Triventures of Ms. R

When I started this journey, I knew that Ironman would be a test of my physical strength and endurance, I did not know how much of an emotional test this would be. I have watched as two of my three partners in crime have decided to not continue on to their second Ironman and my third partner in crime is currently going through physical therapy to rehab injuries sustained from a bike accident on one our training rides. We are all very hopeful she will be ready to go come race day so please send healing vibes to Captain Cartwheel. I have been doing a majority of my training alone, and my mind often wanders when I am running. As of late, I have been questioning why I continue to train, why this race is so important to me, are all the sacrifices worth it? My answer the past few weeks always comes back to one little girl, McKenna Johnson.

I have never met McKenna or her family, but the TNT and LLS community have followed this family well before McKenna’s passing almost seven months ago. I learned of McKenna when her health began to seriously fail, and her story and web site were shared as a call for prayers. McKenna was 10 years old when she passed away on her mother’s birthday. She was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 2 ½ years old. The Johnson family continues to have hope for others fighting cancer and their families as they mourn the death and celebrate the life of their wonderful little girl.

I cannot help but be inspired by this family, and I often find myself turning to thoughts of McKenna to give me strength in my training. I was so emotionally and physically drained on Sunday during my long run that as soon as the thought of McKenna entered my mind I began crying. It is really hard to cry and run at the same time, so after a period of walking and trying to compose myself, I continued on. The whole run consisted of me wogging with a lump in my throat trying to stay off crying.

So, this is why I continue, and why there will always be a “next season”. It’s an amazing feeling to know that the money we raise goes to life saving research that helps all cancer patients. I know I say that I hope someday no family will have to go through what the Johnsons have gone through, but I know that someday that will be a reality. Thank you for your support in this crazy journey that is Ironman, and know that all your monetary donations go to such a worthy cause giving hope to all.

Check out McKenna’s CaringBridge site:
www.caringbridge.org/mn/mckenna

Check out my fundraising page:
http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/wi08/rachelholzemer