A tribute to Ron

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived. - Gilda Radner

You may notice I have changed my blog name to 140.6 miles for Ron.  Ron Foster is the reason I am attempting my first full triathlon this year.  Without Ron I would never have approached Coach Paul to help conquer my fear of swimming.  I can not believe this journey started five years ago in November.  
When I met Ron he was seventy five years old.  After a heart attack like so many he decided to get fit and saw triathlon as the way to do it.  You could see the passion in his eyes when he spoke about racing and training.  He shared that passion for the sport with me and other members of the Durham Triathlon Club. He was always there with an encouraging word and to share his experience in the sport.  

In my first full year of the sport I had the privilege of racing with Ron at Guelph 1 in the Try-A-Tri distance and at Wasaga Beach in the sprint distance.  Although not participating Ron was in Colburg too. Guelph was my first race and I was nervous about the swim. Ron stood by my side as we lined up on the beach.  He suggested we keep to the left to stay out of the way of the main wave of swimmers.  We walked out together, started the swim and both completed the race. Like so many races Ron came first in his age group.  This year Colburg was the club race. Ron and his lovely wife Madeline volunteered.  They were on site at some ridiculous time like 5:30 AM to start numbering race caps and were still there later in the day helping out.  Ron truly did love this sport.  The last race of the season was Wasaga Beach. He told me don't worry you can stand up anywhere the water isn't deep.  Again by my side we hit the water at the same time.  As Barry and I saw Ron in the distance I decided to run along side of him and bring a little encouragement as he came to the finish line.

I believe it was the next year Ron set his sights on racing for Canada.  I can not remember what race it was but he qualified for the Canadian Team. I wish I could remember what series it was he was representing Canada in but do know it was in Australia.  It was around this time Ron was diagnosed with cancer.  He wasn't sure he was going to make it to Australia but with the help of his doctors and his spirit to do it he was able to compete.  If I remember his son was in attendance and may have been representing Canada too.  Ron always spoke of being able to participate in the same race series as his son. Ron was so very proud of his children.  He would always tell us about their accomplishments and you could see how much he loved them both. 

After this race Ron & I did not see each other much.  I guess in the hustle and bustle of life I did not think to reach out however I did think of him lots.  I wish I could have told him in four short years how much he influenced my life.  Honestly I did not know this until he passed away in April.  
This year I swim, bike & ride in memory of Ron.  If I cross that finish line in Mont Tremblant it will because I met this wonderful man named Ron Foster.  I miss you !!!!
 

Ron & I getting ready at Guelph 1

Ron & I starting the swam

Ron with his 1st place.

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/gildaradne362558.html#RJToISui6crsxz6E.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/gildaradne362558.html#RJToISui6crsxz6E.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/gildaradne362558.html#RJToISui6crsxz6E.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/g/gildaradne362558.html#RJToISui6crsxz6E.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/cancer.html#X2xX4yCk9f6IvQpm.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/cancer.html#X2xX4yCk9f6IvQpm.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/cancer.html#X2xX4yCk9f6IvQpm.99

The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/cancer.html#X2xX4yCk9f6IvQpm.99