The Journey Is Just The Beginning

My journey to Ironman 140.6 was a two-year journey. It started in 2014 while training for Ironman Chattanooga, where I would DNF at 140 miles. That race is 144.6 (longer than a normal IM) and they take 30 minutes away from you right off the bat. I never give up, so I returned home to lick my wounds, and sign up for Ironman Maryland 2016. On October 1, 2016 I finished the race and became an Ironman. I talk about my race IM Maryland below, but what came after crossing that finish line was something I felt I needed to share.

What makes an Ironman? Well, I can tell you that one becomes an Ironman when they start their journey in training. Race day is when you put it all together, and you cross that coveted finish line to hear that simple phrase:

Meredith Rosser….. You. Are. An.  IRONMAN! 

Today, I realized over a cup of coffee, is that my journey to Ironman was not over, instead it’s only the beginning. To realize that my long time dream has come to pass, brings much emotion. But to also realize that whatever “it” is that I put my heart into next, I know without a shadow of a doubt that IT CAN BE DONE! The dream continues, as my accomplishment of crossing that finish line is truly just the beginning! So when someone says to me “I could never do…….” then I say to them:

YES YOU CAN!

This is jus the beginning.

To sum up my journey to Ironman in just a few simple words would be useless because the journey itself is no where near short. For me it has been a 2 year journey. The training that one puts time in for, endless miles, long hours, a lot of sacrifices is mind-boggling. I wanted this more than anything else and was willing to do whatever it took. My journey to Ironman began long before the start line of the race. October 1st was the day I would celebrate by putting it all together, at exactly 3:00 am when my alarm would go off.

The morning was cold, windy and very foggy. With my wetsuit on and lined up at the swim start at 6:30 am I was ready! I was excited about the swim, as I had perfected it and had my time down to a fine science, and being wetsuit legal I knew I would fly! 6:50 am we are told the swim was being cancelled as there was a small craft advisory. Looking out at the Choptank River and seeing the rough waters white capping I knew it was the right call. The waters looked very treacherous, but I will admit, I was devastated. (I even teared up sharing my thoughts with Hot Hubs)

The next stage was a time trial start. We were going to be called out by our race bib number and we had to be ready to go in 30 to 45 min. That was the longest wait of my life! I was shivering cold, the wind was blowing hard off the river, and it was a cloudy overcast morning. No sun to warm us up, only the clothes I packed in my bike changing bag. Luckily I packed arm warmers (who knew a FL chick would need these) but I would ultimately be cycling with a sleeveless triathlon top. Not much protection from the wind, rain, and the cold elements. Days leading up to the race it had rained on and off, therefore much of the race course had been flooded and was impassable. The course I rode on in a training camp, was now changed to allow us to ride. Mentally the elements, and the change of course was messing with my head. My time came, and off I went!

The first half of the bike leg was great! I think I grew wings and was flying! My average speed was 16 mph and change which was huge for me, and with the roads being slick from the rain and navigating around people, this was good, not to mention through the cold, windy elements. Staying hydrated and nibbling on food was key, but when you’re not “hot” you often forget to do this. Then, the second half of the first loop happened. HEAD WIND! I felt like I hit a brick wall, and the only thing to do is get down in aero position and grind through it! To add to this crazy wind,  came the rain. I was cruising into the “special needs” area where I can get my bag I had carefully packed with all the things I could possibly need, including dry socks, which obviously I would not need! Why change wet socks for dry ones when it was raining? Ha! I felt like crying. I was cold, shivering, my hands were virtually numb, there was no sun to warm my cold wet skin, I was feeling nauseous, and at this moment I had to decide if I was tough enough to keep going. I wanted so badly to finish what I had started but quite honestly at this point I wanted to be dry and warm again. Oh and I forgot on major detail in all of this. My “monthly friend” came to visit me the night before! For a woman, this is a huge hurdle to overcome when trying to race! In the end, I got what I needed, and gave the volunteer my bag. I had one more loop to do and knew I had to dig deep. The second loop seemed longer than the first, but coming into town, and passing my BFF Sherpa Cheryl Collison along with my boys, gave me a huge boost! What came next was absolutely unexpected! Bikers stayed to the right and runners were on the left, and there was a vast body of water, shin and calf deep! I managed to navigate through the cold waters, and make my way to rack my bike, and get my bag to prepare for the run.

