Amid the fireworks, food, and fun, there is a pause to acknowledge those men and women who have sacrificed so much so that this country may live free. Thank you to the men and women who serve this country by defending freedom and rights. There are millions who served and millions who continue to serve on a daily basis. These individuals give of their time and effort in city, state, or federal government. There are those who offer protection by running towards danger while the rest of us run away from it. These first responders take an oath to serve and protect which they do without question and often with little praise until a major disaster which thrusts their heroism into the spotlight.
There are those who may not serve in any public capacity, but they serve by honoring the declaration of independence given two hundred and thirty-seven years ago. They get up each day and go to work to provide for their families. They sacrifice their desires to ensure their children are educated, safe, and fed. They are living free pursuing a higher calling, education, or employment. Some are parents juggling work and children's extracurricular activities. Some are students chasing a dream, working several jobs, and paying their way through higher education. All are immigrants generations of families who long uprooted comfort and tradition for an opportunity for better in the foreign land of the new world known as the United States Of America.
Whatever their stories, background, and dreams, all are Americans living their version of the American Dream. All are striving for better. All working together to achieve bigger, better, or different than generations past. All realize that it was the promise of those who cam before which they are fulfilling today. A promise to which they will add and those who take the torch from them will then be entrusted to add to it from that point. Amid the firework, food, and fun, may all those individuals all those Americans take the time to appreciate all who surround them for together, this is a magnificent nation filled with stories, dreams, and wishes which are only made possible by working as one. May we take a cue from Emma Lazarus whose words can be found on the Statue Of Liberty. - Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" -
Happy Independence Day!!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Kristine's Indiegogo Campaign
A few years ago, I had the wonderful privilege of meeting Army veteran, Kristine White. She is a beautiful, amazing, and lovely woman who has a zest for life, a willingness to challenge herself, and a desire to inspire others. Discharged from the army after suffering injuries which prevented her from continuing her service to this country, Kristine has found different ways to help veterans of the United States. She has found ways to push her physical and mental limits through athletics. In order to chase some of her dreams, Kristine has set up an Indiegogo campaign page about which you can read at the following link. It is a piece on Kristine and the various activities and programs with which she is involved. Please read about Kristine then visit her fundraising page or pass it along to others in the hopes they may contribute to Kristine's goals.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
I Dare2Tri In London
Who dares to be great? Who dares to face fear in the face? I can say that for a long time, I have said I wanted to be great. I wanted to be a hall of fame sports talk show host and reporter. I wanted millions of people to listen to my daily program and respect my questions at press conferences. After very early immediate success, that dream hit a bump in the road. I struggled to find another avenue down which to take my life. In the meantime, I started watching Gina Lombardi hosting her show, Fit Nation on Fit TV. Her knowledge and passion about fitness was inspiring. I was motivated to get more into fitness. As a boy, I adored Bruce Lee's physique. As an adult, I found myself pursuing a different type of physique until eventually, I stopped pursuing any fitness goals what so ever. When Gina's show entered my life, my desire was brought to life. I had not a clue what I was doing, but I was going to exercise my heart out and reclaim my fitness life. I then watched another show on Fit TV called Insider Training. The episode I kept watching was the one featuring Ironman triathlete, model, and TV personality, Lokelani McMichael discussing her training and racing since becoming the youngest person to complete the Ironman triathlon when she was eighteen years old. After seeing Loke, I decided I wanted to do an Ironman. My only exposure to triathlons had been the video of Julie Moss crawling to the finish line in 1982 which was used as part of the opening credits for ABC network's Wide World Of Sports. I had never learned to swim yet I wanted the challenge of completing 140.6 miles.
Thanks to the trusty internet, I looked for evidence that other blind people had completed races. After losing my eyesight, I was one of the only ones in the state competing in high school track against all sighted competition. I did not know if blind individuals were allowed to compete in road races and triathlons. I needed to learn about other athletes so that I would have proof in case race directors refused or insisted blind people had not competed elsewhere. As a result of my research, I learned about triathlete, actor, model, roofer, film producer, Matt Miller who had founded the C Different Foundation. Within an hour of sending him an e-mail, Matt responded by welcoming me to the CDF family. Within a few months of meeting Matt, I had run my first ever half marathon and then my first ever triathlon. I marveled at the pros who raced the New York City Triathlon. I marveled at the age groupers and athletes with disabilities who made it look so easy as I struggled to reach the finish line. A woman along the run course said what turned out to change my life forever when she said, "For the rest of us this is work. For you, this is fun because you're a triathlete." It was at that very moment that I realized I was not having fun. I was so scared of the swim I was so worried about not knowing how to train properly that by the time the race came along, I was too busy worried about not embarrassing myself not letting my guide down that I had lost sight of the joy I felt when I was first inspired to participate in athletic events.
I needed to get more involved with local running clubs. I reached out to my local Fleet Feet and Universal Sole. Someone at Universal Sole apparently send my e-mail to someone else who sent it on to Keri Schindler, then of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association. Keri immediately reached out to me and invited me to take part in a 5K. She offered to guide me for the race too. Shortly afterwards, Keri invited me to join GLASA's team for the next year's Chicago Marathon. Ever since Paula Radcliffe had run into the records books first in Chicago then on the streets of London, I had always wanted to run 26.2. I jumped at the chance to run Chicago.
After running my first 26.2, I wanted to run more. Thanks to a woman on Twitter, I learned about Imerman Angels. Jessica Hiltner insisted I join the IA family for my next race. I did and was introduced to professional Ironman Triathlete, Kimberly Shah. She had never guided a blind person, but she offered to guide me for a training run. Within the first mile, Kimberly offered to be my guide for my next marathon. Just the previous day, elite marathoner, Jennifer Pfaff, had offered to guide me for half of it so I had secured both of my race guides within a day of each other.
Keri began to mention the starting of a new group which she co-founded with friends. The group was Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club. I heard that there were at least four wonderful individuals who had decided to start the group with the motto, One Inspires Many. Paratriathletes in and around Chicago would have a place to call home. The club would help them with guides and handlers as well as equipment and races. one of the other founders was Melissa Stockwell, an Iraq War Veteran who was the first American woman injured in the war when a roadside bomb exploded the result of the battle was that Melissa lost a leg. Life did not end for her. It was merely altered. She started racing triathlons. In fact, almost immediately, Melissa was a dominant athlete. Qualifying for Nationals, winning said race, then racing at Worlds where this three time defending champion is often tested, but never defeated. After learning about her and knowing how much I respected Keri, I jumped at the opportunity to be on the Dare2Tri team.
