We lost a great friend and fellow triathlete last night. Stewart McCulloch had a terrible accident on June 25th while training for Ironman Lake Placid. This was my 3rd season coaching Stu. He was an incredible man who made friends with everyone he encountered and worked tirelessly for his church, the Mt. Arab Masonic Lodge, and anyone else who needed a hand. He started triathlon in his early 60's after losing over 100 pounds. Stu had a heart of gold and was a wonderful ambassador for our sport with his enthusiasm and excitement to cross every finish line. Last year he had some nagging injuries that kept him from making the second run cut-off at Ironman Lake Placid. Despite having to pack it up with 13 miles to go Stu still ran into the oval, with his daughter by his side, with such gusto it gave me chills. This year he came back a lean, mean triathlon machine. Stu was determined to fill in the rest of his M dot tattoo and I know if this accident hadn't occurred he would've been doing just that on July 29th. As I have been training over the last couple of weeks I've had a lot of conversations with Stu, God, and the universe trying to figure out why this had to happen to such an amazing, inspiring human being. The only thing I know for sure is that my family and I have been lucky to have this man and his family in our lives as part of our Tupper Lake family. I also know that I wouldn't be where I am athletically if I hadn't started coaching Stu and caught the Ironman bug from him. His examples of kindness and generosity and his vivaciousness were not lost on this triathlete. He will be with me on every swim, bike, and run and I know he will be with me in October as I cross the finish line in Kona. We love and will miss you dearly friend, enjoy Colt and Quenton up there :) Ps that is for that wild thunderstorm last night