Back in March of 2010, both the Bay Area Ironteams were having their training weekend down on the Wildflower course. At that time, I had only been dating Nick for a few months and he asked if I would come volunteer. It was very early in the morning. I was cold, my feet were painfully numb because I forgot socks, and I was tired. I stood on the shore and watched 50 people plunge into Lake San Antonio. And, then I saw Jeff. He removed his leg and literally crawled on his hands and knees across the dock, to get in the water. And I started crying. Crying because I was so inspired by what he was doing. And crying because my numb feet were nothing to complain about. After the day was over, he introduced himself to me and thanked me for volunteering. I was too shy (yes, can you believe it?) to tell him how much he inspired me that day.
Fast forward a year later, after my journey had begun and I was waiting at a left turn to start up Mt Eden when Ironteam flames passed by. It was Jeff training for IMC.
And, a few weeks ago, we followed Jeff online as he went to Kona. He crossed the finish line 25 minutes after midnight when most of the spectators had returned to their hotels. But the president of Gu was still there. And, he wrote this wonderful article about Jeff's finish.
http://roctane.com/konas-final-star-jeff-schmidt/
A few months before Arizona, I was riding with Ron, the South Bay coach, and told him about my connection that happened at Wildflower Training weekend the year prior and what an inspiration Jeff was to me. He told me Jeff would really appreciate hearing that story. Unfortunately, I haven't crossed paths with Jeff since. But next time I do, I will tell him. In the meantime, this entry is just another reminder about all the people out there that inspire us and don't even know it. The ripple effect is amazingly powerful.
