More than a decade ago, I set my eye on getting an IRONMAN finisher medal. I have run since I can remember, with the initial goal of beating the boys in my elementary school. I resigned that goal as unrealistic as the boys grew stronger and meaner in high school, and many years later, I began swimming and bicycling. After a few sprint and Olympic length triathlons, I set my mind on completing an Ironman someday...

Family, work and aging joints pushed the Ironman to the back burner. My dream was reignited when I moved to Las Sendas, where my stiff joints suddenly moved freely and without aches. Encouraged by my partner, Jerry Prismantas, and the athletic fervor of the Las Sendas Triathlon Club, I rebooted my athletic drive. Their disciplined commitment to fitness and the surrounding desert beauty got, and kept me going. Although beset with medical issues requiring laparoscopic removal of two large cysts, that thankfully were benign, just one month before the Ironman race, I refused to give up the dream (and registration fee) to compete.

It was a tough race, especially as temperatures hovered around 90 degrees. Thanks to the friendly competitors, spectators, and race support, I reached my longtime milestone with a kick.

It goes to show that the Ironman motto "Anything Is Possible" holds true. To that, I would add "At Any Age."