I was certainly beginning to experience more fun within the athletic world. Matt Miller had always told me that if I remained in athletics long enough to become successful, I would see that my athletic achievements would cross paths with my artistic work as a playwright, screenwriter, and actor. Nowhere was this more evident than when I first learned about professional triathlete, model, and actress, Jenna Parker. I was inspired by the articles I read. I was intrigued by her childhood dream of wanting to be the first person to win a Olympic gold medal and an Academy Award. The more I read and watched, the more I wanted to meet Jenna. I first became aware of Jenna due to her triathlon success, but it was her talent as an actress which first motivated me to reach out to her. I had become so intrigued by her acting that I had rewritten the screenplay which I had adapted from my autobiographical theater piece. I had been given notes on areas to tighten or improve, but I had taken my rewrites a step to a different place when I decided to rewrite one of main characters specifically to hopefully attract Jenna to the project. The result of doing that not only strengthened my screenplay, but I was able to begin to look to Jenna for guidance. After all, who better to teach me how to achieve beyond my dreams and limits than one of the most amazingly talented triathletes not only in the United States, but in the world.
For all the struggles I have endured in my life even before I lost my eyesight, I believe I am not a mentally strong individual. I do not meet challenges head-on as often as people might think. At least, that is my perception of myself. Over the years, I have seen a change in that attitude and mentality. Have I become tougher? I believe yes. I credit my friendship with tremendous individuals such as; Matt, Melissa, Kimberly, Jennifer, and Jenna. These individuals have taught me to push beyond my limits. I have always strived to be faster because I feel I owe it to those who guide me. If those athletes are willing to volunteer to be my eyes, then I better do my part to make the experience worth it for them so they may wish to return. All these wonderful people have given me such help. All these people believe in me when I do not believe in myself. When I was given a chance to race in order to qualify for Paratriathlon Nationals, it was support from others which lead me to agree to it. It was Jenna believing so strongly in my ability which motivated me to go try it. I knew I had room for error since the qualifying time I needed to beat was 1:45:00 for a sprint distance triathlon. However, I had never finished one in under 2:20. The moment I left the water at the C Different Triathlon, I knew I had a real shot. When I reached T2 and my guide, Justin Sternberg, said we could walk the entire run portion and I would still qualify, I knew I was on the verge of something special. When I crossed the end in 1:17, I could not even begin to express the excitement and gratitude that Jenna had believed in me so much that I had earned a trip to Nationals in Austin as part of CapTex Triathlon. A trip to London would be much more difficult, but to think I would actually be racing at the National Championship race left me speechless. On top of that, Keri informed me that for the 2013 season, I had been named to the Dare2Tri Chicago Elite Team! Why not race with the man who helped me get there? I was overjoyed when Justin agreed to meet me in Austin. As I entered the water, he said, "Is, let's go get you to London." As I neared the second mile marker on the run portion, it hit me, I was one mile from my first ever national title! I remembered that woman on the streets of New York in my first ever triathlon, as I often do, and I smiled because yes, I was a triathlete and yes, I was having fun.
I have now earned a spot on Team USA and will compete in London this September at Paratriathlon Worlds. It has been a very long journey. It has been one with many high moments and very low moments. I have had races where I wanted to die and races where I never wanted the excitement to ever end. I could have never imagined I would represent the USA in international competition. I would have never guessed my swim, bike, run would ever be good enough to earn me a spot on the global stage. There are so many people who have played small roles and big roles which enable me to perform my best. My family, friends, and loved ones unwavering support is unmatched. The Dare2Tri motto that one inspires many is so true. I have seen people inspired by what other athletes have done. I do not think of myself as an inspiration yet when I reflect like I have done in this post, I do step back and admire the long journey on which I have traveled. It certainly has been a very special one and it will continue to be. My friends often insist I should be more selfish and embrace my accomplishments as my own, but I know I have not done any of this alone. I can not take full credit because there are so many volunteers, coaches, organizations which have played a part in getting me as far as I have come. As I prepare for London, I know it will be because of the support from family, friends, and loved ones which will get me to Worlds. I am grateful to the Dare2Tri organization for naming me to their elite team for 2013. I am saying thank you by agreeing to fundraise a minimum of $500 over the next couple months. D2T is one of the organizations whose support has enable me to achieve. Through contributions and donations to my fundraising page, people can help Dare2Tri Elite Team members get to London. Donations will also help Dare2Tri continue their mission of helping athletes with physical and visual disabilities compete in races. Please help me give back to Dare2Tri. Please help me get to London by giving to my fundraising page. As I have mentioned to some people, I wish I was more creative so I could find ways to hold a fun and exciting fundraising event where I could get artists friends to show off their paintings, singing talents, musical stylings, acting chops through a couple monologues, storytelling skills, or other fun filled evenings of entertainment, raffles, or auction with proceeds going to my fundraising efforts. If I could bake, I would hold a bake sale. I can make brownies and Rice Krispies Treats, but if history is evidence, people do not always like to eat my goodies. If I can think of ways for folks to get involved, I will post. I am open to suggestions as I do not want to fall short of my Dare2Tri goal especially if it means the difference between going or not going to London.
The journey has been long. The journey is far from over. I hope you have enjoyed this pause and reflection as I discuss how it is that I arrived to this point. For those interested, the link to my Dare2Tri Chicago fundraising page is below. Please feel free to support my efforts as well as sharing with others.
