Over $31,000 to "comfort" a life

How i wish I could say to SAVE a life, but as we know, ALS never releases anybody it grasps. One day however, one day.

This past Nov.7th, we held the 3rd annual STUBBORN BUFFALO 8 MILER, which is a road race to raise money and awareness for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This cause is my mission, as after watching a couple individuals die from this disease, my life's perspective has forever been altered.

Our race was held on a very thin shoe string budget, but as i said, even if we only raise $100, that is still $100 more that can be used to comfort somebody dying from ALS.

The money is used to buy equipment and supplies needed to help support a dying patient. We do use some of our series' money for research, but the larer need is immediate, in helping keep those dying from the disease, as comfortable and as independant as possible. Research is important, as without a cure, this is all without a point; however if we ONLY focus on the cure, and forget about the current victims...well that would be a horrible injustice as well.

The run was a success, raising nearly $2000, which i was shocked at....with only 45 participants (we threw the race together in about a month's time)...this amount of money was a blessing.

I am pleased to announce that over the past three years, since the Stubborn Buffalo Event Series took shape, we have raised over $31,000 for the local ALS society. I know this isn't big in the grand scheme, or when compared to other "big engines" such as the MS, Cancer, Heart and Stroke, Lung, groups. We just aren't in the same league, and frankly, 31 thousaund IS a lot of money to me, and it DOES make a tangible difference. So although i would always have loved to raise more, i am still pleased with the efforts of our commitee, and i am aiming big for 2010, and striving to hit the $50,000 raised mark.

Ya $19,000 in one year is tough, but we've got three events to do it, and we'll be at it bigger and better then ever.
Thanks for ALL your support, and we look foward to seeing you out in 2010, stay tuned for updates on this blog.

Gotta love K-Swiss!!

Check out he new pair of Canada Flag K-ona's from K-Swiss. Erik from K-Swiss hooked me up with this sweet pair of lightweight trainers...can't wait to set some new PB's with them.

Look forward to the potential of continued partnership with K-Swiss, they are one class act!

Ironman World Championship 70.3...2nd place!

IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 70.3 ------- 2ND PLACE FINISH!

This past Saturday (Nov.14/2009), myself and my guide and friend Syd Trefiak, ventured down to the sunny south! Clearwater Florida!
Our mission? To take on our third and biggest event of the year, the Foster Grant Ironman World Championships 70.3 .
Syd and I met up earlier this year when i began my Paratriathlon career. He stepped up to the challenge and decided to help out a perfect stranger continue his athletic career. Going to a World Championship was a reward or good karma for somebody who does something that Syd did, being selfless. We raced a half Ironman earlier in the year, and the Paratriathlon USA championships in July; both great successes and learning curves. We hoped to have our act smoothed out for Florida, and i believe we did-turning in a performance that surpassed my goals.

Trying to keep it fairly short, please enjoy the race report. From the eyes of a blind guy.....it will be interesting to get Syd's perspective on the day.
Thursday--- We arrived early, after an early wake up call, to a chilly and WINDY Clearwater... It wasn't much different then the weather at home--expect more palm trees. The order of the day was to meet up with Matt Miller (C Different founder) and Aaron Scheideis the CDF posterboy..as this kid has it all---speed, looks, talent, etc. He is one fun guy. We were also off to make sure that "flaming big al" made it safe and sound. This is my tandem, not a long lost uncle!! Big Al made it safe and sound and so we rode it back to the hotel and unpacked. That evening was cruising the expo and then off to the pre-race banquet. The dinner was on the beach, a beautiful setting normally, but this day was freezing and windy; not the most enjoyable of evenings. Off to bed to catch some much needed sleep.