With one of my fastest transitions yet, including the women’s changing tent, (that’s a whole other story) I was ready to tackle 26.2 miles. Still no sun, lots of cold wind, and my clothes are all wet, except my new socks and running shoes. Little did I know, I would be running through vast bodies of water that reached all the way up my calves and shins, not once, not twice, but 4 times! Oh, and then, between the bodies of water was a grassy trail turned thick muddy trail. I’m not talking a little dirt, I mean thick, shoe getting stuck in kind of mud! The run was 2 1/2 loops, so it was in and out of these conditions I went. The second loop was the hardest as I knew what was coming. Getting hydration, and food, gels, coke, ice, sponges, salt, etc at every run stop was crucial. I was cruising well and keeping an average pace the first loop but all seem to fall apart on the second loop and the 1/2 loop. My shoes felt like lead weights strapped to my feet, I was chaffing in areas I didn’t know I could chafe, and I was barely able to run. Walking seemed nearly impossible but I just kept moving forward. Some of the chalk drawings and choice of words along the way paved a way for a good chuckle, and the one guy sitting in a lounge chair, in the middle of the road IN the freezing cold water no less, shouting to all the athletes “Welcome to the swim!” gave us all a good laugh and encouragement. But it was passing Hot Hubs along the way, seeing Sherpa Cheryl, hearing my boys yelling at me to keep pushing on, never give up, keep moving forward, you got this, and reflecting on what Luke and Chris Clark do on a daily basis managing their diabetes is what fueled me. The words from a great friend “Suck it up buttercup” and this from another amazing athlete “IOTB” (I Own This Bitch) is what kept me going til the bitter end. I had to finish this. I had to do this for myself. Long ago I was told “You’re not an athlete, you’re not a runner.” None of this has ever been easy for me. I have had a lot to overcome. Plantars Fasciitis, a weak knee, asthma, and yes, my monthly friend to boot! I had to prove to myself and show my children that when you set out to accomplish something, you never give up. If you don’t succeed, you get back up and keep going until you do!

Running through the water and willing my legs to climb the small hill one more time was possible because I was ready to settle the score, and prove to everyone that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

The time had come, it had been a long journey, and running down that hill never felt so good. I could hear the finish line crowd, I could see the bright lights, and the song that was playing was LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” (how fitting for me). I ran with such emotion, I almost couldn’t run. My arms were going every which way, tears were streaming down my face, and the moment I had waited so long for had finally arrived. I ran into the arms of a volunteer as I heard the words called out over the sound system “Meredith Rosser…. YOU. ARE. AN. Ironman!”

Most amazing feeling ever! I cannot describe in words how it felt. To my utter excitement, after it all had sunk in, I ran some numbers. With my swim time from Chattanooga 2015, and doubling my transition times, added to Maryland 2016, I can say I finished the Ironman in just over 16 1/2 hours and change. WHAT????? This was the cherry on top for me. So some may ask or say  “Your swim was cancelled, your course was cut short, you’re really not an Ironman since you didn’t do it all in one day” to which I will reply you are wrong.

The journey to Ironman 140.6 did no take place on race day, but leading up to the race. I have done the distances, some twice and one (IM Choo in 2015) was even 4 miles LONGER & our times were cut by 30 min. So YES, I am owning this race and this victory and then some! After all, the conditions to which we raced were like no other. Who gets to race an Ironman, and say they pushed through all what we pushed through?!

Cold, wet, foggy, rainy, windy, muddy and deep waters of “swim” bike run. It was epic and the stories of this day will be told for years to come. I wear my hat, my shirts, and my medal with pride. I am an Ironman!

