UPDATE: On September 13, 2009, Tim Kogelmann participated in the Ford Ironman Wisconsin on behalf of this mother, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1988. The 30-year-old swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran more than 26 miles in a little more than 14 hours. He also raised more than $2,400 for the NFA. See pictures below.

Pain for a Purpose

Tim Kogelmann (right) with his mother

Athletes live by the mantra “No pain, no gain”—and Tim Kogelmann is one of them; the 30-year-old is well aware that participating in the Ford Ironman Wisconsin is going to hurt.

At the same time, Kogelmann feels strongly that for people with FM, the mantra doesn’t hold true; for them, no pain would be a huge gain. And that’s why he signed up for the Ironman on behalf of his mother.

“A lot of people don’t understand why I would want to do this Ironman Triathlon and put myself through so much pain, but it is the driving force that keeps me going,” he says. “I am blessed enough to be able to do the triathlon and the pain that I will feel is nothing in comparison to the pain that I have watched my mother endure for years.”

Kogelmann was 10 years old when his mother was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1988. He remembers when changes in the weather made her take to her bed for days, and the times she was unable to lift a cup of coffee because the pain was too great. He also remembers that, despite her discomfort, she tried to make a normal life for his family.

Wearing a jersey bearing Living Well With Fibromyalgia and other fibromyalgia-related logos, Kogelmann will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run more than 26 miles in honor of his mother. The triathlon begins at 7 a.m. on September 13, 2009 in Madison.

To support Kogelmann in his efforts, click here.