For my Brother-in-Law

Recently, my brother-in-law was diagnosed with andvanced stages of cancer without hope for recovery. He is already going through a lot of pain.

My sister invited me to a sweat lodge ceremony after his passing. Under normal circumstances I would probably attend, but there is no way of knowing the timing and physical impact.

So instead, I will celebrate Jim's life as I celebrate mine, through endurance training. The phyical, mental, and emotional pain I will push through will be nothing compared to his, but I will think of him as I dig deep to will myself to go harder and faster. I only hope this will in some way translate into the meaning of the sweat lodge ceremony.

And as I race in Kona, I will honor him by finishing the most gruelling race on the planet with the best athletes in the world.