result from my sudden loss of fluid. I had an image in my mind. I saw my friend Denny unconscious in his hospital bed, machines hooked up to him, keeping him comfortable and alive. I pressed on. Just a few days ago Denny was out on a mountain bike ride rapidly descending a hill when suddenly one of his wheels flatted and sent him crashing hard. He was air lifted out and rushed to the trauma center, undergoing brain surgery and still lay there unconscious. "This one is for you, Denny." I whispered under my breath.

I had the joy of meeting Andy Potts, an extraordinary Ironman triathlete. Just two days before his 2009 Ironman World Championship race his father-in-law had passed away. Andy raced, having written the name of his father-in-law on one shoe and his grandmothers name on his other shoe. As he crossed the finish line he took off the shoe with his father-in-law's name on..

it and held it towards the sky, honoring his loved ones and confirming his pledge to keep fighting the good fight.

There are many times I race and train just for me- for the joy of being able to move my body, for the exhilirating feeling of accomplishment as I reach my goals and push myself. And then there are times that I do it for others. My grandmother died of breast cancer and I raced one of my first triathlons in her honor. A former boyfriend of five years died suddenly. He had taught me so much of what I know about health and fitness. And today I train and race for Denny. An amazing man that gives and gives to all he meets and expects nothing in return.

To some, it might seem tedious- to dedicate my training or racing to those who are not able. But when I have done all I can by way of prayers and support, I can offer something unique - I can race for my loved ones, and that is very, very special to me. I take the time to think of them, to continue to pray for them and to be thankful for what I am able to do. I know what it's like to be flat on my back in the ICU. I know what it's like to hear about others out there, tearing up the race course and enjoying epic training as they prepare for their races, all the while I am home making sure I take my antibiotics on time and being careful not to trip and fall down the stairs on my crutches. When one of my fellow triathletes takes a fall it hurts like stubbing my toe or stumbling. I feel a small sense of emptiness when I know one of them is suffering, and so I do what I can do to honor those who cannot.

Never be afraid to exceed yourself. That is one of my personal axioms. And when I train or race in honor of others, I fulfill that axiom in may ways.

Wake up, Denny. We are all waiting for you.