Wisconsin Badger Basketball and Ironman

My coach sends me a lot of triathlon articles, but this one may be my favorite.  I’m a huge Wisconsin basketball fan and didn’t realize it while shooting video at the race in Madison, but former player Zach Bohannon was on his way to becoming an Ironman.

Reading made me a little emotional because the way he told the story reinforced why I love Badger basketball.  He downplayed his efforts and gave credit to the team.  I only wish I would have stuck around to see the celebration.

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The Basketball team celebrates Zach’s Finish at the Ironman Wisconsin.

In this article by Mike Lucas, Zach says his reason for doing Ironman was “To say I did it,” but I think it’s more likely because, that’s how he does life.

For most of my childhood and early adult years (even though the teams were pretty bad in the 70’s and 80’s) Badger basketball was my favorite sport.  After listening to games on the radio, I’d put on a heavy coat, shovel snow, then take jumpers on an ice-covered driveway while imagining leading Wisconsin to the national championship.  It wasn’t easy to make shots with thick Winter gloves, but I never blamed the conditions.

Earlier this year, I was in the crowd as Zach and Company lost that Final Four heartbreaker in Dallas, but was incredibly proud to be a Badger fan.  They were largely a group of unheralded players that worked hard, believed in themselves, and had contagious chemistry.

“We weren’t just a team last season; we are friends for life wanting each other to all do well in whatever we pursue,” says Bohannon.

I really believe there’s nothing more important than being around people that support and inspire you.  Ironman can weed them out in a hurry.    

Like decade-long runs at the Final Four, Ironman can be an incredibly isolating and lonely journey.  You battle pain, self-doubt, and have a lot of time to reflect.  At Ironman Wisconsin last year I described the end of that road like this:

“If there was any doubt about why I would do such a crazy thing, it was answered when I saw my family and friends in the Finisher’s chute.  I was on the course by myself that last hour, but was not alone.  I kept running because they were waiting.  Waiting on their son, waiting on their friend.  And there’s nothing more powerful than someone excitedly waiting for you to come home.”

This is how Zach recalled it, “As great as finishing was, seeing the support of all of these people was even better,” he said referring to his family, friends and teammates.  

I’m drawn the the Ironman culture because it’s filled with “normal” people who won’t accept limits.  This holds true for both the athletes, and those who support our quest.  It’s embracing possibility and making the most out of our lives.

There’s a commercial on the Big 10 Network where Zach makes a bold acknowledgment that his goal is to someday be President of the United States.  Ironman is surely a step in the right direction, and I have no reason to doubt he will make his dream reality.

Maybe you can spot Zach in this video I made of the Wisconsin Swim Start.  [follow_me]