Friday(NBC day!)-- This was a LONG day! Syd and i got up fairly early, took Big Al out for a cruise to make sure he was race ready, and he was. Since i was battling the beginnings of a head cold, Syd went off for a short run by himself. My main mission was to not get so sick that i would be unable to race, but man i was worried, as i was feeling cruddy for sure. Once Syd was back from his little warmup, we hopped on Big Al and rode down to the expo to visit with Erik at K Swiss. Erik is one super cool and super nice guy...I chatted with him a bit bout myself and career, and my connection with C Different, and i proceeded to purchase some Canada flag K-0na shoes...these are super sweet lighweight trainers by KSwiss, and let's just say Erik gave me a deal i couldn't refuse. After this we headed into the Hilton as i had an NBC interview scheduled for 11:30am---a quick stop to say hi to Kevin Mackinnon and Greg McFadden, two friends of mine--then it was time for the interview. After about a 30 min chat with the NBC camera crew, Syd and i had some still pics taken, were given the GPS i was to wear on race day, then we were off to the Pro panel press conference. Sitting at a long table with Aaron and about 8 other pro's, was pretty cool, but obviously i was the SLOW guy of the bunch. A quick lunch in the VIP booth and then we were off to the Pro Pre-race meeting. One hour later, that meeting was over and we were free to "enjoy" the rest of the day. This amounted to dropping off our gear bags just as it got dark, heading to the hotel for a 1 hour rest, then dinner, then back for an early bed time. Holy moly, we were all just wiped out...and ready to race...as that'd be the easy part! I am not complaining though, as the C Different, Ryan and Aaron, ALS, and "yes you can" stories all got told and covered very well. Nighty night!

Saturday(Race day!)--- Woke up at 4:30am and downed a couple Peanut butter sandwishes, as i forgot my normal BOOST drinks for pre-race... Syd convinced me the PB sandwish was the way to go. I agree it didn't upset the gut, but didn't quite have the oomph i needed. We (Syd, Aaron, Matt and I) drove off to transition and as we entered...immediately 2 cameras swarmed on Syd and I... I guess they saw when we checked in, and now were getting their pre-race coverage. The idea was to "look cool" and not appear nervous:) I really wasn't that nervous to be honest, i was pretty tired and a bit worried that my non-existant headache would come back with a vengance later in the day (thankfully it didn't). Had a bit of a pre-race interiew in the transition area, then we were off to hit the Porta John, then the swim start. The swim was originally supposed to be in the Gulf of Mexico, but due to rough surf and rip current, they switched it into a nearby protected harbour---fine by me, as i wasn't feeling my swim was up to snuff. After standing around for a little bit, it was time to put the wetsuit on, and head to the dock, smile/look focused for a few more cameras, then hop in the water. We got to start at 6:45am in the pro wave (pro women, as the men started a few minutes after us). The sun was just coming up and was promising to be a gorgeious day. BOOM! went the cannon and we were off. My goal was to hang at the back of the pro women pack as long as i could, then just get the swim done. We were doing ok, and somehow i felt myself being pulled backwards. Hmmmm, odd! I guess while looking into the sun, Syd mistook a small bouy for a swim cap and swam to the wrong side, stringing up our tether----oh well, i wouldn't have seen it either!! I actually thought he sangged a person, as the bouy looked like a head!! Syd calmly took his tether off, unwrapped it, put it back on and we were off. We had lost the pack and now were basically alone the rest of the way. We managed to get a bit over half way before them pro men flew by us. I felt cruddy, and very unpowerful, but somehow managed a sub 34 minutes swim, which was actually my goal. Got the wetsuit stripped off, tethered stuck on my feet--slight delay--then we made the run into T1, grabbed gear bags, into tent, threw on shoes and helmet and were off!
Onto the 90km bike (after the 1.9km swim), we took it out steady and decided to not kill ourselves and leave a bit for the run. We found ourselves totally alone---pro's in front, age groupers behind, it was very very strange. We saw 5 people the whole race (passed them handily) and never got caught by a single rider. Syd and i both were riding strong, and felt good, despite very very very very sore posteriors and backs.... More kinks definatley need to be worked out in this regard. My goal was to average around 37km/h and we managed to average 40.22km/hr for a 2:16 bike ride...I was pumped for sure! OOOOH DOLPHINS!! was the highlight of the ride (for Syd anyways)..and the NBC cameras coming up to film us was quite awesome too...."look intense syd, look intense!" Into T2, shoes on, and we were off on the 21.1km run!
My goal was to run a sub 1:40 half marathon, but considering the way i was feeling the preceeding days, i was just happy to run the whole thing. Syd is good at keeping me steady and avoiding the quick start. We held a strong pace the whole run, only fading a tiny bit about 3/4 of the way through...his knee was hurting, my stomach was hurting, but we managed to keep it quite strong and average a 7.55 min/mile pace (I was aiming for a 7:45/mile pace), so not too bad. Seeing Aaron and Matt 4 times was fun, and we realized we were neither gaining, nor losing time to them. We knew we'd not catch them, so we decided to not blow on the day and kept it steady. Seeing my buddy Debbie Regals out there (fellow Blazeman Warrior) was awesome too. The crowd and athlete support for Syd and I was unreal, i've never had so many people say so many encouraging things, they truly understood our mission. As we appraoched 2 miles to go, i realized we were pretty much on track for a 4:45-4:47 overall finish, which was right on my goal of a 4:45 finish. It was going to be tight, and Syd decided to step it up the last km...it hurt, but we sucked it up and managed to both ROLL across the finish line in 4:43!! A new personal best for me by 25 minutes and we ended up 25 minutes behind Aaron. Great race for me, but would've loved to get closer to Aaron. One day for sure...i just need to work on my swim and a few other things...and perhaps get more agressive on the bike. All and all we had a ton of fun, and Syd and I were VERY pleased with our day. Very satisfying.
Final thoughts?-- Coming in with the goals of sub 34 swim (swam 33:xx), a sub 2:20 bike (rode 2:16), a sub 1:40 run (ran 1;43)....got my sub 4:45 finish...i was pleased for sure. I ended up 4 of 7 Paratriathletes overall, and got a 2nd place finish in the Visually Impaired group (yes there were only two of us, but i truly believe my time would have been good enough for 2nd against all the other VI athletes i know, alhough it would've been close). AND i've not taken on Canada's other fast Blind guy, Brian Cowie...
We got our story out, we gained people's attention, and respect, we gained potential sponsors and product support and we finsihed 2nd in a World Championship!! You can't end 2009 any better, as when the year began i didn't kow if i'd even get to do one race, let alone 4 (2 big prestigious events). Thanks to Syd, C Different, Aaron, and my wife for all the help and support. This year makes me very eager to plan for the future and the potential to inspire others that they can do anything....just adapt to your situation, and figure out a way to get it done.
Oh ya, and thanks to Big Al , my comfy Running Free shorts, CDF shirt, Rudy Project sunglasses and helmet, and New Balance shoes...they got me to the line safe and sound...
and i can't WAIT to get out in my new K Swiss shoes, hoping for some new PB's outta those puppies!!!