Thanks to the trusty internet, I looked for evidence that other blind people had completed races. After losing my eyesight, I was one of the only ones in the state competing in high school track against all sighted competition. I did not know if blind individuals were allowed to compete in road races and triathlons. I needed to learn about other athletes so that I would have proof in case race directors refused or insisted blind people had not competed elsewhere. As a result of my research, I learned about triathlete, actor, model, roofer, film producer, Matt Miller who had founded the C Different Foundation. Within an hour of sending him an e-mail, Matt responded by welcoming me to the CDF family. Within a few months of meeting Matt, I had run my first ever half marathon and then my first ever triathlon. I marveled at the pros who raced the New York City Triathlon. I marveled at the age groupers and athletes with disabilities who made it look so easy as I struggled to reach the finish line. A woman along the run course said what turned out to change my life forever when she said, "For the rest of us this is work. For you, this is fun because you're a triathlete." It was at that very moment that I realized I was not having fun. I was so scared of the swim I was so worried about not knowing how to train properly that by the time the race came along, I was too busy worried about not embarrassing myself not letting my guide down that I had lost sight of the joy I felt when I was first inspired to participate in athletic events.
I needed to get more involved with local running clubs. I reached out to my local Fleet Feet and Universal Sole. Someone at Universal Sole apparently send my e-mail to someone else who sent it on to Keri Schindler, then of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association. Keri immediately reached out to me and invited me to take part in a 5K. She offered to guide me for the race too. Shortly afterwards, Keri invited me to join GLASA's team for the next year's Chicago Marathon. Ever since Paula Radcliffe had run into the records books first in Chicago then on the streets of London, I had always wanted to run 26.2. I jumped at the chance to run Chicago.
After running my first 26.2, I wanted to run more. Thanks to a woman on Twitter, I learned about Imerman Angels. Jessica Hiltner insisted I join the IA family for my next race. I did and was introduced to professional Ironman Triathlete, Kimberly Shah. She had never guided a blind person, but she offered to guide me for a training run. Within the first mile, Kimberly offered to be my guide for my next marathon. Just the previous day, elite marathoner, Jennifer Pfaff, had offered to guide me for half of it so I had secured both of my race guides within a day of each other.
Keri began to mention the starting of a new group which she co-founded with friends. The group was Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club. I heard that there were at least four wonderful individuals who had decided to start the group with the motto, One Inspires Many. Paratriathletes in and around Chicago would have a place to call home. The club would help them with guides and handlers as well as equipment and races. one of the other founders was Melissa Stockwell, an Iraq War Veteran who was the first American woman injured in the war when a roadside bomb exploded the result of the battle was that Melissa lost a leg. Life did not end for her. It was merely altered. She started racing triathlons. In fact, almost immediately, Melissa was a dominant athlete. Qualifying for Nationals, winning said race, then racing at Worlds where this three time defending champion is often tested, but never defeated. After learning about her and knowing how much I respected Keri, I jumped at the opportunity to be on the Dare2Tri team.
I was certainly beginning to experience more fun within the athletic world. Matt Miller had always told me that if I remained in athletics long enough to become successful, I would see that my athletic achievements would cross paths with my artistic work as a playwright, screenwriter, and actor. Nowhere was this more evident than when I first learned about professional triathlete, model, and actress, Jenna Parker. I was inspired by the articles I read. I was intrigued by her childhood dream of wanting to be the first person to win a Olympic gold medal and an Academy Award. The more I read and watched, the more I wanted to meet Jenna. I first became aware of Jenna due to her triathlon success, but it was her talent as an actress which first motivated me to reach out to her. I had become so intrigued by her acting that I had rewritten the screenplay which I had adapted from my autobiographical theater piece. I had been given notes on areas to tighten or improve, but I had taken my rewrites a step to a different place when I decided to rewrite one of main characters specifically to hopefully attract Jenna to the project. The result of doing that not only strengthened my screenplay, but I was able to begin to look to Jenna for guidance. After all, who better to teach me how to achieve beyond my dreams and limits than one of the most amazingly talented triathletes not only in the United States, but in the world.
For all the struggles I have endured in my life even before I lost my eyesight, I believe I am not a mentally strong individual. I do not meet challenges head-on as often as people might think. At least, that is my perception of myself. Over the years, I have seen a change in that attitude and mentality. Have I become tougher? I believe yes. I credit my friendship with tremendous individuals such as; Matt, Melissa, Kimberly, Jennifer, and Jenna. These individuals have taught me to push beyond my limits. I have always strived to be faster because I feel I owe it to those who guide me. If those athletes are willing to volunteer to be my eyes, then I better do my part to make the experience worth it for them so they may wish to return. All these wonderful people have given me such help. All these people believe in me when I do not believe in myself. When I was given a chance to race in order to qualify for Paratriathlon Nationals, it was support from others which lead me to agree to it. It was Jenna believing so strongly in my ability which motivated me to go try it. I knew I had room for error since the qualifying time I needed to beat was 1:45:00 for a sprint distance triathlon. However, I had never finished one in under 2:20. The moment I left the water at the C Different Triathlon, I knew I had a real shot. When I reached T2 and my guide, Justin Sternberg, said we could walk the entire run portion and I would still qualify, I knew I was on the verge of something special. When I crossed the end in 1:17, I could not even begin to express the excitement and gratitude that Jenna had believed in me so much that I had earned a trip to Nationals in Austin as part of CapTex Triathlon. A trip to London would be much more difficult, but to think I would actually be racing at the National Championship race left me speechless. On top of that, Keri informed me that for the 2013 season, I had been named to the Dare2Tri Chicago Elite Team! Why not race with the man who helped me get there? I was overjoyed when Justin agreed to meet me in Austin. As I entered the water, he said, "Is, let's go get you to London." As I neared the second mile marker on the run portion, it hit me, I was one mile from my first ever national title! I remembered that woman on the streets of New York in my first ever triathlon, as I often do, and I smiled because yes, I was a triathlete and yes, I was having fun.
