David P Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Hi everybody. I didn't ever think in my wildest dreams (and I've had some pretty wild ones) that I would be saying this... I placed first in my age category in the 24hr World Solo Championship mountain bike race on the weekend!! It was a very difficult ride, and one where I spent most of the time thinking about all of you - dealing with this crummy disease, especially young Drew and his rare case, and all those who have past away since I began on this message board. I decided at the start line to dedicate my race this year to all of you, past and present, and even had a short conversation with Jesse just before the gun went off. My new photo shows me wearing the coveted winner's white jersey I received at the awards banquet. I have one cancer related story steming from the banquet to share with you -- the president and founder of The 24hrs of Adrenalin races was making his welcome and introduction speech at the start of the banquet and was talking about the wonderful stories that come from such an epic marathon event like the 24hrs race. Well, he told everyone about a guy that almost didn't make it to last year's race because his qualifying race was cancelled, and when he did race, his profile said his goal was just to finish the race... and this year he came first in his category riding 10 laps... then he made me stand up, and told everyone I did it with only one lung... but that's just the lead up to my story; the fellow sitting next to me was from Bute Montana (Lance Armstrong's good friend and riding partner, Levi Leipheimer is from Bute), and he leaned over and asked,"do you know what this is?" pointing to a yellow band on his wrist. I recognized it as being a "Livestrong" band that is purchased and worn as a symbol of hope, courage, and perseverance, in support of cancer research and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. He then removed it from his wrist and put it on my wrist saying, "wear yellow, live strong." He then told me it was given to him by Levi Leipheimer's brother who owns a bike shop in Bute. I almost started to cry. The Livestrong bands can be purchased from http://www.lancearmstrong.com Now that the race is over for another year, I should have more time for the message board, but this year, I'm going to have to maintain some training over the winter so I can successfully defend my title next year. Thanks for all of your support everyone. Take care. World Champ (45-49 yr age group) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyr Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 You are one of the most amazing people I have ever "met." Congratulations! I can't tell you what an inspiration you are to me and so many other people. Thank you for always pushing it, always fighting it, and always cheering us all on. CathyR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, You look wonderful in the white jersey. Since I joined this board, you have been an inspiration to me. I admire your perserverance and upbeat attitude. Thank you for the dedication...it means a great deal to me. Congratulations! I expect you to keep your title for many years to come. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anniemac Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Wow, David!! First place! You are amazing. The board needed a boost after all the losses lately and you sure did it! Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haylee_38 Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Way to go!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTaa Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Three cheers for David! Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray! HIP, HIP HOORAY!!! Thanks for making my day with this thread - and thanks even more for inspiring us all! Praying for us all, TeeTaa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remembering Dave Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, you ae an incredible inspiration. Congatulations!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome!!!!!!!! I have been wondering how everything was going. Glad to have you back. Wear that jesey with pride. David C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Way to go David P. ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, I must say you brought tears to my eyes, especially when thinking of Jessee right before starting, I know Katie is honored..You are remarkable, its truly amazing what you have accomplished.. CONGRATULATIONS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David , How wonderful! Great job! Love the picture and I see your yellow band on your wrist. Wish all with lung cancer victums could meet you like we have . Enjoy your triumph. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, Way to go! You are an inspiration to me! I know how hard you work for this and feel good about your accomplishment! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MurielK Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Congratulations! What an inspiring story, too. Muriel K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 WAY TO GO DAVID. That's a well deserved victory & very much an inspiration to all of us.Having 1 lung myself and knowing how little it takes to get out of breath and completely worn out I realize the training and fortitude you have to accomplish this. VERY WELL DONE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betplace Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, I am so in awe of you. I am Happy Dancing for all your well deserved honors, including that precious yellow band. Congratulations on a well deserved win! Blessings Betty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnodel Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 I am SO impressed --- and so thrilled for you. I know everyone else has said it but I have to repeat it -- you are an inspiration to us all, even to the caretakers like me who are out of shape and out of spirit. Now I'm going to get off the board and get over to Curves and work out. See what you've done! Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David rocks! David, I am so proud of you. You are one special dude. My prayers were with you this weekend. What a story! Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David P Posted September 9, 2004 Author Share Posted September 9, 2004 Thanks for the kind words everybody. I know my role on this board is mainly a cheerleader for all of you out there struggling to make something positive happen. If I can help with some happy thoughts of what future possibilities may hold... then, as Cathy said, I am very proud of that. David C I hope everything goes well for you, and no, I'm not going to wear my white jersey -- I think I will frame it instead. And Don, I did receive your email last week, thanks for the thoughts. And everybody else too. I'm off to work. Take care. (PS sorry my photo is so large - this is the first time I've figured out how to post a photo without sending it to Rick) David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Awesome!! Your photo SHOULD be huge, David! What an important accomplishment - many more victories to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy B Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, this is just so cool! What an inspiration you are. I was planning my 3rd half-marathon in October but had to cancel when I got hit with cancer again, but I am not giving up. Especially after reading your story. I will start training again as soon as radiation is finished. I am more determined now than ever - thank you David P. Love and hugs to you and many more FIRST PLACES! Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayFrog Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, AWESOME!! I did the crying for you (it was a good cry, too) I have recently noticed a lot of athletes wearing those yellow bands (maybe the Olympics?)....and wondered what they symbolized. Thankyou, Thank you..... Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe B Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, Great story. congratulations ! Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Great pic, David. Glad to see you up front. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, I got goose bumps while reading your story. Congratulations on your accomplishment and thank you for keeping me inspired. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brm1949 Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David, you are a great inspiration and just what we needed here to boost moral. I am truly amazed and filled with new hope that this thing can be beaten back and life can still be rewarding in spite of our challenges. Thanks David for you encouragement by what you have overcome and continue to be a light in this dark battle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 David- Thanks for the inspiration! What a great story. Tomorrow I'll push a little harder when I hit the 2 mile mark on my run . You are amazing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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