Iron Mike Brown » Blog Archive

Sep

Deflated..??

60069-225-002f I’ll blog about my race in a few days when I have a little more time to let it sink in and really realize what I accomplished. The race was tough but I have something else more important to tell you about. As most of you know I met a man named Jim Maclaren a couple months ago who is a quadriplegic due to a cycling accident during a triathlon, Jim had such an impact on me over the last two months that he changed my whole outlook on Ironman Canada. He made me realize that it wasn’t about my finishing time, qualifying for Kona, stressing out over diet and training volume but more about feeling the pain and enjoying it, smiling when everyone else is worried about who’s passing them, talking to the volunteers and fellow triathletes. I did all these things during my race and I enjoyed it immensely, one of the most enjoyable days of my life. Jim followed my progress throughout the day and sent me a message on Monday morning “Way to go Ironman, I’m proud of you” It made the ride home a lot easier knowing that Jim followed the race and in a way raced it with me.

I called Jim yesterday morning and it went to his voice mail, I left a message for him to call me back. I got an email from his friend Michael Flannery last night at 8 p.m.

Hi Michael:

Sorry that I did not send you something earlier but today was a very tough and hectic day for us. Jimmy Mac passed away sometime between last night and early this morning. As you know, Jim has been battling an infection the last few weeks and the antibiotics were simply no longer effective. While Jim was feeling under the weather his vital signs were all good and there was no indication that Jim would not make it thru this time as he had so many times over the last two years. Yesterday morning I sent Jim an e-mail inquiring about your race results on Sunday. This was the last e-mail I received from Jim and I thought you might be interested in hearing it since he talked about your great accomplishment, how proud he was of your achievements and that he looked forward to speaking with you soon. As you will hear, Jim remained full of life to the end and did not sound like a guy who was near the end of his life. His loss is tragic but he had endured more than most could imagine and we believe he is at peace now. I will keep you posted as to what will happen with the FOJM Trust. As of now, we are not accepting donations until further notice.

Peace,

Mike Flannery”"

To say I’m devastated is an understatement, I wish I could have talked to Jim about the race, told him how much fun I had, tell him when I was at my lowest a man with one leg ran by me and I smiled, thought of Jim and started running again. I only knew Jim for 2 months but he changed my life forever. What’s important to you? Is it work? Making a few extra bucks? Not for me, last night I crawled into bed and held my pregnant wife tighter than ever, there’s nothing more important to me. I am lucky, I have a great life and I plan on living it to the max. I’m sure Jim is running around right now challenging everyone to some sort of race, and the next Ironman I do when I feel that wind at my back, maybe just maybe it’s Jim helping me out a little. Cool breezes friend, see you at the finish line.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 2:33 pm.
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Lindsay Says:

September 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Some people come into ours lives for a season, for a reason, for a day thank god for the days he was in your life they sure were for a reason. XOXO Lindsay

Mom Says:

September 3rd, 2010 at 9:16 pm

I know this is a loss for you Michael. How wonderful you were able to talk to him after your race. You make me proud in every way but mostly in the man you have become. I’m proud to be your Mom.

Deflated..??

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