I have now earned a spot on Team USA and will compete in London this September at Paratriathlon Worlds. It has been a very long journey. It has been one with many high moments and very low moments. I have had races where I wanted to die and races where I never wanted the excitement to ever end. I could have never imagined I would represent the USA in international competition. I would have never guessed my swim, bike, run would ever be good enough to earn me a spot on the global stage. There are so many people who have played small roles and big roles which enable me to perform my best. My family, friends, and loved ones unwavering support is unmatched. The Dare2Tri motto that one inspires many is so true. I have seen people inspired by what other athletes have done. I do not think of myself as an inspiration yet when I reflect like I have done in this post, I do step back and admire the long journey on which I have traveled. It certainly has been a very special one and it will continue to be. My friends often insist I should be more selfish and embrace my accomplishments as my own, but I know I have not done any of this alone. I can not take full credit because there are so many volunteers, coaches, organizations which have played a part in getting me as far as I have come. As I prepare for London, I know it will be because of the support from family, friends, and loved ones which will get me to Worlds. I am grateful to the Dare2Tri organization for naming me to their elite team for 2013. I am saying thank you by agreeing to fundraise a minimum of $500 over the next couple months. D2T is one of the organizations whose support has enable me to achieve. Through contributions and donations to my fundraising page, people can help Dare2Tri Elite Team members get to London. Donations will also help Dare2Tri continue their mission of helping athletes with physical and visual disabilities compete in races. Please help me give back to Dare2Tri. Please help me get to London by giving to my fundraising page. As I have mentioned to some people, I wish I was more creative so I could find ways to hold a fun and exciting fundraising event where I could get artists friends to show off their paintings, singing talents, musical stylings, acting chops through a couple monologues, storytelling skills, or other fun filled evenings of entertainment, raffles, or auction with proceeds going to my fundraising efforts. If I could bake, I would hold a bake sale. I can make brownies and Rice Krispies Treats, but if history is evidence, people do not always like to eat my goodies. If I can think of ways for folks to get involved, I will post. I am open to suggestions as I do not want to fall short of my Dare2Tri goal especially if it means the difference between going or not going to London.
The journey has been long. The journey is far from over. I hope you have enjoyed this pause and reflection as I discuss how it is that I arrived to this point. For those interested, the link to my Dare2Tri Chicago fundraising page is below. Please feel free to support my efforts as well as sharing with others.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
CapTex Triathlon: Paratriathlon Nationals 2013
On Saturday morning, I sat in the plane as it sped down the runway towards Austin, Texas. I had a date with the Paratriathlon National Championship! The CapTex Triathlon would host professionals, age groupers, and the best paratriathletes in North America who were racing to see who was the best of the best. In March, I had qualified for this race when I completed the C Different Triathlon in one hour and seventeen minutes. In that race, the swim was only 500 meters compared to Nationals where the swim would be 750 meters. The best advantage I had was that Ironman triathlete, Justin Sternberg, would guide me for Nationals just as he did in March.
I arrived in Austin shortly before 9:00a.m. As I made my way through the airport, I heard the beautiful voice of Keri Schindler, one of the co-founders of the Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club. Keri and the rest of the Dare2Tri executives had named me to the Dare2Tri Elite Team for 2013 and this would be my first race as a member of said talented crew. Shortly after hearing Keri's voice, I heard Melissa Stockwell's voice. I joined them and soon began to meet other athletes and staff members of the Dare2Tri Elite Team. Together, we made our way to the hotel which would be our home for the next few days. I found myself in awe of the splendid, amazing, and talented individuals in whose presence I found myself. Each person had an incredible story. Each person had achieved so much to get to this weekend. Saturday night was the team dinner. It was a spectacular experience.
On Sunday, Justin arrived. He and I met up with folks from the C Different Foundation. Not only had Justin come to me via the C Different Foundation, CDF was gracious enough to let me borrow one of their top racing tandems for the race. Justin and I took a swim in open water. Justin said if I could relax in that water, I would be fine on race day. I also took the opportunity to practice some more in a neighboring pool. After the swim, we made our way to the mandatory meetings where the highlight was finally meeting the lovely and talented Amanda Duke, Program Manager for Paratriathlon. After the meetings, we picked up my race packet then headed to transition to check in the bike.
Justin and I met up with the Adame family for dinner. Afterwards, we went back to the hotel to relax. Justin and I set out our race items. I was calm. Usually, I would be suffering anxiety attacks especially about the swim, but I was not doing so. I trusted in my Xterra wetsuit and in Justin's ability to help me through the swim. We had raced together and I knew we would be fine. After all, all I had to do was stay close coming out of the swim and then do my best to dominate the bike and run to win the Tri 6A division and be crowned the national champion. Of course, that is easily written, but not as easily done.
Memorial Day. Race morning. I was up by 4:00a.m. I slowly began to prepare. I started to panic a little, but Justin said to relax. The water looked like a sheet of glass. It was calm so I should remain calm. A quarter after 5:00a.m. we made our way to the race. After several pictures with both the C Different Foundation and Dare2Tri Chicago crews, I walked towards the swim start. I was relaxed or as relaxed as I could be. I thought of model, actress, pro triathlete, Jenna Parker. Her guidance and friendship had brought me to this point. Prior to knowing and working with her, I could have never begun to dream I would find myself at the National Championships. Since getting to know her, I find myself becoming better, stronger, and faster. I knew today would be a celebration. Today was about fun. Winning is fun. Moments before the start of the swim are not as joyous. I made my way into the water. Then we had to work our way to the start. The pro men and women had gone off already. The Paratriathlon National Championship wave was next. It was go time!
I was scared. Justin shouted at me to relax. I took deep breaths. I moved my arms. I kicked my feet. Water hit my face. My heart sank. I was sensing a panic attack. I wanted to stand up and say I want out. The water was too deep. This was the national championship. There was not any time to panic. The clock had started. My competition, Brandon Adame and his guide, Ron were on the move. I could not fall behind by too much. I kept moving. From time-to-time I would hear Justin shout for me to fall back in line. I would veer to one side. I needed to line myself up again. I found a comfort level. I would notice myself moving effortlessly for a couple strokes. Then my arms would get caught in the tether which connected Justin and me. It would throw off my rhythm. I would calmly free my arm and resume my stroke. At other times, I would feel some anxiety. I started to get tired. I was scared. Am I running out of steam already? I felt my body sagging. I did not think my position was good. My legs were tired. I would correct it only to feel my arms getting tired. I was nervous. I did my best to relax. I had to keep going. I was in a race against the clock. More important, I was in a race against Brandon and Ron. My head popped out of the water. I could hear spectators cheering. I could hear other waves going off. We were near shore. The public address announcer's voice was getting louder. the end was close. I heard voices shout my name. Besides Justin, there were others. I was almost at the end. Then I heard Justin informing me to stand. As I stood up, volunteers surrounded me. Cheers greeted me. Yells and screams filled my ears as people called out my name. I moved towards the wetsuit strippers. Just as they did in March, the strippers ripped of my suit in one motion. I loved racing! Where it use to take me minutes to remove my wetsuit, I can now be out of the suit within seconds. Justin and I made our way to our bike. Helmet, shoes, and tandem. We moved towards the exit. It was time to mount. I was nervous. I had not practiced clipping in and I remembered how I struggled with it in March. Within seconds, I was clipped in on my right side. Justin started to move slowly. I tried once. Twice. Bam! I was clipped in on the left side. It was time to have fun. Time to begin the chase! That is when Justin informed me that in fact, I would not be chasing Brandon and Ron. Justin and I were the hunted. We had actually made our way out of the swim and first transition ahead of Brandon and Ron. I thought to myself, this is my race to lose. Then again, I had never been in a championship race. Brandon has. He has more experience. He has shined on a national stage. this was my first taste of the national championship setting.