A years journey..

Reflecting back on this past year...I can't help but realize how things have changed quite a bit. However despite what most thought, it isn't all negative.






Nearly 1 year to the day I rode my bike by myself for the last time (Oct.11/08), at the Ironman World Champioships; watching a dream slip into the darkness before my very eyes (no pun intended)--I hop aboard my new ride (Oct.10/09).



It's funny to look back upon the year that has past and realize how life has changed and has stayed the same all at once. I admit looking at the above images of my "final ride", make me cringe just a bit. It was not the fairy tale ending I had pictured....bombing across the Queen K, well trained, motivated, and on a mission to have the best day of my life. Instead, I scratched and clawed my way through the longest bike ride I have ever done (not in distance, but in time..) I guess it is only fitting that my final solo ride take me the longest to complete. Far from my envisioned triumphant farewell to solo racing; instead came one of the most brutal days of my athletic career. The day went wrong from the start and I felt like I was on the outside looking in, losing control of the situation until ultimately my day was done.

Sad yes, angry yes, motivated for sure...

Humbled? You can't help but be humbled by being so prepared and then being blown to pieces...it's the mystery that is the Ironman...and i love every second of it.

So as this past Saturday i found myself aboard my new tandem ride, i couldn't help but reflect on the year that has been. I dream of the day i get to return to Hawaii for redemption, and I remember fondly the many thousands of kilometers I travelled under my own power.

When i reflect on the year I find good and bad (well not bad, just more challenging i suppose)

GOOD:

- I got a new bike

- I got a glimpse of truly who my supporters and friends were/are

- I was giving new gifts/opportunities in the way of Syd, sponsors, an invite to the Ironman World Championships 70.3, C Different Foundation, MJ, Brian and all the rest who have helped me "learn" the paratriathlon ropes

- An opportunity to inspire, educate, and motivate people to turn a challenge into a challenge. What do i mean by that? We many folks thought since i couldn't ride anymore due to my vision challenges; then i'd give up the sport and "move on". This was never an option, so i took that challenge and turned it into a new challenge; like NYC triathlon, racing the best Paratriathletes, going to Ironman Worlds 70.3, going back to Ironnan USA Lake Placid next year...and more to come i'm sure.

You don't give up, you evaluate, adjust, and go for it.

CHALLENGES:

-the cost of this "adjustment" in my career

-having to ride 90% of my miles indoors, as even though i have great support group, people are still hard to nail down with busy schedules. So i had/have a hard time when all the others i used to ride with, are outside, and i'm not...but such is life

-as mentioned before, you realize who your support crew are, and you lose supporters and gain all new ones. So it's not all bad i suppose.

