A couple, Michelle and Jay Huskinson, had become morbidly obese by 2003 weighing over 260 and 300 pounds respectively but decided to get in shape by participating in small local races like 5ks and 10ks with the eventual goal of doing an Ironman triathlon. Though they joked about doing an Ironman at first, they became more committed when Jay bought Michelle an "M-Dot" necklace as a symbol of their goal to finish an Ironman, with the promise she would get a nicer one if she finished. They began working with a coach to overhaul their diet and training in preparation for their Ironman goal in 2009.