Inspired by my VR.com heroes - Les Barrett, Mark Wagner, Simon Gee and Tom

[BillCobit]

Inspired by my VR.com heroes - Les Barrett, Mark Wagner, Simon Gee and Tom - I completed a half ironman last weekend. Not fast or pretty, but very gratifying when I look back on the struggle during my post-op days.

Just wanted you guys to know that posts of your accomplishments gave me faith I could crawl up from the ditch.

Now I have to figure out what's next!

Bill

 

[hensylee]

We probably don't go around in our real lives, talking much about our VR heart buddies - nobody would understand what we meant - but we members all know, don't we. I have to agree that the members here have inspired me, lifted me up, held me close, gave me encouragement, made me laugh (and cry - a lot), taught me more than I could ever learn from a doctor, befriended me. Isn't is nice to know each other and realize that we all care about you and you and you and you - and me.

 

[Les]

Bill,
Yes...You did it! There's a willingness and a desire to "get off the porch" and out into the street that is so much more difficult to acquire after OHS. Your spirit is what allowed you to train and conquer this monster. I too am curious....What Next?
________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

 

[Johnny Stephens]

OUTSTANDING!

OUTSTANDING!

Way to go, Bill! Posts like this are so inspiring to me. I may print it out and stick it on the handlebars of my bike.

Johnny

 

[MelissaM]

Congratulations!! That is a huge accomplishment. You go, boy!

Melissa

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Bill

Hi Bill

what is a half ironman? But, congrats anyway..Sounds like you are up and going good...Watch the heat and humid weather..but forgot where you live...and please post a picture of yourself. I figured your avator was a shark being skinned. Bonnie

 

[hensylee]

I am falling out of my chair, Bonnie. A shark being skinned. Only you would come up with that. But after looking at it, you are right, it kinda looks like that, doesn't it?

 

[sylviayasgur]

wow bill!
congratulations! you must be so proud of your accomplishment!
i know we are!!!
keep up the great work!!!
i am in such awe of all you athletes!
so happy for you!
be well, sylvia

 

[Simon Gee]

top man Bill

top man Bill

Hi Bill,

sorry I've been so long in replying - I've just come back from a family holiday (vacation I guess!) and am catching up on all the posts.

Congratulations - yours is a fantastic achievement and the style is not important, just participating proves to yourself that you can still lead an active life. And, of course, you'll be that much more stylish next time!!

Well done again,

Simon in England

 

[Tom]

Congratulations Bill! That is a great accomplishment! You are now my inspiration. With some training and desire, we can lead normal, active lives. And the exercise is keeping our hearts even healthier! I'm into biking these days, but am planning another climb next year. Keep up the great work!

 

[M&M]

Wow Bill, I'm not sure what a half ironman is - but I know what a duathalon is and triathalon and neither of those are easy to do. I can't imagine what a half ironman is.. I just know you must of have worked out very hard for a very long time to accomplish this. Its amazing what we can accomplish once we set our minds to. Goals are so important.. and give one such a great sense of accomplishment. But your right once you meet them - it is hard to know where to go next. I can empathize with your dilemna of what to do next. It's not an easy decision. I would bask in the glory of what you've accomplished for a few weeks and take your time before you make a new goal. ITs such a huge committment as you know. But there's no greater satisfaction in oneself than to achieve one's goals.

Congratulations
Runner