Really those are the only real challenges i found...and as you see there are far more things to be gained then lost, which is hilarious as many people thought this would be more of a LOSS then a GAIN....it's perspective i guess.

Which finally brings me to my point of the "year in review"

I look at how my life has changed in a year...some good, some challenges, but all and all, i'm alive and still get to race.

I look at some "year in reviews" of people in my life and i realize that whenever i look at those Kona pictures and cringe...I must also smile and feel lucky enough to be reflecting upon them.

You see, two folks in my head stand out...Jon Blais, and my father Adelard Van Praet. If we did a year in review for them for 2005-06 or 06-07...it tells a whole other story of how life can change in a year; quite dramatically.

2005

Jon- 33 years old, diagnosed with ALS

-Become first person with ALS to complete the Ironman

Adelard Van Praet- father of three, husband, retired and livin life. Diagnosed with ALS

2006

Jon-In a wheelchair, losing mobility, speech

Adelard-In a wheelchair, losing mobility and speech

2007

Jon-Dead

Adelard-Dead

So when we look back on a year, we remember the good, the challenges, the changes, and most of all the future possibilities.

Remember this...life can change in an instant..so when faced with a challenge.

STOP, EVALUATE, ADJUST and GO FOR IT!!

Take a look at your support crew, thank them and appreciate them, and realize that every day good or bad is still an opportunity to learn and experience new and exciting things. Do not take it lightly, as in waiting for that perfect day, or year, you will miss the wonderful ways in which you've learned, experienced and grown.

Get out, get movin', smell the roses, and don't wish the days away in hopes of something better.... Better is NOW!

Chatham duathlete heads to the Worlds Championships

In the every continuing recognition of our local endurance athletes, today I thought i'd write a quick blurb about one of Chatham-Kent's most consistant and successful triathlete/duathlete.
This guy has been around the sport for the same amount of time that I have, we've raced and trained together several times, and i've watched him post some very impressive results.
I believe that any C-K athlete who can make it to a World stage in their sport deserves two thumbs up, as C-K can bost many success stories in the endurance sport genre, this story needs to be shared.
Gavin Stuart is no stranger to representing C-K and Canada on thw World stage; in 2007 he travelled to Germany to race in the ITU World Triathlon Championships. This past weekend he travlled to Concord, North Carolina to compete in the ITU World Duathlon Championships, consisting of a 10km run, 40km bike, 5km run. The ITU is the International governing body over triathlon and duathlon, and each year brings representatives from each country to crown the world's best; not only in the pro field, but in the Age group and Paratriathlon categories too. Gavin competes in the Male 45-49 age group, against 38 others in this years race. So how'd he do? Quite well I think... "i had a good race and was happy with all my splits" says Stuart, who placed 234 of 577 overall participants in the race. You can't complain bout that one.
Here's a shot on Gavin on the run, in truly an International affair:

I am pleased to know virtually all of C-K's deep talent pool in the endurance field, and am always excited to hear of new success stores from people i've never met. For a city known for hockey, soccer, baseball, I must again stress the fact that we've got some very talented "long-haulers" out there, so be kind to them when you see them out on the road, don't get pushy or impatient...heck you don't want to push another World Championship contender off the road do ya?

Ironman World Championship 70.3-here we come!

I guess the old addage of "ask and you shall recieve" may hold true in this situation. Although i am a triathlong purist by nature, I definatley think the opportunity i've been afforded doesn't necessarily "ruin" the sport for the other purists out there.
A little background---
After the NYC triathlon, the winner Aaron Scheidies and I were chatting and he mentioned he was trying to get into the Ironman World Championships 70.3 (the championships for 1/2 Ironmans, where Hawaii is for the full Ironman). I said to Aaron.."how cool would it be, you the short course guy, me the long course plodder, meeting in the middle--sortof-- and putting on a good show. We can show how competitive blind guys can be."
Shortly after i wrote a letter to the directors at Ironman, stating this same notion...never REALLY figuring they'd go for it. You see, the 70.3 Worlds require qualification, much like Hawaii, but as a Paratriathlete we don't have any method of qualifying. Hence we are left to ask for a spot to the race.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago...still no word from Ironman and i was getting LAAAZZZYYY, for me anyways. I figured that if the opportunity was given to me, to compete, i didn't want to be too much of a slug; so i gave Ironman one more email request, just to check on the progress or lack there of, in regards to a possible invite. Again i really didn't think anything would come of it, afterall Ironman gave me a HUGE gift last year with an invite to Hawaii, which i am still extremely hounered to have received.
Well, as mentioned off the top, ask and you shall receive!! Ironman called me at home last week to "officially invite you to compete in the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 on November 14th. We at Ironman are inspired by you and Aaron and all paratriathletes..."
Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap.....were the thoughts crossing my mind:
1) i'm not nearlly trained enough, how much time do i have?
2) i totally didn't think they'd do this, so now i have to see if i can even afford to go
3) is Syd going to be available to come with me?
4) should i go? am i just going to embarass myself? etc. etc.

