12:41 Avg over 3 Miles, $2, and Lessons Learned!

I am not sure which is more special to me, the fact that I just got done running and I carried a 12 minute 41 second average over three miles, or the fact that I received a $2.00 donation this week. Tell you what, I will try to explain why both are incredible.

The more important I would say is the $2.00 donation! This donation was made by someone who has been out of work for the last seven months as a casualty of the current economic crisis. For this person to take the time out of their personal situation and lend a hand to someone fighting cancer, gave me pause to reflect. I've said before that what you guys do in this effort is far more important than what I do. This is the most vibrant example of that statement I can possibly share with you to prove that point. I am humbled! I am grateful! No amount is too small if given from the heart.

The second is a personal achievement. I sit here astounded that in 16 days, I have gone from 15 minute average over three miles down to 12 minutes and 41 seconds. Where will I be in another two weeks?

I am not a runner. I used to run a lot as a child, and was fast. I recalled tonight as I was around 1.5 miles into the route that I used to run with my dad. We used to go out and run together, and then I would sprint home ahead of him toward the end. I remember one day that routine hurt his feelings. He expressed to me that he enjoyed running with me, but he would like to finish with me once and a while. Funny how that memory came up as I was running by myself. I am now about the size he was then, and probably of a similar age. I have to tell you, if I was running with someone around the age I was back then, I don't believe that I would have the humility and patience he did. Dad the lesson of that day, was learned, and I am grateful for you teaching it to me.

Two Year Later

Two years ago, I took a chance on something. As most know I am not a brave or adventurous soul. I have a large body, but a small view of myself. I knew that something needed to change, but I was almost to the point where I was paralyzed to do anything to facilitate that change. Then fortunately for me that change found me. That change was TNT and LLS.

TNT and LLS won't do the work for you, but they will give you the tools to find the power and the light we all posses. TNT is really Team In Training, but it is dynamite unleashed. They provide all the motivation needed to accomplish an endurance event. The motivation comes from the stories of the honored team members. To compare your life to someone else's battling a blood cancer, or any cancer is a real eye opener. Which is the more harsh? Who has a reason to be unhappy or frustrated with the cards dealt to them?

I look back on two years of work, and can honestly say that it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I have not made a nickel, but I have had my self-esteem and value increased more than ten fold.

I have found that doing something that you believe in is far more tangible than chasing something you think that you need. This is a gift that I had heard others talk about and because I was closed off and bitter, I would scoff at. I am very thankful that 180 degrees of change were granted to me by 720 degrees of bicycle wheels. I am thankful that my wife showed enough trust and courage to believe in her crazy husband and come along on 13.1 of a 26.2 mile stroll. As I sit here tired and sore facing another adventure of swimming .9 miles, riding 24 miles, and running (yes, I said running) 6 miles, I know that I already have my reward, of my life and spirit restored.

To each and everyone of you that has donated in the past, and will again, I say thank you. If my experiences have brought you an ounce of joy, know your contributions have saved lives and will find the cure. Through funding that research, you have given me purpose and happiness beyond measure. What a difference two years can make!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/lifetri09/mmcelyea

Keeping Schedule

Two weeks into this season, and I am actually keeping to the schedule. I may not keep to it on the same day, but I am getting in all the workouts. Rest days are Fridays, but last Thursday, I was supposed to spin, but did not have any energy. I took my rest on Thursday, and then did a 45 minute spin on Friday.

In the past, I have not been extremely diligent on keeping to the non-team trainings. I have done most of them, but have taken extra rest days. This year, I am really trying to focus on doing all the training. In part it is because I like the workouts, but more importantly it is to honor my sister. On days where I may not feel like doing a workout, I can always skip it. She may not feel like going to a treatment or a doctors visit, but skipping it is not an option. Same can be said of any patient fighting cancer.

I am happy to say that my sister has taken the last of her six chemo therapy sessions. She will start her quarterly check ups, but gets a break on the first one. Her numbers came back really good. I am proud of her. She has faced this head on. She may be afraid, but she is standing tall and fighting back. That takes more courage than words can express.

People must believe in each other, and feel that it can be done and must be done; in that way they are enormously strong. We must keep up each other’s courage. - Vincent van Gogh

Helen, Thank you for showing courage beyond words. Thank you for being willing to fight this. Thank you for not losing yourself to fear. Thank you for being my sister! Thank you for keeping my courage up.

With love, your little brother.

