The highlight of Kona was working in the women’s transition tent, as the athletes prepared to change from cycling to runnning. There, I was able to see, up close, the total dedication that these athletes give to their sport. I have the same dedication in my work with them, getting them ready for their event.

In Penticton, an athlete came to see me who was competing in her first Ironman. She had fallen off her bike that day and landed on her right arm. As a result she was unable to straighten the arm and couldn’t swim. She had been checked out by a medical doctor and did not have any fractures. She came in for treatment for three days before the race and the last day she was so happy, she had full range of motion and little loss of strength. She was able to compete and that made the whole trip worthwhile for me.