my story
My PurPose
By Zach Chupa
I
recently competed in the ITU Duathlon in Lander, Wyo., on June 9, 2009 during the of my multisport endeavors.
World Championship, where I placed 55th Trans-America Ride with her best friend, Before I decided to compete in Duathlon
overall and ninth in my 30-34 age group Margaret. My uncle Roy and Margaret’s Worlds, I was a marathoner and I didn’t even
(fourth among Americans in the 30-34 age husband Dave were in the entourage as they own a bike. I learned more about myself
group). I raced to honor my aunt, Cindy Pool, came upon a horrific scene where Cindy had in those four months of training than ever
who had qualified for Duathlon Worlds. been crushed to death by a semi-truck while before. Like any advanced athlete can attest,
Cindy was an accomplished multisport attempting to cross an intersection. I had major highs and lows in my training. In
athlete and one of the top duathletes in The life Cindy and Roy built had come to addition, I was struggling to hold down jobs
the world in her age group. She was killed an unexpected halt. They led a beautiful, and didn’t have health insurance – not good
active and vibrant for a road athlete.
lifestyle full of outdoor On one of my long rides, I froze in my seat
activity and always with and my chest tightened when I was passed
the company of their by a semi-truck taking a jackknife turn while
eight dogs. Cindy was a hauling a cargo of hay. Cindy was often in my
high school chemistry thoughts and some days I begged her to give
teacher and was me strength. Jessica, my best friend, training
determined to foster partner, and my life partner someday, joked
all her students with an that I used my car more as a “locker room
immense enthusiasm and a sporting goods store.” It is funny now
coupled with care and as I recall how I was living. Even with self-
love. Her memorial doubt and unavoidable obstacles, I was
service was truly able to compete at a high level and succeed
moving as one after beyond expectations because my purpose
the other, her students was present.
spelled out the depths Having run competitively for years,
to which she motivated I’m familiar with diligence in training and
them and pushed them desire in racing. In the past, there were
to be better students many times when training felt aimless
and people. They each despite race strategy and training plans.
described how she was The additional challenges associated with
able to decipher what excelling in multisport events in addition to
an individual needed life’s tribulations require a steady, strong and
and provide support constant source of purpose. My innate sense
– always in an upbeat of drive was strengthened by my devotion to
manner. Cindy. She became a lighthouse for me, an
Cindy also had the inspiring image for me to run, bike or swim
capacity to express the toward and a constant reminder of why I was
words “I Love You” to doing what I was doing.
those around her. To I found that a strict multisport training
some, these words are plan can make one feel isolated and
hard to even muster overwhelmed, even lonely and apathetic
and to others they at times. When my training became all-
are just throw-away encompassing, my purpose kept me
words. Not to Cindy. grounded.
Her passing made This tragedy gave deep meaning to
an immense impact my training and allowed me to focus on
on me on multiple the bigger picture. I was grateful for the
levels. In addition to support of family, friends, training partners,
inspiring me athletically, Brandywine Cyclery, Delaware Running
she inspired me Company, and my coach, Mac Weymouth.
emotionally. After her My family convened at the ITU Duathlon
passing, I found myself World Championship three months after
expressing my love for Cindy’s memorial. We celebrated her life that
others outwardly and day and the lifestyle she thoroughly enjoyed.
comfortably. She taught She was the reason for competing that day,
me to appreciate the and I was happy to use my able body to
gifts of those we love honor her. She remains the luminary of my
while they are still here multisport endeavors and I will forever honor
to thank us in return. the indelible mark she etched in the personal
She became my patron and athletic aspects of my life.
of love and the purpose I Love You!
36 USA TriAThlon fall 09winter 10
USATTriWinter10pgs3-51.indd 36 12/9/09 12:28:58 PM
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