Justin and I powered our way through the bike course. As we made our way, I would hear people calling out to me. Then Justin said, "You know what? We've finished one loop. One more to go!" We needed to keep building the lead. We needed to open a large gap to make it impossible for Brandon and Ron to catch us. Unfortunately, at Nationals, this is not so easily done. When two great athletes are chasing, it will take more than a strong bike time to win. Heading into the race, I felt that I had to keep my bike time under thirty-five minutes for the twenty kilometer. Justin and I rolled into the second transition having biked the course in under thirty-five minutes. I was feeling great and strong. As I changed into my running gear and took some water, Justin told me brandon and Ron were rolling towards transition. What? I had delivered my fastest ever bike time yet had not been able to build a large enough gap. It was time to hit the run course.
I started to run. I had hoped that this race would be a replay of the March event. I had hoped the run portion would serve as a coronation. I wanted to build a lead where I could live in the moment and celebrate throughout the 5 kilometer run. Instead, I had to deliver the run of my life. I tried to shake out the bike from my legs. I could not. I tried to move faster, but I could not find my running rhythm. Running is my favorite of the three disciplines yet on this day, it was the one with which I seemed to be struggling. I needed to push. Justin wanted me to turn it on. I could not. This opening mile was taking forever. I started to question how much I wanted to win. My mind and body hurt. Justin spotted Brandon and Ron. They were gaining. They were only a few hundred meters away. They were catching us. It was not suppose to end like this. I had not run all those repeats I had not run all those track workouts to fly to Austin and in the biggest race of my life, fold down the stretch and let Brandon beat me at my favorite discipline. I should own the course. Instead, I was losing the championship on it. Justin said, "Come on, this is where you win it. You need to dig." I heard mike Wong, Dare2Tri Chicago teammate, run by. "Come on Is, you got this. Run strong." Mike was the one who upon hearing my previous half marathon personal best said, "Come on Is, I've seen you run. You're faster than that. You're more talented." As Justin and I made our way, I heard someone yell out, "You just got passed by Matty Reed." I laughed. Justin said, "no it's true. Did you hear that guy passing us? That was the great matty Reed." I started wondering at which point will Brandon and Ron catch us? Will I have enough to respond with a late charge? Even if they pass, Justin and I should be able to out sprint them at the end. Maybe on a different day under different circumstances, but not today. I was not feeling it. I said to myself, "I'm so sorry Jenna. I wasn't suppose to fade like this." Almost immediately I said, "You know what. I'm not going to." Jenna has taught me so much about being tough being a champion. I have watched Kimberly Shah, Jennifer Pfaff, and other friends rise up during championship miles. Justin said, "Think of it this way, you have two miles to go. If you go now, you're day is done in fifteen minutes." There is a reason Keri and the Dare2Tri Chicago staff put me on this elite team. There is a reason why Matt Miller, founder of the C Different Foundation, has always believed I could be great. This was my race my national championship. I had earned it. It was time to go out and take it! I thought to myself, "If Brandon and Ron want this title, they are going to have to out sprint me for two miles. Let's play!" I picked up the pace. Justin rejoiced. I pushed more. I was moving. I had found my running rhythm. With 1.5 miles to go, I had won this race. There was no way I would be denied. With every step with every meter, Justin and I were widening the gap. There would be no catching. there would be no need for a final mad dash at the end. I was on the precipice of cementing my championship status. One mile left. I had moved fast. I had done as Jenna, Kimberly, and Jennifer had taught me. There would be no fade. This final mile would be a coronation! The happier Justin became, the faster I felt that I moved. We neared the end. Only minutes remained. I could hear the public address announcer in the distance. I moved faster to end it sooner. 500 meters to go. That much remained between me and my first ever national championship. I could feel it. I could taste it. I heard a man say my name and call out my division. He was relaying the message as I made the final turn and entered the final shoot. I heard the announcer say my name and call me a national champion. I raced towards the finish line. I raised my arms triumphantly. I crossed the finish line. I was the Tri 6A national champion at the Paratriathlon Nationals hosted as part of the CapTex Triathlon.
Prior to two months ago, I had never completed a sprint distance triathlon in under two hours and twenty minutes yet, since March, I had raced home in 1:17 in one event and in 1:27 at the national championship. Justin had taken me the distance in both events. Justin had helped me overcome the swim to stand atop the podium and make myself a player for selection consideration to race at Worlds in London on September 11. To be the best you have to beat the best. I had done so by fending off the great Brandon and Ron duo. Justin had taken me every step of the way in what is simply the best performance of my triathlon racing life. Thank you Justin. Thank you Jenna. Thank you Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club. Thank you C Different Foundation. Thank you Pinnacle Performance Company.
I arrived in Austin shortly before 9:00a.m. As I made my way through the airport, I heard the beautiful voice of Keri Schindler, one of the co-founders of the Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club. Keri and the rest of the Dare2Tri executives had named me to the Dare2Tri Elite Team for 2013 and this would be my first race as a member of said talented crew. Shortly after hearing Keri's voice, I heard Melissa Stockwell's voice. I joined them and soon began to meet other athletes and staff members of the Dare2Tri Elite Team. Together, we made our way to the hotel which would be our home for the next few days. I found myself in awe of the splendid, amazing, and talented individuals in whose presence I found myself. Each person had an incredible story. Each person had achieved so much to get to this weekend. Saturday night was the team dinner. It was a spectacular experience.