I told Ironman that i'd need the weekend to "ask my guide if he can go", but realitically to work out all the above questions.
Good news:
1) Syd said he's good to go
2) C Different Foundation offered to help with expenses (www.cdifferent.org) these guys are dedicated to assisting visually impaired athletes compete
3) I discovered i have 8 weeks (7 now) to train, and i think i can definately train enough to have a decent race
4)Should i go? Will i embarass myself? This was a larger issue; if i am going to simply race Aaron, well then perhaps i may embarass myself. Aaron is in peak form for lots of racing this year, and i am NOT in peak form, as this year was very sporatic with training. Although i did get to race a few times. I am looking at the bigger picture, and i simply use the reasons which i gave to Ironman, for why i want to race:

To me, having Aaron and I race in Clearwater (Florida, the location of the race), means garnering respect as athletes and competitiors. Not feeling like side shows, feel good type guys, etc. Don't get me wrong, i absolutely hope to inspire others in our situation that anything is possible, and that when faced with a challenge, take it head on and find a way to get the job done.
However, i often say that last year when i toed the line in Kona, Hawaii; i was seen as a fellow age grouper, a fellow competitor, a potential threat? (i knew i wasn't, but others don't), they have a general respect for you. When you toe the line tethered or riding a tandem, a bit of that general respect is lost. You are not really seen as a threat, a competitor, an athlete. YES, you are respected becasue you are out there "giving it a shot", but read any of Aaron's article, and get the vibes from my articles....we want to be in the mix.
I've been racing for 11 years now, and just because my bike got longer and heavier, and i've found a new frined in a bungee cord, doesn't mean that i still don't want to RACE!
This is my motivation for Clearwater, to RACE, to race myself, to race Aaron, to show the world and all other paratriathletes and visually impaired athletes, that you CAN aim big, don't be ashamed to strive to be competitive. You train just as hard, want it just as badly.
So, that being said, I'm off to Clearwater with Syd, racing another World Championships, and hopefully spreading a message of "yes you can!".
When faced with a challenge, form a plan, work hard, keep working hard, then work a little harder still (as sometimes more effort is needed then the average person), then go out, have fun, execute your plan, and keep perspective. No matter what the outcome, win or lose, life goes on, and just be thankful that you are out there moving forward; becasue no matter how competitive you are or how much you really do want it...finishing what you start, at any speed, is really what it's all about!
Get out, enjoy the beautiful weather. Til next time....see ya!

BUSY BOY

I'm Alive!! Just in case you were wondering, as it has been quite a while. I hope you aren't saying "oh, we haven't even noticed...."as that would be sad:(
Anyhow, I figured it would be time to quickly update you on the "going's on" in my life over the past month. My wife and I have been very busy, with the selling of our old house 3 weeks ago, moving into our new and beautiful house and working on all sorts of other projects.

As you can probably tell, I tend to keep myself busy, mostly on purpose as I enjoy a challenge and I get bored pretty quickly. So in recent weeks I have been working on getting our 3rd Annual Stubborn Buffalo 8 Miler & 5k run/walk, off the ground. Usually this race falls in September, but due to course and budget restrictions this year, we've moved both to Nov.7th and IN town to a more visible location. I'm determined to make this annual, even if the sponsorship money is low, this will not stop the event. I believe that awareness is HUGE, and having an athletic event in C-K is also as huge. The more opportunities that residents have to experience one of these events, the more likely they are to get hooked and adopt a healthier lifestlye. Beleive me, i've seen it happen.
SO, the show will go on..email me for further details.
What else is going on? Well i'm officially getting my triathlon/running coaching business off the ground; it has been stalled abit over the summer, but with the new move comes new opporunities. This is an exciting time and I am looking forward to partnering with local races to help them get greater participation as well.
Hmmm, anything else? Well, i've decided to go back to Ironman...Ironman Lake Placid that is. Next July 25th, it will be six years to the DAY that I raced my first Ironman, which was in Lake Placid. Having all my family and friends by my side, it remains my fastest Ironman to date. I am very excited that six years to the day from my first solo Ironman, I will race my first tandem Ironman; Syd and I will hopefully show the Ironman community that "blind guys are fast too!" As you can guess, I am not a fan of being a "side show" or an "awww isn't that cute, riding a bike for two" To me it is about being respected as an athlete; granted you must earn respect by putting up solid performances and leading by example. I hope that Syd and I can lead by example, showing that anything truly is possible, and no matter what your barriers, you can still race with the feirceness and tanasity of any racer.

