[pcsronbo]

<p>Well, I'm off to CDA. I have no idea what the internet situation will be. KR sometimes works from my iPad, sometimes not.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My wife will have my Blackberry and will post facebook updates. If you're interested and not on my FB, send me a friend request. Ron Searle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1873 is my number.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>6/26 is race</p>
<p>6/27 is Seattle PNW meetup</p>
<p>6/28 I get on a Disney Cruise to Alaska for a week - so blackout</p>
<p>7/5 is Portland PNW meetup</p>
<p> </p>
<p>See ya on the other side folks!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>p.s. I want to Thank each and every one of you who, over the years, has supported me in my quest from Fat Ass Geek to Ironman. It's been a long journey, a lot of work, pain, surgery, sweat, friends, and a hell of a lot of reward. I couldn't have done it without you all. Even those who rarely post. Don't forget the social support network in your own quest. It's invaluable, especially when times get tough. I have a long list of names I will carry in my pocket Sunday I'm sure at mile 20 of the run I'll be pulling it out to remind me of everyone who has helped me along the way. I salute you all <span><img alt="icon_salut.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_salut.gif" style="width:23px;height:18px;"></span> and thank you, in advance, because you'll help me get through the "moody ass woman" phase as CC said I will undoubtably visit Sunday - and get through.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The best part? <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>This is just the start....</strong></span> I think it's time I give up the idea that I'm some fat guy "faking it". The race? Hell, it's just the icing. I'm ready. Let's do this. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>p.p.s. what do you guys think about geek2jock.com? It's all mine... nothing up yet. Soon enough. I got a race to run</p>

 

[em73]

<p>I'm so excited for you I can't even stand it!!!   eeeeeeeeee!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll be sneaking peeks at your FB and the tracker all day while I work (and there better be a tracking thread up in this bizatch)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And Ron, LIT may have supported you... but you've supported each and every one of us and been a continuous source of insight, humor, and well-timed kicks in the ass.  I'm going to be thinking about you a lot on Sunday because in two years, I <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">want to be</span> am going to be where you are.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[cak73]

<p>Woo hoo!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have so enjoyed following your journey over these past couple of years and I can't wait to follow you at CdA!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll be traveling this weekend so there had better be a tracking thread so all I have to do is refresh that page on my iPhone!</p>

 

[cak73]

<p>p.s.  Don't panic.</p>

 

[AdCo]

<p>Good Luck, my friend.. I will be following on Sunday. </p>

 

[SpartyGirl]

<p>You are a warrior and a great friend - can't wait to track your race on Sunday.  You can do this!!!</p>

 

[Kate60]

<p>Wishing you the best race of your life Ron!</p>

 

[Thor]

<p>RonBo, you may not believe it, but you doing Ironman is very personal for me, even moving, because I no just how far you have come. We now go back many, many years. Remember back to Ironman Wisconsin 2006. You gave me such a boost when I saw you out on the bike course. I'll never forget that hug and high five. I was so pumped. And I went on to kickass and run the entire marathon. That energy is still there. Use it. It is your turn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Please let this experience, however it turns out, to mark the day you transition the little thinking man in your brain to being RonBo, the athlete, the caring and present father, a business owner, a kickass friend. Note there is no words as fatty or former fatty. Live life. Be who you are. Don't spend time in the past or thinking about what you want to become. Be it. Present. In the moment. Use Sunday as that day to transition toward personal acceptance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lastly, dude, I said it earlier that I've been with you a long, long time now. We have supported each other, told each other 'you can do it', and even scaled back over aggressive goals to say 'step back some', and I am happy to call you friend. I am also very proud of you. Very, very proud.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm going to fall back on a familiar mantra:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Make it Happen. There's nothing more to it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Folks reading here: Know that RonBo decided many years ago to turn his life around. He committed to the goal of life, made the changes necessary, and he made it all happen. There was nothing more to it. And now look at him, our hero in arms. You can have it too. All you need to do is to decide to do it. And then do it.</p>

 

[MountainGirl]

<p>You are such a source of inspiration to me.  Enjoy your journey.  It's one that you will never forget.</p>

 

[jenotter]

<p>Ron...you've been on my mind this week! It's been a pleasure and inspiration to hear about your training journey for IM. I know you're going to kick booty out there. What an amazing experience for you - and yes, the race is the icing!!  You are ready...now go out there and have fun. I'm so proud of you!!!!</p>

 

[Muffin Queen]

<p>Enjoy the present of each and every moment.  It is a beautiful course with lots of crowd support and the volunteers are amazing.  The hard part is already behind you.  Now is the time to have some fun.  Good luck!!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>MQ</p>
<p> </p>
<p>P.S.. If it gets bad you can always following the advice of my 14 year old traithlete niece who took a page from Finding Nemo.  For each event she repeats the mantra "Just keep...swimming/biking/running"  )</p>

 

[Tri-Tammy]

<p>Hey Ron!  I cannot wait to be there and cheer you on!  You are an absolute inspiration to all of us!  Travel safe and I'll see you on Sunday! </p>

 

[hobey]

<p>To the fellow crazy who jumped off a boat with me three years ago to beard the sea lions, you were never a fat guy faking it. You were, are, and always will be one of the most inspiring athletes I know. I'm so proud of you and honored to call you a friend.Rock on dude. This is one heck of a "Ronbo" you're about to do. See you on the other side!</p>

 

[mrscoby78]

<p>You. Are. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:36px;"><strong>RONBO!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Booya!!!</p>

 

[1Topodope]

<p>I am so excited for you!  I will be following your progress from start to victorious finish line!  <span><img alt="icon_cheers.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_cheers.gif" style="width:24px;height:24px;"></span></p>

 

[Stitcher]

<p>If there's not a RONBO sign on that course I think I might just have to smack someone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Believe that you are completely ready and will rock the course.</p>
<p>You don't know the support and help that you've given to people over the years,</p>
<p>and everyone will be watching for you!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have a blast, enjoy the "spectacle" (as my mom called the IM event), and</p>
<p>most of all enjoy the post IM events that you have scheduled.</p>

 

[MBannon]

<p>Is it even possible to be faking it if you are out there actually <em>doing</em> it?  Don't think so.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ron, I hope you have a wonderful experience, both in spite of and because of all the suffering you will no doubt endure.  Just remember, the suffering is the basic premise of Ironman - if suffering weren't involved, the race wouldn't exist.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You have been an inspiration over the years, even to us skinny folks.  Truly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good luck!!!!  See you on the 5th!</p>

 

[Dougie Fresh]

<p>I am really proud of you Ron.  You are a serious inspiration.  You're right -- you've done the work and IM CdA is the reward. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>YOU DA RONBO!</p>
<p> </p>

 

[mmoonptdeux]

<p>Fat guy faking it?  Not even...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Like everyone else has said, you're an inspiration to us all, Ron.  Good luck, and rock CdA like I know you can!</p>

 

[Yo Sake]

Ron, it has been an amazing journey to witness your... What last 7years?<br><br>
Have a great time, my friend. It is a huge celebration party. I can't wait to hear ALL about it. Too bad we have to wait untill 5th.<br><br>
Enjoy what the day brings to you. And you got many hours to enjoy. <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>