Fifteen Minute Miles, But Enjoyable

Of the three events that make up a triathlon, running is probably the one I fear most. Not because I am not capable of doing it, just because it is painful. If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have told you swimming was the most scary. I now know that while you can get fatigued in the muscles, it does not compare to the joint pain (knees and ankles) that running can cause.

Today, I surprised myself. It was the first team run at lake Calhoun, and they offered us three choices. The good runners were welcome to go out and run around the lake. The middle of the road runners were welcome to run out 15 minutes and then come back to the point of origin. The runners that would need to walk at some point were given the option of running and walking 12 minutes and returning to the point of origin.

I had a conversation last night with my "Iron Will Finisher" friend Kim, and expressed that I was not looking forward to the run on Saturday. We discussed that everyone has an Ego. The nice thing about participating in TNT is that it is not about yourself. You are out there doing this for others, so your Ego does not need to get in your way.

As everyone was lining up for the group of their choice, I had that moment of doubt. Should I go to the 15 minute group? Should I go to the 12 minute group? I know that I am not good enough to go with the fast group! To Hell with it, I am going to go out and let my body tell me where I belong. I will not go fast, I will just go out and enjoy the run and the morning. Off we go, on the first run of the season.

I met another Clydesdale, (anyone that does endurance events over 250 pounds), the morning of the kick off party. His name is Marcus. I think Marcus was as relieved as I to see another big man on the team. We did not line up together in a group, we just seemed to find each other on the run. We set a nice steady pace, and chatted as we went. We were ahead of the 12 minute group, and slightly behind the 15 minute group. But I will tell you it does not matter where you were, because you were out there doing it. I am proud of everyone there that was testing themselves.

After a while some of our teammates were coming back at us. They told us that we could turn around and go back. Marcus and I looked at each other and we both said "no, were good". We kept our pace and soon our coach was coming back in our direction. Mike said "you guys can turn around and come back now." Marcus and I asked, can we keep going? Mike said sure. Marcus and I continued around Calhoun. We made the whole three miles in about a fifteen minute mile pace without stopping for a walk. I was even able to sprint the last twenty to thirty yards. My heart rate average was 144 beats a minute over the course. My maximum heart rate was 178 BPM due to the sprint. I used to get sick at about 165 BPM. Maybe all this exercise is paying off.

I really enjoyed my run this morning. I had good company during it. I let my body tell me what I was capable of doing, not my mind. I did not let my Ego inhibit me. I even got that infamous runners high. I have never gotten that from running. I usually only get that after a bike ride and occasionally after a swim. I like that feeling.

All in all, I have to say the season is off and going and I have enjoyed the first week. I have to tell you, that silly endorphin grin is on my face as I write this. Enjoy your weekend, as I know mine is off to a great start!

2009 Season Is Off And Paddling!!!

Tonight was the first night of the season! Swimming with this many people is a big change. I am very glad that I started last July with the swimming. I did not have the apprehension that I would have, had I not started then. I felt comfortable in the water.

We did drills for the first 15 minutes, and then threw in a couple of 50's, and one 100. Not overly challenging other than having to avoid all the people in your lane. I would hazard a guess of about 6 people in each lane maybe up to 8. All swimming a different paces and trying to avoid colliding. It made it very interesting!

To see this many people, together for the same reason is amazing. New faces, new names to learn, new stories to hear and share. I don't consider myself much of a joiner, but there is something about this organization that makes me feel alive. I am able to just be who I am and am more open to the experience that life is. I'm more outgoing around these folks, then my normally reserved (read self-conscious) personality usually allows.

In the mission moment tonight, one of the mentors shared his story. He has a grandmother that is fighting Leukemia at the age of 92. He has a cousin that is now a seven year survivor. the most moving part of his story was about a friend that lost her fight with pancreatic cancer. This woman was also an Oncologist. She developed treatments to fight cancer, and bravely encouraged her colleagues to test those treatments on her. If that is not bravery and being a hero, then I have no idea what those two words mean.

Tomorrow night is a spin class in Edina. I don't know that I will make it down there as we have basketball for E. I will go spin after work for an hour and call that good. Then a TEAM run on Saturday around lake Calhoun. I will probably throw in a swim before the run, and then another swim on Sunday.

Life, Well It's Just Plain Interesting!

When you look at your average day, what do you experience? What are the high points, and what are the low? Every day has both. What determines whether they are high or low? In my opinion it falls down to my favorite; Perspective.

Perspective is by far one of the best gifts we are given as human beings. The old can teach the young, and the young can teach the old. It is a blessing and a curse wrapped in the same pretty paper. By this, I imagine that I mean any individual can grant you a window into what you should be experiencing at the same time they are.

