Anything is Possible: The Road to Kona and Beyond

Is it possible to qualify for Kona by carrying 140 people with you on the swim, bike and run? In preparation for Ironman Arizona on November 22, 2009, I realized that it was going to be a challenging event and I was going to need a lot of support. I’m an oncology nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center, and my patients are a very big part of my triathlon life. My passion for triathlon and helping those facing cancer has led to the creation of TEAM INSPIRATION. Our mission is to facilitate healing and improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer. I decided to carry my beloved patients and others who have been affected by cancer with me during Ironman Arizona. I wore 140 LIVESTRONG bracelets with the name of our cancer patients written on them, as well as others who have survived or passed because of cancer. I wore 2 bracelets on my wrists for the swim, 112 attached to my bike, and carried 26 in my hands during the run.

I spend a lot of time with my patients discussing what it takes to navigate the difficult challenges when diagnosed with cancer. From them, I’ve learned that we are meant to face these challenges together. As I tell my patients, most of my inspiration for training and racing comes from them. I’m blessed to be able to leave the hospital and replenish my body, mind and spirit with swimming, cycling and running, and I try to bring that joyful energy back to my patients and inspire them with hope!

Race day was an extraordinary experience. I had so many wonderful people with me. Not only those whose names were on the bracelets, but those who cheered me on from wherever they were race day. I needed everyone’s support. The mass start of an Ironman swim was made more challenging by the cold water temperature and tight quarters of the Tempe Town Lake. But I was reminded with each stroke, as I saw the bracelets on my wrists, that I wasn’t alone! During the ride, one fellow triathlete asked the significance of the 112 bracelets. I related to him my story. He told me his mom had just been diagnosed with cancer and he was dedicating his Ironman race to her. I told him his mom was now on board with us, too! With about 10 miles left to go on the bike, I became overwhelmed with gratitude at the honor of having so many wonderful people in my life, and I must admit I cried, as I often do during a triathlon, because it’s such an incredible experience! On to the run and the plan was to wear 26 bracelets on my race belt, but this quickly proved to be awkward so I carried the 26 bracelets in my hands. It was a wonderful experience to "hold" everyone as I ran and they pushed me through the long run!

The blue-sky dream of every triathlete is to compete at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. I know it was only with the energy, hope, love, and support of so many that I achieved this magnificent honor. My second place age group finish qualified me for Kona 2010! As my triathlete friend stated, “Super-congratulations on an accomplishment that people try all their lives for and never reach. Sounds like the people you are carrying around with you pushed you all the way through to a victory.”

This is absolutely true and the ultimate blue-sky dream is a world that is cancer free. The Ironman motto is “Anything is Possible”, so let’s go for the ultimate “victory” together!

So now it’s on to Kona and I would like to invite everyone to be a part of this journey with me. Together we can realize our dreams. Please contact me through our website at www.TeamInspiration.org or on Facebook so that we can continue to achieve our victories together! Thanks and Aloha! Roseann