Athlete T1D Panel 2016: When an idea became a reality

Sometimes the best ideas come to us when we are dashing from one place to the next. Recently, Hot Hubs was driving me to the airport when he had this crazy idea he shared with me. It went something like this:

“Hey, Mere, I have this crazy idea…..what if we pulled together some type one diabetic athletes who have overcome many odds, and had a coffee chat of sorts?” 

After a few moments of chatting back and forth about how we would put something like this together, and where we would host this and so forth, it came to me! A few phone calls later, and some brain storming, the first ever T1D Panel was formed!

What is a T1D panel you ask? What if you could reach many to encourage and inspire? What if you had a panel of four incredible athletes of different ages, a leading endocrinologist, and a leading scientist all together on one platform, to impart wisdom, knowledge and share in how the diabetic athletes  have overcome many obstacles to reach their dreams? What if it was set up so that it was moderated by a local television news reporter? Put all of those things together in a room on a stage, and you get the T1D Panel.

The athletes sitting on the panel all have incredible stories and testimonies on how they have overcome many obstacles to reach their dreams and goals all the while balancing type one diabetes. I refer to our life like this:

“We are living on a balance beam. Luke is always on that balance beam, balancing his diabetes, trying to keep from going too far to the right and too far to the left.  The goal is to stay in the middle.” 

For most everyone, making the choice to get out of bed in the morning, dress yourself for a morning run, and head out the door, it’s really that simple. But for a diabetic athlete, it’s not that simple. Everything a diabetic athlete does rises and falls on where their blood sugar levels are at that time. Planning for a race, a competition, a game, really anything, it has to be well thought out. Depending on where ones sugar levels are, that has to be tweaked. There is so much to do in preparing for athletic activities like this, and the four panelists that have been chosen to speak, all have overcome many hurdles in their quest for the finish line!

Wether you’re a runner, triathlete, mountain climber, basketball player, football player, dancer, snow boarder, etc. and you’re living with diabetes, I want you to know that you can do ALL things, whatever it is! I cannot tell you how many stories we have heard over the last 18 months where other T1D families have asked

“How does Luke do what he does?”  or “Wow, I wish my child could do things like they used to before their diagnosis.” 

The T1D Panel was formed to inspire, encourage and impart a wealth of knowledge about how these athletes have overcome their challenges. The most exciting part about the panel is the wide range of athletes and their ages. Paul Finelli, with Florida Hospital, along with the American Diabetes Association Central Florida, have done an outstanding job of putting our idea into reality. We are hoping the event will be available for live streaming, and we are also hoping it will be recorded so we can share it later.

Here’s the exciting part. The T1D Panel Team:

Chris Clark, UltraMan Triathlete

Lauren Adams, Boston Marathoner

Luke Rosser, USA Triathlon Age Group National Champion

Ralph Hopkins, Athlete & US Attorney General

Will Cross, Mountain Climber

Moderator: Sonni Abatta 

As soon as I get a link for live streaming, I will share it here! The panel is set to take place on Sunday, October 23rd @ 4:00 pm.

“Be active and make healthy choices. Never stop giving up on your dreams and keep reaching for the stars.”  – Luke Rosser

T1D Age Group National Champion

It all started with a dream, and those fateful words on July 31, 2015. Luke told his triathlon coach, the day after the USA Triathlon Nationals.

“Coach, I want to come back and race next year and I want to be the age group National Champion!” 

Fast forward one year later to the day,  July 31, 2016. Luke Rosser raced the race of his life, to clench the USA Triathlon 14-year-old Age Group National Championship title!

I was recently asked to share Luke’s story by Diabetes Mine. Today they published his story, and instead of me re-capping it here I am going to share the story below. Just click on the link below to read  how Luke is beating the odds!

Read here: Luke’s Olympic Hopes

Tour de Cure Ambassador 2016

I cannot believe I am typing this! It has been a long 10 months, and we have come a long way. My Type 1 Diabetic son was asked to be the 2016 Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure in Orlando, Florida. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be walking this journey if you had told me this a year ago.