My daughters accompanied my sister to her fifth out of six chemo appointments to treat her cancer. My ten and eight year old came home talking about a young boy who was not happy while they were there. I assumed automatically that it was another patients child who had accompanied them to their own treatment. By listening to my children, I was granted perspective.

The child was in Izzy's words in his "four or fives" , (a young person's perspective on age trying to relate to someone in their 20's or 30's). This young man was crying and not happy. I later learned in the conversation that he was the patient. He was under going chemo to fight his cancer.

My assumptions and my perspective were snapped into clarity. What do I have in my day to day life to complain about. I am nothing but a functional human being. I have had a remarkable life. Despite my lack of constant perspective. I am 38 and have two healthy children (Thank God)! I am not a strong man. I am not a good man. I am merely a man. It is through my children this day that I am granted perspective.

When life's daily activities cloud perspective, we must be diligent in listening to others for they will bring into focus what we should be paying attention to. I had a good day and accomplished what I needed to at work. Is this what I really was put here on earth to do? I think not. I was put here I hope to make a difference. What that difference is, I am not fully sure. I hope and I put my energy into making a difference in the fight against cancer. I hope to leave some mark on the earth that I was here. Be it through my endeavors or my children and their progeny.

I hope that when my girls are old enough to understand what I have written in this blog, that I will grant them perspective. Listen to others. Help where you can. Reflect on the day's lessons. They are there if you are open and willing to pay attention. Life is a circle, and well it is just plain interesting.

Go TEAM!

Dear Friends and Family,

For the past two years, I have ridden a bicycle 100 miles, and walked and run 26.2 miles, to fight a disease. I hate cancer in any form. It steals so much and in return offers nothing. I come back to you for the third year with my hat in my hand to humbly ask you to make a difference in fighting a disease that takes so much from so many. I ask not for me but for those suffering from cancer. I am training to participate in an Olympic distance triathlon to raise money to fight blood cancers. Swimming 0.93 miles, Cycling 24.8 miles, and Running 6.2 miles in hope of one day ending these diseases!

This year, I am doing this event in honor of two people very close to me that are currently fighting cancer. My personal honorees are my grandfather, and my sister. When cancer strikes this close to home, you can do one of two things; 1) bury your head in your hands and dissolve into hoping it will go away, or 2) Stand up, slug the bully in the eye and fight with every fiber in your body to end it. I choose option two, and I hope you will as well.

The TEAM honoree is a remarkable young man of 14. He happens to be a member of my local community, Eric Dahlquist. Eric was diagnosed with (ALL) Acute lymphocytic leukemia, and has fought his way through treatments to take his last chemo pill on April 29, 2008. He still has monthly doctor visits that will begin to taper off starting April of 2009. Eric has been the honoree of the triathlon team for the last two years. To say that he is inspiring is an understatement. He likes to play video games, golf, swim and camp. He has the support of Dad, Neil; Mom, Marcia; and sister, Ellen.

As a member of TNT, I have a triathlon coaching staff, a training program, and incredible teammates to support me. I have daily schedules and TEAM training sessions to help me reach this goal. As part of my dedication to the LLS, I have agreed to raise $2,700. I am asking you to help me with the most significant part of this challenge. I promise to earn your contribution with every swim stroke, pedal crank, and stride. This year the event is local for those in Minnesota, and if you want to see this spectacle in person, mark your calendar for July 11, 2009 at Lake Nokomis starting at 07:00 CDT.

LLS and TNT has changed me at the very core of my being. I am no longer a lost individual wandering through my time on earth. I now have focus, commitment and a goal of eradicating blood cancer. 72 cents of every dollar goes right to research to find a cure for blood cancer. This research is increasing survival rates. It is also moving us forward to a day when we can all celebrate the cure for blood cancers. It is my hope that what is learned from this fight will transfer to fighting all forms of cancer.

Would you please join me in the endeavor? I am asking for $30.00, but will gladly accept a contribution of any amount, smaller or larger. Please donate online or mail your contributions to me by May 19 so I can track my fundraising progress. Donations are 100% tax-deductible Please check with your Human Resources Directors about matching gifts. Donate online and track my progress on my Web site: http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/lifetri09/mmcelyea . Checks can be made out to LLS, just use the self-addressed enclosed envelope along with any thoughts you may wish to share with me.

Thank you in advance for your support! Thank you for your prayers, and thoughts for all enduring these serious illnesses. We can all make a difference in this fight!

With heartfelt appreciation and thanks,


Marc