On a local note: Fall is approaching, the 2009 race season is winding down, but I'd like to pass along some much needed congratulations to some local athletes for their great seasons:
Tony Reed--finisher at Ironman Kentucky, Ironman Wisconsin, and taking on his next race in Virginia
Janet Bowls (my mother in law)--finisher of Ironman Wisconsin, her 2nd Ironman
Jim Waters--finisher of his first Ironman, in Lake Placid
Karen Deason, Helen Robertson and Pat Bobier--finishers of Ironman 70.3 Steelhead in Michigan
Jason Ramboer--finisher of his first Ironman in Kentucky in a BLAZING 10:47, trust me, that is fast.
Gavin Stuart-who will represent Canada at the World Duathlon Champs. in a few weeks.
And to all other local triathletes and runners who do Chatham-Kent proud!!

More NYC pics!!

More pictures from the New York City Triathlon...

US Paratriathlon National Championships at New York City Triathlon--2nd place!

Chatham-Kent conquered New York state this past weekend, with a couple friends taking on the Ironman in Lake Placid (congrats Jim, and bummer a $5 spring ended your day on the bike Tony); then myself and my guide Syd Trefiak taking on the US National Paratriathlon Champs. in New York city. Yup, i'm talking smack dab in the middle of Manhatten. (in photo, Syd 3rd in, looking focused, my back with blue on it).



I will phrase the weekend like this:

-The race was awesome.
-The course was suprisingly more challenging then one would think it could be in the city.
-The organizers rival any Ironman event i've done, due to logistics.
-I was VERY pleased with my race. (in photo:Syd is 3rd in, I am 4th in with blue on my back)

-I payed Syd back a bit for making me hurt on the run in Peterborough.
-Syd and myself agreed to never do that race again!---

We say this not becasue we didn't have fun, but slugging a tandem around the city, 5 blocks this way, 10 blocks that way, 10 blocks home.....it was tiring before we even raced. The major plus for having the Paratriathlon National Championships in NYC is the visibility...you can't really hide a tandem, if you are missing a leg or are in a wheelchair, you get noticed, which is the point.

I was told that attending a "big" race (in importance) like the US Nationals would help my ranking with Triathlon Canada and further my chances of making the 2012 Paralympic Triathlon team. Triathlon is in the regular Olympic games, but we are pushing hard to get it in the Paralympics, and Sunday was a huge step in that direction.

