I enter this week with mixed emotions. On one hand I am thankful for the journey I have been able to take with Fred in preparing for the Ironman 70.3 Muncie. However, on the other hand, it saddens me as I come to the realization that the journey is nearly complete.
I started this quest back in January as a way to honor my dear friend Bill FRED Haecker, who passed away far too early in life on his trip from Texas to Muncie, IN. Fred was always an inspirational figure to me so I felt compelled to pay tribute to someone that was truly a legend. An individual that could be described as a true "man of iron".
Fred, an absolutely brilliant and kind man, was so many things to so many people. He was a husband, a father, a mentor, and a coach just to name a few. In all honesty, the list could go on forever depending on who you asked to described him and what he meant to them. To me, he was a larger than life friend that was passionate about the things he loved, especially Connie, Aimee, and Bill. His love for his family was something that I especially admired about him.
Throughout every long training day I felt as if Fred was there by my side and encouraging me as only he knew how. When I felt like stopping, I could hear his robust voice say "Come on Stevo!" and somehow I would find that extra gear. The preparation for this race totaled 150 activities, ~1312 miles,~87,000 calories, and over 134 hours of training.
This Saturday, July 9th, I will finish the trip to Muncie that Fred started last year. It has been a long, hard, and emotional road but I am ready. I may not be the fastest person on the course Saturday but I can guarantee that no one will compete with more heart than me. Why? Because my friend Fred would expect nothing less.
See you Saturday my friend!