My Dad, Robert J. Quist, 05/22/42 to 04/29/11 died and I was doing the race as a tribute to his life

I have some very sad news. My Dad and I were not talking for several years due to some problems in our family. He lived in San Antonio. When I signed up for IMTX, I thought, its a Cardinal Sin not to invite your Dad, when he lives so close and loves to watch sports so much, as he was 10 times the athlete I ever will be, playing football for the University of Michigan. So on the application, where it says, why you are doing this IM, I put down, as a tribute to my father's life, as I think that they would announce that off at the finish line. I did not call him yet, did not even know if he would take my call, when my daughter 10 years old started asking repeatedly that she wanted to meet her Grandfather in person. So one of us called the other. It was chilly at first. I invited him to the IM and he agreed to go. I had my daughter talk to him on the phone a few times. Then a very serious legal issue (false) came up at work, that could have been career ending. When my Dad heard about that he was very upset and called me every day, and was a huge source of support of 2.5 months until it was all dropped, because as much as they tried to nail me the more they tried the more they keep finding out that I did not do it. I finally got the pleasure to call my Dad and tell him the nightmare was over, that did severely interfere with my training this time. He was very happy. He then suddenly died about 6 days later, unexpectedly. I am so unbelievable sad for my daughter, because I know how much she wanted to meet him. It was a totally unexpected heart attack, so in a way it was better that it happened then as I am certain that if not then it would have happened at the IMTX for sure, as it is very physically demanding to be out there all day as a spectator especially in the heat. I would have felt terrible if that had happened and my daughter would have freaked out too. When I sign up for an Ironman it is like the kiss of death, literally. 12 months ago, I did my first ever IM at St. George, big mistake and DNFed, time cut off, then I got into IMFL, I paid for my soon to be ex-wife and kids to come and watch, video the finish, and they never showed at the finish line, which obviously hurt my feelings. Now this. I really should not be doing this because of the problems with my training, but I think if there is little to no wind I can finish. If I am sitting in WI and I see it is 78 degrees, no wind and sunny, I will be irate that I did not gone. So I think that based upon what happened with my Dad I have to it. I would much rather crash and burn, and die trying, then to have never tried at all. I know that just trying my hardest will make my Dad happy. FYI because of the funeral plans I will be in town much earlier on Monday and do some training there.

Sincerely,

Matthew Quist

Robert John Quist
05/22/42 to 04/29/11
Rest in Peace





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