Now the race:
I will forgo the pre-race commonalities that most races have, i've already discussed the tricky logisitics. Fast forward to 7:15am, myself and Syd sitting alongside appx. 42 other Paratriathletes (6 total visually impaired athletes). Now, we sit here on the pontoon until just prior to the start of our wave, as the Hudson river (yes THE Hudson river) has the craziest current i've ever seen. So we all jumped int when prompted and held on for dear life to the rope attatched to the pontoon. When the horn sounded you let go and were instandly 40 feet away, it was that strong.
Syd and I discussed our start, and we didn't want to get caught up in traffic, as this was a straight shot swim, no turns, just straight downriver to the exit pontoon 1500m away. So on the horn i put my head down and gunned it for about 15 seconds and then settled in. My goggles were fogged so i didn't see a thing, just swam as hard as i could until the exit pontoon. What i did notice is that nobody was around. It turns out were came 7th of the 42 athletes out of the water in a 17;00 swim (9 minutes faster then i'd normally cover that distance, thanks current). After a brief run to transition we were out on the bike course---the closed Westside Highway--pretty cool. After a steep ascent to the highway we floored it. I figured most of the day we'd be racing for second place, as Aaron Scheidies the overall winner of the paratri, first blind guy that day, and world record holder as fast as the pros, was ahead of us from the start. Early on i was not feeling so strong on the bike and Syd was going for it. Around halfway i came around and was really pushing hard too; which is right about the time we hit traffic. Not literal traffic, but the waves that went well before us. Many were beginners and didn't ride as the rules would dictate, hence blocking the roads for our speedy passage; it was like passing a parked car on the 401. You fly by them, but it feels pretty dangerous. I know we lost a couple minutes picking our way through the crowd, Syd was hoarse from yelling "ON YOUR LEFT" every 10 seconds, and even i chimed in to help him out. Our 40km bike split was around 1:06, averaging around 36km/h, although i know without the traffic, we'd have gone faster. Hitting transition, we made quick work of getting our shoes on, the tether on, and we were off. Running down 72nd avenue towards central park, i was feeling great, Syd's legs hadn't come around quite yet. By the time we hit central park for the run, Syd came around and we were cruising past everyone. On the bike nobody passed us, and on the run we had less the 5 people pass us I'd say. Central Park? It is beautiful, but suprisingly hilly. As we chugged along my goal was to break 2:20 for the day, doing the math we were going to be close, so i picked it up, and Syd hammered along right beside me. This was the first time we'd run with the tether, but it actually was pretty helpful, although you get lots of "sweaty man touching" as we joked, as our sweaty arms would brush against each other constantly.....ya ewww i know, but you do what you need to do. Flying into the crowded finsih chute, we managed our 10k run in 47:00 and an overall time of 2:18! (photo: me on the left getting 2nd place)

I was pretty darned pleased as was Syd I think.
It turns out on that day we were finished 6 of 42 of the best Paratriathletes in the US and 2 of 6 visually impaired athletes. Only myself and Grant Darby from Hamilton (an amputee) were from Canada. This is exactly what I wanted and needed, a top ranking finish at a "big" event, setting my out as an Elite National Paratriathlete in Canada. I asterick that by saying there are not a lot of paratriathletes in Canada--at least not yet--so for the time being I'm safe in calling myself one of the best, but I'm sure that will change soon enough.
All and all I had a blast and it made me hungry to go out and race against the best Paratri's again; that race almost made me feel at home, part of a group that I felt I belonged to, nobody judged, we all were self deprocating in a jovial manner and we all knew the stares that we got were seen as opportunities to inspire and empower.
What's next on the agenda? I'm not sure, as you see Aaron brings in major sponsor dollars to travel and compete at all these top races, so unless I can find my own sponsor willing to invest in a Paratriathlete, I need to pick and choose and count my pennies carefully. So that may be it for the year, but I hope to get out to the Bulldog Triathlon here in Chatham in a few weeks.

All the best, enjoy the summer, safe training, and good luck to Helen Robertson and Pat Bobian (probably spelled that wrong Pat), at the Steelhead 70.3 triathlon this Saturday.

C-K invades New York State!

They're attacking from the north...
They're attacking from the south...

Chatham-Kent will be well represented this Sunday in New York state with three local athletes tackling two big races!!

Myself, we'll i'm off with my wife, her friend and my guide Syd, to the heart of New York City, right down in central park and surrounding roads.

I'll be attempting my first NAUTICA NEW YORK CITY TRIATHLON, which happens to be the USA National Para Triathlon Championships....This is an Olympic distance race (1500m swim in the Hudson river, 40km bike along Manhatten roads, and a 10k run in Central Park) triathlon, which will pit me against 3000 other triathletes but more importantly against a group of other visually impaired triathletes. A great chance to see how much work i need to do in order to make my way on to the potential 2012 Canadian Paralympic Triathlon team...


Attacking from the north?........local athletes and friends, Tony Reed, and Jim Waters. For the duo, they will be tackling FORD IRONMAN USA--LAKE PLACID... a 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run...the full shabang!

This will be Tony's 2nd time in Lake Placid and his 6th Ironman overall..
For Jim, this is his first attempt at the Ironman distance, and man he looks strong...he is a natural plodder like me...we both aren't SUPER fast in any discipline but solid throughout. I think he'll do fantastically, and he's picked the hardest Ironman in North America (besides Hawaii) to test himself.

You can follow Tony Reed, Jim Waters, Ironman performance online at www.ironman.com
Their is a link to type their name, and see their times in realtime ...really cool.

For me? i don't think we have live timing, but you can check out www.nyctri.com later in the day sunday or wait for all the gory details for me next week.

In the next month and a half all the hard work and training by local athletes will pay off in some big big time races...stayed tuned; there is so much to be proud of, and so many strong athletes that live right in our backyard.

