Diane Delf, RN, Director of Wellness and Weight Management at Total Health Systems tells her story about her journey to Ironman, Kona, Hawaii
There is something downright magical and unforgettable about finally being inIronman Village and checking in for the Ironman race! When that Ironman bracelet gets attached to my wrist, and I am handed my Ironman backpack, swim cap, and more, it’s an amazing moment! Bells go off, whistles blow, and my eyes tear up. Its a moment in time never, ever, to be forgotten…..
How did such an amazing experience ever begin?In high school, while watching “Wide World of Sports”, with my Mom! The race was epic!A 104.6 mile endurance race consisting of a timed 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, andfull 26.2 mile marathon, all in one day! The seed was planted! Someday, I would do thatrace, I prayed, and eventually even get to Hawaii, for the amazing Ironman Kona!
Was it an easy goal?
No way! Especially after in 2001 I had a severe back injuryworking as a Nurse. Several ruptured low back disks left me barely able to stand, walk,with constant, relentless pain. Couldn’t work, or drive, barely able to take care of myself,and my beautiful family of 4 active kids! My husband supported my many attempts toget rid of the pain, and return to some type of active, healthy lifestyle. X-rays, MRI’s,medications, orthopedic, neurosurgeons, pain management, PT, visits etc… continued foryears.
Being faith filled, and holistic, I chose a non-surgical approach to healing, despitethe constant advice for back surgery. The pain would “settle down” for a bit, theneventually something as simple as a sneeze, would fire it up once again.
Eventually, a trip to Sedona, Az, for a “Healing Seminar”, changed my path, andkicked the pebble to start my own business “Healthy Spirit Wellness Center”, a practice toassist others on their faith filled healing journey. Had great success with this path, butsoon the injury flared up again, and left me on the couch, and home bound.It was awful, but it did lead me to the doors of Total Health Systems, where genuine,holistic, skilled, functional medicine began! Physical Therapy with Piotr Kaspryk,
Chiropractic adjustments with Drs. Lundgaard and Rose, and massage! Praise God, mybody, mind, and Spirit began to heal! As my healing progressed, soon I was back toswimming, walking, biking, and eventually, began 5K races, and discovered that withprayer, continued visits with my THS providers, practicing body mechanics, stretching,rest, hydration, nutrition, and coaching, I progressed, and began to race triathlons!
One of my major goals of Triathlon was to progress to an Ironman race, (besides stayinghealthy and happy), get on the podium, and qualify for Ironman Kona! Had this dreamsince age 17, and thrilled to say, after 4 full ironman races, 3 half ironman races, andmany sprint/olympic distance triathlons, I qualified at Ironman Chattanooga, 2021!One year later, October 2022, I made it to Kona, for an amazing life adventure, and fullfilledanother lifetime goal, Ironman Kona! Absolutely amazing experience!
Dreams and goals do come true, with prayer, family and friend support, daily self-care,positive mental attitude maintetene visits with functional and holistic providers, and thewill to improve, knowing that another adventure awaits us all!Always remember… Anything (and everything) is possible!!