In September, 2003, I watched my wife's brother, Rob, and his wife, Sheila, participate in Ironman Wisconsin. I had no idea what to expect. I thought that I would watch them start the race and then go home and hear from them about how then did. I couldn't have been more wrong. My wife and I spent the next 15 and a half hours chasing from one spot to another trying to catch a glimpse of Rob and Sheila as they swam, biked, or ran past. The event was captivating and inspirational.

I wanted so badly to participate in Ironman Wisconsin 2004, but I didn't know how to swim. I knew this was a major impediment, but I decided to register for the event anyway. Subsequently, I enrolled in an Ironman Training class. On October 11, 2003, I had my first swim session. Mark Peterson was the instructor. He told me to swim the length of the pool so he could evaluate my stroke. Boy was he in for a surprise. I began kicking violently, and flailing my arms. Every time I turned my head to breathe, I took in a mouthful of water. After about 15 yards I had to stop and stand up. I can't imagine what Mark was thinking.

Rather than laughing hysterically (at least on the outside), Mark gave me some pointers to get me through that class session. Mark must enjoy a challenge, because after class he invited me to participate in a weekly private lesson. He was extremely patient with me, as my progress was very slow. Each week, he would continue to make refinements to my stroke. After a while, I thought he was making things up, because I just couldn't believe he could be aware of so many fine details.

Well, Mark's patience, knowledge, and teaching style paid off. Eleven months after failing to swim the length of the pool, I completed the 2.4 mile Ironman swim in a time of 1 hour and 14 minutes. Kudos to Mark! Not only did I finish the swim, I did it with enough energy to complete the Ironman in 11 hours and 11 minutes. I am so pleased with what Mark has done for me that I began taking lessons from him again this year as I prepare to participate in Ironman Wisconsin 2005. I am hoping that Mark will help me reduce my swim time by about ten minutes, as my goal this year is to qualify for Ironman Kona in 2006.