On Sunday, Justin arrived. He and I met up with folks from the C Different Foundation. Not only had Justin come to me via the C Different Foundation, CDF was gracious enough to let me borrow one of their top racing tandems for the race. Justin and I took a swim in open water. Justin said if I could relax in that water, I would be fine on race day. I also took the opportunity to practice some more in a neighboring pool. After the swim, we made our way to the mandatory meetings where the highlight was finally meeting the lovely and talented Amanda Duke, Program Manager for Paratriathlon. After the meetings, we picked up my race packet then headed to transition to check in the bike.
Justin and I met up with the Adame family for dinner. Afterwards, we went back to the hotel to relax. Justin and I set out our race items. I was calm. Usually, I would be suffering anxiety attacks especially about the swim, but I was not doing so. I trusted in my Xterra wetsuit and in Justin's ability to help me through the swim. We had raced together and I knew we would be fine. After all, all I had to do was stay close coming out of the swim and then do my best to dominate the bike and run to win the Tri 6A division and be crowned the national champion. Of course, that is easily written, but not as easily done.
Memorial Day. Race morning. I was up by 4:00a.m. I slowly began to prepare. I started to panic a little, but Justin said to relax. The water looked like a sheet of glass. It was calm so I should remain calm. A quarter after 5:00a.m. we made our way to the race. After several pictures with both the C Different Foundation and Dare2Tri Chicago crews, I walked towards the swim start. I was relaxed or as relaxed as I could be. I thought of model, actress, pro triathlete, Jenna Parker. Her guidance and friendship had brought me to this point. Prior to knowing and working with her, I could have never begun to dream I would find myself at the National Championships. Since getting to know her, I find myself becoming better, stronger, and faster. I knew today would be a celebration. Today was about fun. Winning is fun. Moments before the start of the swim are not as joyous. I made my way into the water. Then we had to work our way to the start. The pro men and women had gone off already. The Paratriathlon National Championship wave was next. It was go time!
I was scared. Justin shouted at me to relax. I took deep breaths. I moved my arms. I kicked my feet. Water hit my face. My heart sank. I was sensing a panic attack. I wanted to stand up and say I want out. The water was too deep. This was the national championship. There was not any time to panic. The clock had started. My competition, Brandon Adame and his guide, Ron were on the move. I could not fall behind by too much. I kept moving. From time-to-time I would hear Justin shout for me to fall back in line. I would veer to one side. I needed to line myself up again. I found a comfort level. I would notice myself moving effortlessly for a couple strokes. Then my arms would get caught in the tether which connected Justin and me. It would throw off my rhythm. I would calmly free my arm and resume my stroke. At other times, I would feel some anxiety. I started to get tired. I was scared. Am I running out of steam already? I felt my body sagging. I did not think my position was good. My legs were tired. I would correct it only to feel my arms getting tired. I was nervous. I did my best to relax. I had to keep going. I was in a race against the clock. More important, I was in a race against Brandon and Ron. My head popped out of the water. I could hear spectators cheering. I could hear other waves going off. We were near shore. The public address announcer's voice was getting louder. the end was close. I heard voices shout my name. Besides Justin, there were others. I was almost at the end. Then I heard Justin informing me to stand. As I stood up, volunteers surrounded me. Cheers greeted me. Yells and screams filled my ears as people called out my name. I moved towards the wetsuit strippers. Just as they did in March, the strippers ripped of my suit in one motion. I loved racing! Where it use to take me minutes to remove my wetsuit, I can now be out of the suit within seconds. Justin and I made our way to our bike. Helmet, shoes, and tandem. We moved towards the exit. It was time to mount. I was nervous. I had not practiced clipping in and I remembered how I struggled with it in March. Within seconds, I was clipped in on my right side. Justin started to move slowly. I tried once. Twice. Bam! I was clipped in on the left side. It was time to have fun. Time to begin the chase! That is when Justin informed me that in fact, I would not be chasing Brandon and Ron. Justin and I were the hunted. We had actually made our way out of the swim and first transition ahead of Brandon and Ron. I thought to myself, this is my race to lose. Then again, I had never been in a championship race. Brandon has. He has more experience. He has shined on a national stage. this was my first taste of the national championship setting.
Justin and I powered our way through the bike course. As we made our way, I would hear people calling out to me. Then Justin said, "You know what? We've finished one loop. One more to go!" We needed to keep building the lead. We needed to open a large gap to make it impossible for Brandon and Ron to catch us. Unfortunately, at Nationals, this is not so easily done. When two great athletes are chasing, it will take more than a strong bike time to win. Heading into the race, I felt that I had to keep my bike time under thirty-five minutes for the twenty kilometer. Justin and I rolled into the second transition having biked the course in under thirty-five minutes. I was feeling great and strong. As I changed into my running gear and took some water, Justin told me brandon and Ron were rolling towards transition. What? I had delivered my fastest ever bike time yet had not been able to build a large enough gap. It was time to hit the run course.
