I have mentioned in previous posts that the journey to become an Ironman is a journey not taken alone. Though my training may have been solitary I could not have completed my
journey alone. Beyond the obvious people (wife, parents, kids etc…) one person’s advice, guidance and support was invaluable.When I was beginning my Ironman quest I had no idea what I was getting into. Not only did I not have a background in any of the three triathlon disciplines (swim, bike or run) I didn’t know a single person that I could turn to for guidance or advice. That changed in January of 2009 when I received a facebook message from a high school friend that I had seen only a handful of times since we parted ways in June of 1992. That person was Matt McCulley
Matt had heard through the grapevine that I was participating in triathlons and he encouraged me to sign up (ok insisted that I sign up) for the 2nd running of his race (tri for our veterans) on Memorial Day. Never needing much of an excuse to schedule a weekend in Sea Isle I signed up immediately and began to correspond with him on a regular basis.
I remember vividly how impressed I was by the passion and gratitude that Matt had for those that have served our country. So much so that he was moved to take on the huge undertaking of organizing a Triathlon with over 500 participants. Coordinating a race of this magnitude is a full time job for many yet the busiest guy I knew found the time to put on this race in his “spare’ time. Not only did he put on this race but he had the political clout and connections to lock down the streets of Sea Isle city on Saturday of Memorial Weekend from 7-10 am.
Shortly after our first contact I told Matt about my plans to give Ironman Florida a try in November 2009. He was immediately onboard and could not have been more supportive of my endeavor. He even went as far as to register me as an elite athlete for last year’s tri for our veteran’s as a sign of his support. This small act motivated and inspired me to increase the intensity of my training.
Though extremely busy with his job, family, coaching, training and race organizing (among other things) Matt always made time to check in with me to provide advice or a few words of motivation. He was always there with words of encouragement when I was feeling down or with a bit of advice as how to handle a given situation. These words seemed to always come at just the right time.
At one point I mentioned in a blog post that I was concerned about my lack of open water swim experience. Never one to sit back and watch a friend struggle Matt invited me down to his beach house for an open water training session…an offer I gladly accepted. I’m sure this gesture seemed like nothing to him but it meant the world to me.
In the weeks leading up to Ironman my wife, Missy, reached out to Matt to participate in a video good luck that she was putting together as a surprise for me. Matt was more than happy to oblige. If there was some way…anyway to be a positive influence then Matt would find a way. On the way to a business trip he met up with my wife to film his segment.
Unfortunately the video camera was on the frits that day and thus there is no video footage. The night before the race I watched the video tribute and could not have been more inspired. At its conclusion Missy told me about the problem with the video the day of Matt’s filming. She told me of the enthusiasm that Matt delivered his message. She said that she could see the intensity in his eyes and the emotion in his voice when he delivered his message. He spoke of the struggles that I would have that day and challenged me to embrace those moments for that was that day would be all about.
The following is an email that I received from Matt just prior to race day:
John—
You’ll do great—all of the training is done, now is the mental part. Remember, there will be a time during the race when fear strikes and you’ll question your ability to overcome. Embrace this feeling—it is my favorite part of the experience—adapt, improvise, overcome.
Good luck buddy!
mbm
After completing the Ironman Matt sent me a note congratulating me on my accomplishment. In that note he asked if I’d mind grabbing lunch with him to talk about Ironman training and race strategy (Matt had signed up to compete in Ironman Lake Placid this July). Imagine that…here is this incredibly gifted triathlete and he wanted to pick my brain regarding Ironman training. Perhaps that was the thing that best summed up the Matt McCulley (legitimate elite Olympic Distance/Half Ironman distance triathlete) that I had grown to admire and respect. He was always willing to give advice but just as likely to look for advice. A rare quality indeed.
Unfortunately, as often happens in life, things got a little hectic and our plans to get together were put on hold. Matt and I emailed several times to push back our get together. On Dec 23, I sent Matt an email suggesting a couple of dates that would work for me for lunch in the latter stages of Jan. I would never hear back from my friend.
At that lunch I had planned to thank my friend in person for all that he had done for me over the last year. I looked forward to supporting Matt as he trained for his first Ironman...a chance to return the favor if you will. I looked forward to participating in his race again this year. I looked forward to racing with him during the upcoming triathlon season.
Matt’s time on earth may be up but the intensity and spirit that he lived with will stay with me always. Thanks Buddy.