Life is not rose, nor is this an easy road we are on, however we have chosen to embrace it. Life handed us a bag of lemons, so we have been making a lot of lemonade this year!

Luke is passionate about all things exercise, healthy choices and living life to the fullest. He reminds me daily that “you only live once.” We are on a fast-moving train, and are taking each moment to share his story with as many people as we can. You never know whose life you might save.

Luke has asked me to share his story on this blog, in hopes that we reach many across the nation. Luke has also requested that I encourage anyone reading this blog to get involved in your local American Diabetes Association chapter. Find a Tour de Cure or a Step Out Walk  and make a difference. Sign up to ride, or walk or even just donate to the fundraising page. The American Diabetes Association is an incredible organization to support and get involved with. They do great things for people and families effected by both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Take a stand. Be the change!

Type 1 Diabetic Hero: No Limits

I don’t remember volunteering to get on this roller coaster ride, but somehow I found myself here a few months ago. Just as the roller coaster took off, we found ourselves twisting and turning in all directions but with no real direction at all. The future for my newly diagnosed Type One Diabetic 12-year-old son was uncertain. Luke is an elite triathlete and swims on a competitive swim team. How was our life going to be the same ever again?  I knew this ride  was sure to be long and frightening, however somewhere along the way an angel, by the name of Chris Clark, entered our life. It was fate, that click of the mouse on the computer that led to the turn of events. It was as simple as liking a friends post on Facebook about a triathlete that was going to make history in an upcoming race. This sparked my attention because this man, Chris Clark, who has Juvenile Type One Diabetes, was coming to Orlando to compete in the UltraMan Florida Triathlon.

For those of you who don’t know what kind of race that is, here’s the low down. It’s a triathlon race that’s divided into three stages over three days. The athletes first swim 6.2 miles, followed by a 90 mile cross-country bike ride. Stage two takes place the following day and is a 171.4 mile bike ride. Stage three is the final stage and is a 52.4 mile double marathon run. Each stage must be completed in 12 hours or less with the exception of the swim stage as it must be completed in 5.5 hours or less.

It was fate! I immediately posted on Chris Clark’s Facebook page that we were mesmerized by his drive to attempt to be the first Type One Diabetic athlete to ever finish an UlltraMan Triathlon. I also shared with him that my son Luke is a 12-year-old triathlete and was recently diagnosed with Juvenile Type One Diabetes. I expressed to him and his coach that we may come out and watch Chris swim for the first stage of this big race. What happened next was riveting.

Luke and I arrived at the race venue just prior to the start of the swim. We met Chris’s coach, and some of his support crew. They were so kind to us from the very start and promptly told Chris that Luke was here. Chris was in a changing tent getting ready to embark on the swim of his life, and was testing his blood glucose when he summoned to have Luke brought back to meet him. The connection between the two, Chris and Luke, was immediate. Chris was so kind, and opened his heart to share part of his journey with him, at this moment. We took several pictures of them together as I wanted to freeze time. You see it had only been a few weeks since Luke’s diagnosis, and he had fallen into a pit of despair. Luke has been competing his entire life, and when he was told he had Juvenile Type One Diabetes, he thought all his dreams and aspirations were over. Chris’s kindness in just a few short moments before the start of the race gave Luke and myself hope. Something to hold on to.

Chris was second out of the water, and heading out for the 90 mile bike ride. Just as he left, he gave Luke the thumbs up and off he went. You might as well have handed Luke a million dollars! On the drive home, Luke said to me “Mom, we HAVE to come back on Saturday and Sunday to watch Chris finish each stage of the race.” So what’s a mom to say to that?

Chris finished day two in amazing standings, all the while stopping during the day off and on to check his blood sugar levels, and of course treat with insulin when needed. Oh, and forgot to mention one tiny little detail. Chris does NOT have an insulin pump, nor a Dexcom, (which monitors his blood glucose levels). So manual finger pricks, blood sugar tests and administering insulin when needed, the old-fashioned way, was how he managed his diabetes the entire race.