I started to run. I had hoped that this race would be a replay of the March event. I had hoped the run portion would serve as a coronation. I wanted to build a lead where I could live in the moment and celebrate throughout the 5 kilometer run. Instead, I had to deliver the run of my life. I tried to shake out the bike from my legs. I could not. I tried to move faster, but I could not find my running rhythm. Running is my favorite of the three disciplines yet on this day, it was the one with which I seemed to be struggling. I needed to push. Justin wanted me to turn it on. I could not. This opening mile was taking forever. I started to question how much I wanted to win. My mind and body hurt. Justin spotted Brandon and Ron. They were gaining. They were only a few hundred meters away. They were catching us. It was not suppose to end like this. I had not run all those repeats I had not run all those track workouts to fly to Austin and in the biggest race of my life, fold down the stretch and let Brandon beat me at my favorite discipline. I should own the course. Instead, I was losing the championship on it. Justin said, "Come on, this is where you win it. You need to dig." I heard mike Wong, Dare2Tri Chicago teammate, run by. "Come on Is, you got this. Run strong." Mike was the one who upon hearing my previous half marathon personal best said, "Come on Is, I've seen you run. You're faster than that. You're more talented." As Justin and I made our way, I heard someone yell out, "You just got passed by Matty Reed." I laughed. Justin said, "no it's true. Did you hear that guy passing us? That was the great matty Reed." I started wondering at which point will Brandon and Ron catch us? Will I have enough to respond with a late charge? Even if they pass, Justin and I should be able to out sprint them at the end. Maybe on a different day under different circumstances, but not today. I was not feeling it. I said to myself, "I'm so sorry Jenna. I wasn't suppose to fade like this." Almost immediately I said, "You know what. I'm not going to." Jenna has taught me so much about being tough being a champion. I have watched Kimberly Shah, Jennifer Pfaff, and other friends rise up during championship miles. Justin said, "Think of it this way, you have two miles to go. If you go now, you're day is done in fifteen minutes." There is a reason Keri and the Dare2Tri Chicago staff put me on this elite team. There is a reason why Matt Miller, founder of the C Different Foundation, has always believed I could be great. This was my race my national championship. I had earned it. It was time to go out and take it! I thought to myself, "If Brandon and Ron want this title, they are going to have to out sprint me for two miles. Let's play!" I picked up the pace. Justin rejoiced. I pushed more. I was moving. I had found my running rhythm. With 1.5 miles to go, I had won this race. There was no way I would be denied. With every step with every meter, Justin and I were widening the gap. There would be no catching. there would be no need for a final mad dash at the end. I was on the precipice of cementing my championship status. One mile left. I had moved fast. I had done as Jenna, Kimberly, and Jennifer had taught me. There would be no fade. This final mile would be a coronation! The happier Justin became, the faster I felt that I moved. We neared the end. Only minutes remained. I could hear the public address announcer in the distance. I moved faster to end it sooner. 500 meters to go. That much remained between me and my first ever national championship. I could feel it. I could taste it. I heard a man say my name and call out my division. He was relaying the message as I made the final turn and entered the final shoot. I heard the announcer say my name and call me a national champion. I raced towards the finish line. I raised my arms triumphantly. I crossed the finish line. I was the Tri 6A national champion at the Paratriathlon Nationals hosted as part of the CapTex Triathlon.
Prior to two months ago, I had never completed a sprint distance triathlon in under two hours and twenty minutes yet, since March, I had raced home in 1:17 in one event and in 1:27 at the national championship. Justin had taken me the distance in both events. Justin had helped me overcome the swim to stand atop the podium and make myself a player for selection consideration to race at Worlds in London on September 11. To be the best you have to beat the best. I had done so by fending off the great Brandon and Ron duo. Justin had taken me every step of the way in what is simply the best performance of my triathlon racing life. Thank you Justin. Thank you Jenna. Thank you Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club. Thank you C Different Foundation. Thank you Pinnacle Performance Company.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Preview Of Paratriathlon National Championships
Anxious. Excited. Scared. those are just a few of the words which describe my feelings at this moment. This weekend, Austin, Texas and the Capitol Of Texas Triathlon (CapTex Triathlon) hosts the Paratriathlon National Championship race. As pros and age groupers take to the water and streets, the best paratriathletes will do so too. The best paratriathletes from the US, Canada, and Mexico will race against each other and the clock on route to determining which of these amazing athletes will earn a spot at the start line of the World Championship in London this coming September. So why am I anxious, excited, and scared? This is the very first time I will ever race in this event. I have been at PC Nationals. I have taken part in the Open Wave for those who wanted to participate, but did not qualify for National Championship Wave. I have never qualified for Nationals. I have never come close. I have never been good enough to even dream about attempting to qualify. Yet, I will be at the start line this weekend ready to race at the National Championship!!
Since I began to dream of participating in triathlons, I have been excited about finally learning to swim. Over the years, I have worked with some wonderful instructors who have gone on to become dear special friends. Kerry, Arica, Erwin, Clive, and Todd have at some point over the years worked with me to get this swim thing down. I have never been able to get it. More recently, my friend, Michael, has been helping me me too by going with me to be my security blanket in the water as I practice. these and other friends have offered up advice, suggestions, and ideas to help me improve, but I have never been able to translate those into successful swimming. I have great days where I feel I make wonderful progress. By the next session, I feel as though I have regressed. I have another solid session where something becomes clear, but within a couple more attempts, things are gloomy again. Before every triathlon, I wonder why I put myself through the mental strain of concern for the water. Yet, I love race day. I love the feeling of crossing the finish. I want to be good enough to be a solid swimmer and I know eventually I will be. I have friends who will make sure of that. I have a willingness to improve and become that swimmer I have always wanted to be.
At the award ceremony for the C Different Triathlon at Telfair, co race director, Patty Godfrey, told the audience, "Israel hates the swim. I mean hates it! So what did he do? He went out and became very strong on the bike and run." On the strength of my bike and run, I finished first in my division at the C Different Triathlon. I also finished twenty-eight minutes ahead of the cutoff time for Paratriathlon Nationals qualification. I thought it would take a mad dash sprint to the finish for me to make it, but it turns out that I needed a strong guide and an amazing woman teaching me to prepare. Writer, producer, Ironman triathlete, Justin Sternberg was the man who guided me and made sure I made it through the swim in splendid fashion. From then, it was up to me to trust in pro triathlete, model, actress, Jenna Parker's leadership and guidance in how she prepared me to have the race of my life. Ever since the spring of 2012, I feel like I write that after every race, but it is true. With each next race, Jenna has me racing faster and faster. I can not begin to thank her enough for her guidance and friendship in helping me achieve greater than I ever imagined.
When I had my sight, I could run as fast or faster than most of my friends. Since losing my sight, I have never been able to reclaim that speed until some wonderful people entered my life. Mainly, Jenna, Kimberly Shah, and Jennifer Pfaff. These are the individuals who have pushed me beyond my mental and physical walls to go beyond anything I ever achieved since losing my sight. Truthfully, I can make a longer list which would include others such as; Brendan Hermes, Matt Miller, Caroline Gaynor, Todd Smith, Kelle Burke, and Andrew Murray. I have been inspired by some of the best pros in the world such as; Paula Radcliffe, Tera Moody, and Shalane Flanagan. I have seen my pace improve steadily. I have also found myself falling in love with cycling to the point that I have become stronger on the bike in the last couple years. I notice that I have done just as Patty said. I have become stronger on the bike and run to make up for my swimming.
