Iwan Balcet came in last at the Grindstone 100, but that only strengthened his resolve
By Alix Shutello
This wont be the only time I write about Irawan (who is also known as Iwan). This multi sport athlete has a background in triathlons, 24-hr runs, a plethora of races including two 100 milers. In 2011, Irawan competed in the Black Hills 100 and the Grindstone 100 located in Sedalia, VA. At Grindstone, Irawan came in last.and his race report is well written and demonstrates the grit, pain, and tears that only an ultra athlete knows.
While Irawan competed in a variety of races to prepare him, it might have been the lack of a concrete training plan that made Grindstone difficult. Most athletes need to plan carefully to race effectively. That doesnt mean that Irawan didnt have what it took to compete, it just means that planning your run and running your plan are mantras for many.
Irawan had many of the experiences of running an ultra from the extreme fatigue to the mental blocks that make running these races so challenging. His pacers were determined to help him succeed, including holding him upright just to pee (or hed probably fall over). The joy I felt when he ran into the arms of his pregnant wife, Melody made his story compelling, interesting, and well, complete.
Irawan, who also races to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was humbled by the whole race experience. One of his pacers, Nelson Morse, has a wife, Kate, who has MS and who also is a triathlete who competes despite the physical ailments and issues that may plague her.
Morse, who paced Irawan through two portions of Grindstone said about his resolve:
Iwan and I are like brothers. We see each other all the time. Work out a few times a week together. I have seen him do an entire workout in a gasmask just so it would make his lungs stronger and force his body to work with less oxygen. By all accounts Iwan is a beast. I paced him from miles 80-88 [at Grindstone] in the middle of the night. He was hurting but still moving along at a decent clip. Then I paced him from 95 to the finish at 101 miles. His body had simply stopped working. It would have been so easy to quit. No one would have blamed him or thought less of him; but he kept going. he pushed so far past what most people would even think of doing. It was truly an amazing thing to witness. Later that day we stopped for a late breakfast on the ride home and as he was sitting in the passenger seat unable to get out of the car without help he smiled said This must be what its like with MS. I want to move but I cant; my body just wont. Problem is, in a few days Ill be OK.
The beauty of the environment around him was not wasted. Endurance athletes get to see some of the more remote and beautiful parts of the world, and running through the Shenandoah mountains is no different.
Read about Irawans goal to raise awareness for MS at:
Read race reports from other competitors at http://www.eco-xsports.com/news/grindstone-2011-race-reports/
My wife and I have known Iwan and his wife Melody for several years (as well as Nelson and Kate). Iwan is truly an inspiration. His physical achievements are amazing, of course, but what we love most about Iwan is his spirit, selflessness, and dedication to others. Iwan dedicates so much to those with MS, which seems particularly amazing since he does not suffer from it himself. He is one of the most selfless and giving people we know. We are honored to know Iwan and Melody. Truly amazing people!
Completely true Dan. I couldnt say it better myself amazing people!