Madison

What to write? what to write?
I think most everyone knows by now that Ruth passed away on September 17th. We had the funeral on Sept 25th and it was sad yet really really wonderful at the same time.
I kind of feel like I should write about Ruth, but I don't really want to... That was pretty emotionally draining, and I'm finally starting to feel a little more normal, so I'm going to refrain from sharing my deep thoughts and life lessons on this one. Maybe later...
I will share this instead, though most of you already know: I am officially signed up for Ironman Wisconsin. The event will be held on Sept 9th, 2012 and on that day I will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles. Holy Shit.
Now, what you may not know is this: Before Ruth passed away I was thinking that I would dedicate my training and race to her since she and her family are all from Madison.
I was hoping to do this in her honor, but I will now instead be racing in her memory.
Every year I do my tiny little part to raise some money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and I was planning on taking a break in 2012 because of my IM training. So, instead of just skipping it, I am going to do some research on how I can instead raise money for Komen for the Cure. I have vaguely heard some chatter about The Janus Charity Challenge, but I'm not sure what else is out there or what my best avenue would be. If anyone has any info, please feel free to pass it on. I may not have time to do any fundraisers nexzt year, but I seem to be pretty good at begging people for money (as evidence, I have raised over $15,000 for LLS), so I know I can do my part, even with the rigors of Ironman Training.
I freely admit that I want to take on the challenge of Ironman because of the focus, discipline and personal sacrifice required to make it happen. I'm hungry for a big accomplishment because it has been awhile since I've really dug my heels in (or maybe a better phrase would be "dug my own grave?") and went for, and accomplished, something big. However, I feel like the way that I arrived at the decision to attempt Madison, instead of the many other cities I could have attempted, is crazy and a little karmic, and so for that reason I have no problem sharing my year with Ruth's memory and I have no problem sharing a little of myself to raise some money for an important cause. More to follow later on this topic.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: This is going to be a GREAT year and I am so excited to take on this challenge. I am already forming "Team Williams" which will help get me across the finish line, and that team is growing by the day. So far it includes my chiropractor, my physical therapist, my massage therapist my doctor, CrossfitMN, and my coach.
In addition to the professionals, I also have a professionally-awesome and AMAZING group of friends who have already made themselves my official cheer squad for race day. They are already making plans for what they will be doing on the course next September... (I've heard everything from my picture on a stick, to shirts that say "Team Mofo". To any of these things I say, "I will only see them for a minute or two. You guys are the ones who have to walk around all day looking crazy, so feel free to do whatever you wish) :)
I also have a wonderfully supportive community of triathlete-friends, (and no less than 25 of them have already done IMWI) who are standing beside me as I take on this challenge. They're ready to cheer me through my highs, hug me through my lows and watch me cross the finish line next year.
Lastly, I will have some wonderful training partners whom I can swear at: Dana Rutt, Sarah Frandrup, Ben McNamara and Mike & Maggie Baranowski.
Even if everything that can go wrong next year does, it's can't change my attitude: Life is good, people, life is very good... :)
speaking of "Life is Good" I would just like to say that it is 80 degrees here in MN at the moment and I am writing this blog while sitting on my back deck. Good, indeed!