Sunday arrived and Chris had made it through two stages of this grueling race, so all that was left was to run a double marathon to the finish line. Sounds easy right? Even though it was February, the Florida heat set in and the hot sun was bearing down on everyone as the day progressed. The afternoon slowly creeped by and when we got word that Chris and his support crew were getting closer to town where the finish line was staged, everyone erupted into overdrive of excitement! Waiting for him was his entire family, many friends including Luke and our family. This was it, the moment we all had been waiting for. Luke turned to me and said  “Mom, you know, Chris is making history” and as I smiled through the tears I said “Yes son, he sure is.”  What happened next left me speechless.

The race director approached me and said “Chris is about a mile out from the finish line, and he is requesting that Luke comes out on the course to run the last one mile of the race with him and cross the finish line together.” I had no words, but I turned to Luke and saw through my tears the biggest smile I’d seen on him in a long time. Luke was ushered by a volunteer a mile down the road to meet Chris and be apart of making history. As long as I live, I will never forget witnessing this epic finish.

Chris not only made history in being the first Type One Diabetic to complete an UltraMan Triathlon, but he came in 6th place in a field of 30 athletes who entered this race. Simply amazing!

This man gave Luke hope. He showed Luke that nothing is impossible. He met Luke on Friday and by Saturday he was treating Luke like he was family.He restored my faith in humanity. He is our HERO! You must know that the days after Luke’s diagnosis were grim from Luke’s perspective, and after meeting Chris, he realized that nothing is impossible. There are no limits with diabetes, you just have to want to push through the barriers. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Florida State University did a study on how the body responds to the endurance competition known as Ultraman. Watch the inspiring video below:

 

Kuckoo For Kuckoo Pig

Kuckoo…… That’s me! I have jumped ship and entered into the land of Kuckoo. Seriously, who in their right mind home schools three boys, runs Hot Chic Sports, an online retail clothing business, coaches a team of 30 plus athletes, mentors and coaches a group of girls in Chic’Lettes On The Move, and then decides with her best friend to start ANOTHER business venture?! Yep….. that would be me! I am officially Kuckoo!

Let’s start from the beginning….. Once upon a time, in a far way land…. no, no no…. let’s cut to the chase. Sitting on the beach with two super fabulous friends, chatting about all things crazy and fun, when a phrase took root. “Your such a Kuckoo Pig”! This is what we often said to one another. This was of course our way of saying “your so crazy…. have you lost your mind” to each other. At that moment that little phrase took on a whole new meaning. What started out as a joke amongst ourselves slowly started turning into discussions of dreams and “What If’s”.

What IF we took Kuckoo Pig to a new level? What IF we created a business based on Kuckoo Pig? What IF we took our wild and crazy chatter and turned it into something tangible? What IF…….

Ten months later, that What IF became a reality. You see, one of our friends found out she had breast cancer. During her time of treatment we decided that life was too short to live through “What If’s” and therefore we should start putting our dreams and aspirations in the forefront. What was truly holding us back? I always say “Take life by the reigns and live life-like it’s your last moment on earth….. Leap into the unknown…. No regrets”!

The stage is being set, and while our product is currently in production, with lots of fine tuning, I am so stoked to roll out the red carpet in the coming weeks! Our new company’s name is Kuckoo Pig LLC and while our website is under construction, we’ve created a Facebook Page. Our creations are sure to soar as there will be many pigs flying! Why skip through life without a little pizzaz? Kuckoo Pig leaves it all out there on the line, pushes the envelope, and rushes to the next big adventure! This is how we should all embrace life. Kuckoo Pig is one crazy pig, but what an adventure she is going to take us all on! The best part of it all is I get the opportunity to share in this adventure with one of my best friends. Keep watch and look to the skies for a flying pig!  She’s making her big debut very soon. Until then, I encourage you to live your life just like Kuckoo Pig…. No holding back, No regrets, and full of pizzaz! OINK.