May 31: Reality Check

A couple of days ago, I found myself in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as I joined my Team in Training group for our group swim. The swim took place at Fuller Pool, which was immediately across from the U-M Medical Center.

The pool was wonderful. It was a 50 meter pool, which made for a good workout. Going a lap at that length is significantly different, and much harder in my opinion, than swimming in a 25 yard or 25 meter pool.

As we swam lap after lap, the loud sound of an occasional helicopter overhead seemed to drown out sound of the water that would get caught in my ears. As I tried to concentrate on my stroke technique, I noticed that the helicopters would fly onto the landing pad across the street. I was quite certain that they were transporting patients who were in dire need of care.

Stroke. Stroke. Breathe. Stroke. Stroke. Breathe. Stroke. Stroke. Breathe. It's easy to get in a rhythm, and that makes the time go by faster. At least until I'd hear the helicopters. Then my mind would wander...

Who was in the helicopter?
What path in their life brought them to that point?
Are they suffering?
Would they survive?

It was those helicopters that reminded me of the biggest reason as to why I'm doing this triathlon for this good cause. It is the my belief that the consolidated efforts put forth by so many will make a difference in improving and saving lives.

It is said that if you throw a pebble into a lake, the ripples have the power to change the shoreline forever. My individual effort may not be able to save the world, but at least I know that I can help make a difference.

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Check out my fundraising progress at:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntmi/DunCAN

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