Could it be.....that YOUR an Ironman??

In the summer of 2011, my friend Nathan Criswell competed in the  Iron Man.  From the research I've done and things I've heard about the amount of energy it takes to train and run this Triathlon, first I thought, "That's a big job, will he be able to do it?"  No, this question wasn't a doubtful thought.  Nathan and his wife Alyssa are avid runners.  But the amount of energy and the beating a person's body will take is known to be  brutal!  140.6 miles total! (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike ride and 26.2 mile run) Talk. About. SORE.  As the weeks went on, via Facebook pictures and statuses, I was taken along for the ride as the time inched closer and closer to the big race day!  I was really excited and pumped for Nathan.  In my mind, I was the coach in the movie Rocky, "C'mon, Champ you can do this"!!  Nathan had lots of support in his wife Alyssa, his happy newlywed cheerleader by his side. (their wedding was two months before the triathlon)  So, you could say their marriage got off to a strong running start.... ;)  On the day of the race, there were status updates from Alyssa saying Nathan was in good spirits and he was making good time.  Then...hours went by.  No word on if he finished or how he did.  The next morning I logged on to facebook and lo and behold, the journey was done and Nathan could now be called an IRONMAN!!!! Victory was his!!!!  Sore, tired, yet he finished!!   SO INCREDIBLY INSPIRED!!!!  Why?  Why Not?!?!?!?!  I mean think about it: First of all the enormity of the race was huge!!  It was hot!!  Oh!! Did I mention, EVERY, yes every muscle in his entire body, even muscles he never thought he used or even knew he had....HURT!!!  And yet, the goal was reached with determination and desire!!

Love (and running) is a perfect bond
of union! 6-18-11 <3

2.4 mile swim (must begin with a picture with his
Biggest fan, wife Alyssa) :) <3

It got me to thinking....Nathan's running the Ironman and Alyssa's support of him, give people with disabilities so much hope!  All of us have different challenges we face everyday, our own hills to bike, rivers to swim, and things that take energy to run with...... but just like Nathan if you have determination, desire and support, even after using every muscle, real and figurative, to push through....Victory can be yours!!  So, the next time a challenge or struggle comes your way, think of Nathan... He is an Ironman! What about YOU?  Could it be that maybe, just maybe you are too?!?! :)

Finish Line!!!! :)

112 mile bike ride :)

 

                  

26.2 mile run :)

 Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Ironman Photos courtesy of: Alyssa & Nathan Criswell

Thumbnail Quote photo courtesy of : Just Feelin' Good www.facebook.com/pages/Just-Feelin-Good/268038566543079?fref=ts