Sunday, April 15, 2007

Way to go John!!!!!



My friend and ski coach (whom I have blogged about many times) completed his first Ironman as a professional today. Proudly representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, John Shelp finished in 9:48:12, good for 32nd position overall.

swim: 56:26
T1: 4:29
Bike: 5:08:34 (21.78 mph)
T2: 2:47
Run: 3:35:54 (8:14 minute miles)


http://ironman.com//events/ironman/arizona?show=tracker&y=2007&race=/events/ironman/arizona&bib=13

I don't even know what to say, I am so proud of him. John's faith has not waivered one moment during his year-long battle with cancer. I am speechless, and just want to cry, so I will quote our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. (REV 2:3)

God bless you, John. Your friends back home were also with you all day today. We love you, Micki and the girls, and are so proud and happy for you!!!

22 comments:

jbmmommy said...

That's wonderful. It's truly a miracle what faith can do in your life. I read the course was pretty tough, congratulations to him.

Born To Endure said...

I am speechless..what a fantastic time for a wonderful person!! Thanks for letting us know how well he did!!

RunBubbaRun said...

That's pretty amazing.

To be going through all that and still have the energy to complete an IronMan and in kickass time.

Congrats and best wishes to him.

greyhound said...

W.O.W. I'm not sure he and I are even the same species. I cannot even wrap my mind around speed like that.

Chris said...

That's awesome! I didn't know John was racing IMAZ, as a pro nonetheless! Very cool indeed.

Laurie said...

I saw him cross the finish line yesterday! I noticed that he was from Minnesota and cheered :)

Awesome job John!

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

How amazing. The conditions were tough here in AZ yesterday... wind...sun, heat. What an IRONMAN!!!

i am Susan said...

That's a really great time. We were able to watch some of it on Ironman Live...Great Race!!

brendaj said...

Your post was so touching...and what a great accomplishment.

Taconite Boy said...

wow. just wow.

Brian said...

Wow, thats a pretty amazing time,,,,should get him to Kona shouldnt it? I cant believe you knew that was me in Triathlete Mag!!!!!

Tri-Dummy said...

He really did perform well considering he has been fighting cancer. Really amazing. God can provide some serious power!

Anonymous said...

Amazing - I didn't know Shelp was racing at IMAZ or that he was even signed up as a pro. Like I said at Gunther's while admiring your sticker on your bike...."he" is always with us.
Tif

TJ said...

wow! i somehow missed the fact that he was also battling cancer when i read about his race elsewhere. that is beyond amazing!

tri-mama said...

Way to go John!

momo said...

wtg, john, you rocked. it was a tough and hard day. i'm inspired!!

Comm's said...

Hellelujah

Steve Stenzel said...

Nice job John!!! Congrats!!

Mike Nixon said...

I'm impressed. I only live a mile from John, so I say a prayer for him every time I drive by his house.

Jenny, After we talked about tri bikes 2 weeks ago while running Medicine Lake, I couldn't find your email, so here is mine... mcnixon at gmail dot com , but I might see you at Trail Mix or SCS Movie Night.

Iron Girl Nyhus said...

I love that picture of you and John :) He's such a happy guy. I am in ND until Sunday morning at my Grandma's 80th b-day. Hope the trail mix was fun! See you tomorrow at Tim's.

Cliff said...

Amen to that.

LoneStarCrank said...

What a killer time...and great to see he's racing for a great team/purpose. I am always stoked to see FCA, Tri4Him, and other triathlete groups take their faith and their racing seriously. Great example of the will God has given us all.