Friday, December 08, 2006

If the Door of Opportunity Doesn’t Open for You; Knock it Down. If There’s No Door; Make One.

At the Tri Blogger Alliance post-Ironman Florida suoirée (translation: we was gettin’ schnockered by the pool) the Iron Kahuna put down his fermented blue agave long enough to propose a meet up at the Wildflower Triathlon Festival. The newly minted Ironman didn’t have to say it twice to get buy-in from the faithful present.

Wildflower… ah, the name alone evokes tri-dreams of fancy. The legend and the lore of a jewel of a race that’s much more than just a race. It’s a three day festival of multisport combined with camping in a remote section of Monterey County, California. I could write more but frankly my words just couldn't do the experience justice. Trust me on this one... it's a must do weekend.

The May festival not only attracts professionals and age group athletes from all over the world it also is a major event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Eager athletes, many of them for the first time, raise money to fight blood cancers and come to Wildflower to test their mettle. Their athletic struggle is a metaphor for the survival struggle of the patients they honor. Chapters from all over America send teams to the race but unfortunately not mine. Not what I wanted to hear. Undaunted I asked if there was a way for me to join a TNT team that was going from another chapter but, that wasn’t possible either. Until… the North Texas Chapter Triathlon Coordinator extraordinaire, one Iron Sarah (she completed her first Ironman in Florida in November) pulled some strings, called in some favors, and called me to say…

“Why don’t we create a team just for you? You’ll be its only member and you’ll represent all of North Texas at Wildflower. What do you think of that?”

** blink** **blink** [sound effects courtesy of Nytro]

‘BoomerNation I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough and before you can say, “Athletes, clear the transition area and head to the water,” I emailed the Kahuna, TriMama, Taconite Boy, Bold, IronJenny, Wil and other groovy Tri Blogger Alliance cats and kitties with the good news!

Dude, if the door of opportunity doesn’t open for you; knock it down. If there’s no door; make one.

Wildflower Half Ironman is the first in a series of races I will run in support in the fight against blood cancers and I can’t be more excited to plan what is to be a monumental year of racing and fundraising. Click HERE to find out more.

And.. and… ooh… ooh… there’s more news! Some really cool news but, but, I can’t tell anyone right now. So, don’t be a stranger to my blog. Bookmark it, Blogline it, tell your mamma and your Autnie Em and come back often to hear the fan-freakin’-tastic announcements I’ll make soon.

Stay tuned…

15 comments:

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

Boomer - post your fundraising link...
;-)
Jenny

Laurie said...

I am so happy for you! It is awesome you get to represent all of northern Texas.

Unknown said...

North Texas couldn't have a better representative! Go Boomer!

Bolder said...

what Ironjenny said!

Barb said...

Boomer, that's awesome!! You are going to have a fantastic time! Can't wait to hear about it!

Charles said...

Sweet!!! There was a lot of purple there last year and this year I will be doing long course with you as part of TNT Ironteam! Can't wait... except for nasty grade... that I can wait for :-)

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

Hey Jenny and Bold,

That's a great idea. Check out www.TeamBrode.com or see the "Donate to Fight Blood Cancers" link on the blog found below my photo.

Vickie said...

Well, I feel I should be part of the team, as I am dealing with this issue right now with my dad. Its a little hard to plan any tri that early in the season for me though! Believe me, if there is any way I could do this...I will have to be content with supporting you in your endeavors though!

Born To Endure said...

Your ambitions astound me!! Good luck with next years race!! Wish I could be there camping out under the stars.

Anonymous said...

Wanted to say hi, from one not terribly athletic boomer to one who is terribly athletic. Ironman!?

greyhound said...

Awesome. Team Boomer. GO TEAM. See you there homie.

Cliff said...

I can't wait for the cool news :0

Runner Susan said...

how long do we have to wait?

LoneStarCrank said...

You are a man among Ironmen! Your persistence will be well rewarded. Look forward to hearing about your success.

Born To Endure said...

So when are you making this big announcement?