Where we’ve been

The last we updated you on Maggie’s triathlon journey, she had won the female amateur division of IRONMAN Wisconsin last September. Since then, she’d been training hard getting ready for the 2023 season, preparing for the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, this coming October.

 

Half Ironman in Chattanooga, TN

Maggie’s first race of the 2023 season was a Half Ironman in Chattanooga, TN, on May 21st. Exactly ½ of the full Ironman distance; a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile ½ marathon. Maggie had been having some foot issues going into the race but otherwise was in fantastic shape. She had a good swim and crushed the bike portion, averaging 22.3 MPH over the 56-mile course. Her run had really improved over the winter, and she was averaging 6 minute 30 seconds per mile through 10 miles, on pace for a 1 hour, 26-minute ½ marathon, when her Achilles gave out. She went down, and we spent the afternoon at the ER getting her checked out. She had completed 68 of the 70.3-mile race and was on pace for a 4 hour, 35-minute finish. Heartbreaking, to say the least!

swim portion of the half ironman   maggie completes the swim portion of the half ironman   the bike portion of the half ironman   the run portion of the half ironman

 

Maggie and I managed to make it home; Maggie in a wheelchair pulling her bike case, me pushing her and pulling two suitcases. We were quite the sight in the airport, but we improved with practice and were speeding by a lot of people in the concourse back in Minneapolis! 😉

Maggie being pushed by Tad in a wheelchair, along with several suitcases and a bike

Surgery for Achilles tear

After getting an MRI and seeing her doctor at Odom Health and Wellness, surgery was deemed to be the best option. Maggie had surgery to repair her torn Achilles last Friday, and she’s on Day 4 of her recovery. The surgeon was very pleased with the results, and he feels that Maggie’s recovery will be much faster than normal.

maggie elevating her leg after achilles surgery

Conventional wisdom is that the season is over, but that Maggie should recover and be racing again at or near full strength next year. We’ve been going through the full range of emotions; anger, sadness, resignation, acceptance. We know that God can bring good out of all circumstances. But when your goals and dreams have just been taken away, it is hard to see that.

Current Mindset

Our sermon on Sunday from Pastor Andrew was from the book of John, Chapter 11- read it if you get a chance. Illness and injury are an opportunity; to grow closer to God, to trust Him, to see His power at work. They are an opportunity to glorify God. That is supposed to be our greatest purpose in life, far greater than winning triathlons or competing at Kona. It’s not easy to think that way, and we don’t do it perfectly, but Jesus is where our hope is, and we’re sticking with Him!!

Today is June 5th, nine years to the day from Maggie’s accident in Seville Spain! It is amazing how time flies!! God was faithful then, and He will remain faithful now. Life can be a rollercoaster, with incredible highs and painful lows. But God is faithful throughout, and our hope and trust is in Him. Thanks for following along…..the story isn’t over!

God bless,

Tad (and Maggie)