KIEL KELLER, You are an Ironman! those were the words I have been waiting to say to him! These words mean everything about the journey of life and how one handles adversity, mental challenges. The gods of Thor dished it out on Sunday but we persevered as Keller boys so often do. This was by far the most mentally challenging race Ive had to do, as like any father wanting to protect his son, as I knew I was not going to be able to sugar coat the journey. He had to do his own race, his way, the way he was coached and the way he was trained. And so it was, after 400 yards of the swim, just like that he was gone, in the sea of masses. I wouldn't see him again until the run at mile 10. And then there he was just before going up Curry Rd hill. He was hurting then, in the dark place, a place many of us have been before, unable to process nutrition, over the heart rate limit. Why? I was the carrot he was chasing all day after the swim, trying to real in 20 something minutes. But like all our mentors have told us, it will pass and get better, and it did! By mile 12.5 he was good and I sent him on his way as he was already doing the math to the finish line. I knew he would be good but it was important to not hold him back, and then he was gone. At first in eye sight but slowly he started to pull away. Of course we had our spotters through out the course. After all we are nascar people, we understand what spotters can do. Mile 13 check, mile 15 check, mile 17check, mile 20 2x check, mile 24 check and he now with Bill Gilbertson to finish off the race on his own. His way! The reports roll in like clock work as I was reduced to a walk after Mile 18, major feet issues again. None of that mattered only the reports of his progress. I would have walked through hot flaming coals to make sure I finished if i had to but I knew with 4 minutes of what my time would be at mile 22. Math is a beautiful thing on an Ironman.
At mile 26.1 I saw it all starting to unfold, Jenn Huston busts out running toward me giving me a big hug and shared the news. The Zman is there giving the thumbs up. At the chute are the fellas, Gary and David. I had to stop in my tracks when I heard them as it was bedlam by then. Finally Carla, Hannah, and the entire Team Keller entourage in the ussual place for Ironman. I get the kiss! check...the place is going beserk and I can hardly hear. Really I cant even hear Rielly it was so loud. Its time to finish, no thought out plan this year, as my plan crossed 12 minutes before me. So I rolled down the right side of the chute and high fived every person I could. Half way I see this guy with a TV camera rolling with me as i continue down the line. As i get to the line I see Jordan Rapp standing there and give him a high five. I couldn't figure out what the heck was going on. Camera flashes everywhere going off, geez u would have thought we won the lottery. 2o feeet later the lottery winner was right there. Kiel was waiting for me to finish. A huge monumental hug, one that told me all I needed to know about what had happened to him/us today. And then there was Swet to capture those moments. Thank u my friend for the morning prayer and for being there with your camera. Photo ops, so many from everywhere. Bill Gilbertson is still there and we share the story how him and Kiel finished. It was rock-paper-scissors to see who went first. It doesnt get any better that! I wanted to spend time with Bill as he was worked so friggin hard to get that medal, and we will as he and Kiel have a bond that will be forever.
Its now post race photo op time as we picks a place near the finish line to meet and greet the family and friends who showed there support for 17 plus hours. WOW, just how cool is that! Ther e was a lull and then POW, champaine bottles spewing everywhere. Ok that caught me off guard for sure.
Twenty six years in the making since my son at age two asked his daddy about Ironman. Well son, how did that taste? You went out and got it. You never gave up and for that. You Are an Ironman!
Going backward from pre race and into the race, I cant tell you how much positive energy that we got. We used it like gasoline to fill up when needed. I lost count of how many times we saw Carla and Hannah and the entrouage! At the swim exit, bike entrance, Beeline at Shea 1, 2, 3rd loops, run start, both sides of the Mill St bridge and well into the night and finally at the finish line. Yall made this happen! To all the ONE teammates and I dont know where to start. i used every ounce of positive energy that you gave out. EVERY drop! John, Cyndi, Jenn, Katie, Bernice, Amy, Jeff and Jane, Dan, Erik, Bryan, Carlos, Sue, Lisa, Beth, Alveretta, Swet, Kirt, Lindsay, Rhino x2 for getting through another race, Lisa, Klas, Peter Carmel, Robert, Terra, Brooke, John, and all the families of the racers. Good lord thats alot of energy needed and i didn't name all of you. So many times I heard both my names so a big shout out also to my FB buds. I HEARD YOU ALL and used every one of your encouragements. To my SEC boys plus ONE, you guys know the deep respect I have for each of you. ONE MULTISPORT, I bleed orange and black for each of you! Finally to my fellow Ironman triathletes who towed the line yesterday, relish the moment and dont be disappointed in your times. Nobody will care what your times were only that they will call you an Ironman. Ironman is about perseverance, it may take time to get there, but if you are inclined to try never give up the goal. Thank you all so much for helping us make our dream come true.
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