1. Describe a memory of your first triathlon ever.
My first triathlon was a sprint held in September 2004 in a small town north of Dallas. I was so far behind in the run I could see the race director's pickup truck collecting the orange cones on the road behind me. At that point it became a race -- not against the other competitors but -- between me and the truck.
2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon.
That would be Ironman Florida.
That would be Ironman Florida.
It was my first Ironman. There is far too much to write in this post about the tremendously positive experience I had in Florida. (You can read more about it ... here.) That said, what I'll never forget is the moment -- once across the finish line and in front of a photographer -- I pulled from my pocket the list of names 257 cancer survivors, fighters, and souls I carried with me during the triathlon. It's for them, and those that know them, that I ran the race.
Aside from the privilege of racing for others I'd be lying if I didn't list the hyper-coolness of the BlogPeeps I finally met:
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
There really hasn't been a so-called embarrassment at a triathlon. Well, maybe just a leeetle bit of one. In my second triathlon I started to run the wrong way out of T2. It was the race director's fault. Yeah, there was a big white arrow and the words "Run Out" in chalk on the pavement, and yeah, I ran in the opposite direction, but how did I know it was put there and meant to be followed? Jeesh! Totally the race director's fault. I'm sure of it.
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
The most trilling that happened to me in a tri is a race I didn't run. It was a race my daughter, KatGirl, ran. Here she is finishing the IronKids Triathlon 2006. It was her first official USAT sanctioned, ChampionChip timed race. (Click here to read her race report.) In her words, she wants "to help fight cancer too." I yelled so hard at the finish I'm sure the boys in Kona heard me.
There really hasn't been a so-called embarrassment at a triathlon. Well, maybe just a leeetle bit of one. In my second triathlon I started to run the wrong way out of T2. It was the race director's fault. Yeah, there was a big white arrow and the words "Run Out" in chalk on the pavement, and yeah, I ran in the opposite direction, but how did I know it was put there and meant to be followed? Jeesh! Totally the race director's fault. I'm sure of it.
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
The most trilling that happened to me in a tri is a race I didn't run. It was a race my daughter, KatGirl, ran. Here she is finishing the IronKids Triathlon 2006. It was her first official USAT sanctioned, ChampionChip timed race. (Click here to read her race report.) In her words, she wants "to help fight cancer too." I yelled so hard at the finish I'm sure the boys in Kona heard me.
5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
That courage is a decision.
6. What is THE BIG GOAL that you're working towards?
A recent post ended with a promise of an announcement. It's time to make it. For those of you long-time citizens of the 'BoomerNation you already know that last year I raced in three triathlons to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and met the goal of raising $30,000. After much thought and support from my local and bloggy friends I will again throw my goggles (and bike, and running shoes) into the ring and commit to ... DRUM ROLL... 5 races and raise $50,000 in 2007 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
GULP!
Those races are Wildflower Half Ironman, Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3, King's Trail International Triathlon (Maui), Steelhead Ironman 70.3, and Ironman Wisconsin.
That courage is a decision.
6. What is THE BIG GOAL that you're working towards?
A recent post ended with a promise of an announcement. It's time to make it. For those of you long-time citizens of the 'BoomerNation you already know that last year I raced in three triathlons to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and met the goal of raising $30,000. After much thought and support from my local and bloggy friends I will again throw my goggles (and bike, and running shoes) into the ring and commit to ... DRUM ROLL... 5 races and raise $50,000 in 2007 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
GULP!
Those races are Wildflower Half Ironman, Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3, King's Trail International Triathlon (Maui), Steelhead Ironman 70.3, and Ironman Wisconsin.
Today, I'm also announcing the creation of a new website for the fundraising. It's called TriathlonCares.com Give it a visit and if you're able to, make a gift and join the adventure.
So, my question for you dear reader is... are you with me??
It's gonna be quite the year.
Stay tuned...
15 comments:
What an awesome goal! I have no doubt that you will see it through. Your dedication to raising money for cancer research is truly inspirational.
what Laurie said.
i owe you a phonecall.
and, a trip to your new website.
That is so admirable triboomer...I hope you meet your goal..and I owe a visit to your donation site too!
p.s...hey, don't we make a cute couple or what? hee hee..:-D
Count me in! I've got you linked under "helping humanity" on my blog-but I'll also link you under "Not Racing for a Cure" if you'd like.
We will all be in this together!
There should be a #7 on your list Tirboomer. You inspire other people to "swim, bike, & run" :-) I can't wait for my first Tri in April!!!
There should be a #7 on your list Triboomer. You inspire other people to "swim, bike, & run" :-) I can't wait for my first Tri in April!!!
What an impressive goal - wishing you much success!
aghh! who's better than you?! thank you, thank you, thank you! love your 5 races and $50k goal... i am 158% behind you!
yay!
loved reading this posting. The bit about your daughter crossing the finish line was super. Keep up the nice work and good luck with your race goal for 2007, you've got lots of us behind you and I have no doubt you will get there.
Wow - sounds like you have really come a long way in the last 3 years. I just finished my first (and second) sprint)!
Good luck this year!!!
Of course we are with you! Like you had to ask :-)
Let me get through my fundraising for Ironteam and then i will be happy to donate to your page :-)
P.S. We are doing a practice run at Wildflower long course on March 17th - too soon :-( and I will post a full first hand course description then if u are interested
Wow! You're AMAZING, Boomer!
Way to make a difference.
We Love You, Boomer!
I will try to remember to donate prior to each race. Here comes Wildflower's...
Jenny
Boston Marathon Finish Time 5:09:47
Good Luck and have fun.
Tom Faulkner
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