As I prepare to head to Paratriathlon Nationals to witness where I stack up against some of the best in the world, I am thrilled that I have become as fit, lean, and fast as I have ever been in my life. I am excited that Justin Sternberg has agreed to meet me in Austin to guide me for the race. I thank C Different Foundation for introducing me to him. I thank CDF for allowing me to use one of their racing tandems for the bike portion. I am grateful for Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club for naming me to their Elite Team for this season. Congratulations to them on the wonderful gift from the Katie Couric Show! I say thank you to the wonderful people at Pinnacle Performance Company for offering to sponsor me for the 2013 season. I am looking forward to a very special weekend with some splendid people. I know it is suppose to be hot, but hopefully, the water will be cool enough to be wetsuit legal as my Xterra wetsuit is my security blanket to help me through the swim along with the great Justin being along side. As before every triathlon, I am nervous about the swim. I am also thrilled at the prospects of jumping on that bike and truly letting it all hang out on the bike then on the run as I hope to podium at the race. Ultimately, whether I make it to Worlds is not as important as doing what I learned from the beautiful and talented, Laura Sturm and Eileen Vorbach when they were my acting instructors. I must race with "no regrets no apologies." If I live in the moment and perform to the best of my ability then I will be fine. I know I am in the best shape of my life and can rock the bike and run. I know Mr. Sternberg will be supportive as I make it through the water. I have made it this far so now all that remains is for me to go enjoy the weekend and race to the best of my ability! In the words of Judge Mills Lane, "Let's get it on!"
Since I began to dream of participating in triathlons, I have been excited about finally learning to swim. Over the years, I have worked with some wonderful instructors who have gone on to become dear special friends. Kerry, Arica, Erwin, Clive, and Todd have at some point over the years worked with me to get this swim thing down. I have never been able to get it. More recently, my friend, Michael, has been helping me me too by going with me to be my security blanket in the water as I practice. these and other friends have offered up advice, suggestions, and ideas to help me improve, but I have never been able to translate those into successful swimming. I have great days where I feel I make wonderful progress. By the next session, I feel as though I have regressed. I have another solid session where something becomes clear, but within a couple more attempts, things are gloomy again. Before every triathlon, I wonder why I put myself through the mental strain of concern for the water. Yet, I love race day. I love the feeling of crossing the finish. I want to be good enough to be a solid swimmer and I know eventually I will be. I have friends who will make sure of that. I have a willingness to improve and become that swimmer I have always wanted to be.
At the award ceremony for the C Different Triathlon at Telfair, co race director, Patty Godfrey, told the audience, "Israel hates the swim. I mean hates it! So what did he do? He went out and became very strong on the bike and run." On the strength of my bike and run, I finished first in my division at the C Different Triathlon. I also finished twenty-eight minutes ahead of the cutoff time for Paratriathlon Nationals qualification. I thought it would take a mad dash sprint to the finish for me to make it, but it turns out that I needed a strong guide and an amazing woman teaching me to prepare. Writer, producer, Ironman triathlete, Justin Sternberg was the man who guided me and made sure I made it through the swim in splendid fashion. From then, it was up to me to trust in pro triathlete, model, actress, Jenna Parker's leadership and guidance in how she prepared me to have the race of my life. Ever since the spring of 2012, I feel like I write that after every race, but it is true. With each next race, Jenna has me racing faster and faster. I can not begin to thank her enough for her guidance and friendship in helping me achieve greater than I ever imagined.
When I had my sight, I could run as fast or faster than most of my friends. Since losing my sight, I have never been able to reclaim that speed until some wonderful people entered my life. Mainly, Jenna, Kimberly Shah, and Jennifer Pfaff. These are the individuals who have pushed me beyond my mental and physical walls to go beyond anything I ever achieved since losing my sight. Truthfully, I can make a longer list which would include others such as; Brendan Hermes, Matt Miller, Caroline Gaynor, Todd Smith, Kelle Burke, and Andrew Murray. I have been inspired by some of the best pros in the world such as; Paula Radcliffe, Tera Moody, and Shalane Flanagan. I have seen my pace improve steadily. I have also found myself falling in love with cycling to the point that I have become stronger on the bike in the last couple years. I notice that I have done just as Patty said. I have become stronger on the bike and run to make up for my swimming.
As I prepare to head to Paratriathlon Nationals to witness where I stack up against some of the best in the world, I am thrilled that I have become as fit, lean, and fast as I have ever been in my life. I am excited that Justin Sternberg has agreed to meet me in Austin to guide me for the race. I thank C Different Foundation for introducing me to him. I thank CDF for allowing me to use one of their racing tandems for the bike portion. I am grateful for Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club for naming me to their Elite Team for this season. Congratulations to them on the wonderful gift from the Katie Couric Show! I say thank you to the wonderful people at Pinnacle Performance Company for offering to sponsor me for the 2013 season. I am looking forward to a very special weekend with some splendid people. I know it is suppose to be hot, but hopefully, the water will be cool enough to be wetsuit legal as my Xterra wetsuit is my security blanket to help me through the swim along with the great Justin being along side. As before every triathlon, I am nervous about the swim. I am also thrilled at the prospects of jumping on that bike and truly letting it all hang out on the bike then on the run as I hope to podium at the race. Ultimately, whether I make it to Worlds is not as important as doing what I learned from the beautiful and talented, Laura Sturm and Eileen Vorbach when they were my acting instructors. I must race with "no regrets no apologies." If I live in the moment and perform to the best of my ability then I will be fine. I know I am in the best shape of my life and can rock the bike and run. I know Mr. Sternberg will be supportive as I make it through the water. I have made it this far so now all that remains is for me to go enjoy the weekend and race to the best of my ability! In the words of Judge Mills Lane, "Let's get it on!"
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Justin Sternberg's Reason To Race
Justin Sternberg is an Emmy Award winning writer and producer. He is also an Ironman triathlete. He is a husband, father, and brother. Justin is often seen giving back to his community by selflessly offering to guide blind and visually impaired athletes in triathlons. He has completed the Ironman triathlon on his own. He has also completed the 140.6 mile race as a race guide for blind athletes. Mr. Sternberg has his reason to race. Please take a moment to read what that reason is at the following link.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
C4 Athletics Spotlights Caroline Gaynor
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