One journey is complete but the fight continues

This past spring, we set out on a journey to participate in multiple triathlons in an effort to raise money and awareness for Tasha and Stacie's fight with cancer.  Unfortunately, during this journey, we had to say goodbye to Stacie as the good Lord welcomed her into his kingdom.  With your generosity, we have raised more than $3,000 for Tasha and Stacie's families.  Your support has truly blown us away!

Our final triathlon of the season took us to Branson this past Sunday to complete 70.3 miles where we would find out if our training had prepared us for the challenge ahead.  The up and down drive into Branson was enough to make you second guess your decision for choosing Branson as the destination for such a physical test.  We had an ominous start to the weekend with thunderstorms setting in most of the first day catching us in the middle of our final warm up sessions before race day.  So adversity had set in early and the weather was expected to be unfavorable for Sunday's race.

Fortunately, the weather held off for the start of our 70.3 mile trek.  There was a slight overcast, but temps were perfect and we all made the most of this good fortune.  I imagine at the start, most of us were merely concerned with finishing the swim and thinking little about the bike and the run.  As good students of competition, we think about 1 game at a time or in this case, 1 disciple at a time.

All having successfully finished the swim, we moved on to the most treacherous part of the course, the bike course.  We all knew the bike course was going to be incredibly difficult with the extensive size and amount of hills, but I don't know that we expected the consistency with which we would have to battle the hills.  I suppose it is like many things in life and part of the reason we are on this journey together and doing our best to ease some of the constant battles Tasha and Stacie's families might be facing financially.  Together we can all rise up to the challenges.  The bike course tried to take down one of us (Eric) with mechanical issues, but he would have none of it and slugged out the remainder of the ride with limited gears. The roller coaster of a ride finally ended at the Branson Landing with one last spiked hill to see if you were man enough to continue.

Upon arriving at the Landing for the run, the clouds above decided to unleash their fury making us finish our race in a wild thunderstorm.  However, we were very grateful it waited until the end to do so.  Despite the water rushing past us, much faster than we were running I might add, we all overcame the mini rapids and crossed the finish line.

We can't thank enough all those who traveled to Branson in support of our cause and efforts.  I ran with pride knowing so many from Tarkio where there cheering us on!  And to hear about all those who were following online was truly amazing!

I don't doubt that through various parts of the race we all struggled a bit physically or mentally or both and just wanted to stop. But, realizing how minute our temporary struggle was and is to Tasha's continual fight with cancer and Stacie's family's mourning of her passing, the least we could all do is push ourselves to the limit in response.

Thanks again for those who followed along with us on our journey having a lasting impact with your thoughts, prayers, and support for Tasha and Stacie.
-dlee

Stacie (Mather) Knop

It is with great sadness we let you know that Stacie (Mather) Knop passed away earlier this morning.  Our sincerest condolences go out to the Mather and Knop families.  Please extend your thoughts and prayers to them in their time of mourning as well as celebrate the wonderful memories you may have shared with Stacie.

All monies raised on Stacie's behalf will continue to go to her husband and children for whatever needs they may have.