Enjoy your weekend, and think of Tony, Jim and myself at about 7am on Sunday morning at they dive into prestine Mirror Lake and I into clean (?) Hudson River a few hundred kilometers to the south of the Ironman event.

Have a great weekend!!

Some say disabled, i say GET OUTTA MY WAY!

Well, it has been an interesting couple of weeks for the "life of Ryan (and Mindy)"...
A couple weeks back we sold our house-FINALLY--after a long while on the market, I obtained my tandem, raced my first paratriathlon, am prepping for anothe big race in NYC and am going through some interesting stuff that is work related.
Due to my vision's deteriorating nature, my job may become a bit less secure over the next 6 months to a year or so --unless my employer steps up big time to help me out-- Preparing for this eventuality I have started to ask certain questions regarding job security and the support I hope to recieve, which led to this statement (or variation of) on three seperate occassions this week:

"Why don't you go on disability...?"

NOTE: Before I go any further, and you ask "what's wrong with disability?" PLEASE read the rest of the blog before you decide if you want to yell at me or not.

For those that have read my initial blogs, or any writing of mine describing my upbringing, you will note loud and clear that the support I was given was huge. I was encouraged to aim big, and aim with the same preciseness as any "sighted" or "able bodied" person. I was very much encouraged to not let my vision stand in the way, use it as a crutch, or let people pigeon hole you because of it. This has always been the way I've tried to live life, but inevitably, my sight or lack there of, has caused some issues in my life. I don't want to say I haven't aimed as high as any other person, but sometimes there is a sense of reality, and what is truly possible. However, these limiting situations in my life have been few and far between in the grand scheme of things.

Fast forward to this week---- When I start to question the future, when my sight may severely inhibit my job performance and/or safety of others; when I'm looking for a solution to move forward with... I'm given: "Why don't you go on disability? ". To me, this is NOT moving forward, this is not a goal to set, this is not a step in the direction that my life has been travelling.

So my thoughts on the subject?
First let me say that this is only my opinion, and you are entitled to debate or disagree.
My issue with going on disability is such:
Individuals who are on these types of payments should be ones that TRULY are in need of them. Individuals who for various reasons have no other solution, are "challenged" so severely that working and supporting themselves is basically impossible.

I don't feel it is, OR SHOULD BE, in my case.

We all know people who "milk" the system, ones that are looking for an easier ride. Call me crazy but I love a challenge. So when random strangers suggest that since my life is now approaching a state where there will be significant issues in current job security, or finding a new, equally well paying job; and my next best situation is to just accept defeat and accept these payments....

Well, refer to my previous statement....these should be reserved for those that TRULY are in need because they have little or no other choice...

I HAVE A CHOICE....

I spent four years in University attaining a degree, in order to work a lifetime and help others. I feel it very strange that the first solution to give a 29 year old is to "go on disability"... To me this is not empowering, this does not set a good example, this does not move society forward. Yes it may be difficult for some employers to find ways to support or accomodate a person with certain "challenges", but hey, I'm the one dealing with the challenges all day, perhaps helping me out for 8 hours a day isn't too tough?

If you haven't noticed I tend to have a fairly strong opinion on this subject, I really am not a fan of the word(s)
DISABLED
or
HANDICAPPED

These words although socially acceptable (?), often times make a person with various challenges feel as though they are somebody to be pittied, babied, or celebrated when they accomplish even the most medocre of tasks in society. People with physical or mental CHALLENGES are quite the opposite, they are often some of the strongest individuals you will ever meet. As stated, we deal with challenges all day, every day, we deal with stereotype, subtle and overt discrimination and looks of pity (don't get me started on that one).
Nobody should be looked down upon by society, nobody should be labeled, but unfortunatley our society is full of labels.
So, when somebody suggests that simply because someone is "challenged" that the best solution is to just shrink away and stop striving to achieve and contribute; to me this is absurd.

I understand that sometimes due to certain circumstances, people need to be classified, or categorized, which is fine for the proper reasons. However, in my opinion the word handicapped should be totally eliminated from societal vocabulary, and the word disabled should be changed to "persons with a physical or mental challenge"...but simply that is what they are..challenges, they are not lack of or absense of abilities. Just becasue you have sight, does not mean vision, touch does not mean feeling, hearing does not mean listening, taste and smell do not mean appreciation for such senses... In a wheelchair? definatley a challenge, but also a chance to inform, inspire and educate.
You ever want to fire me up? You have got your solution...
Some wish to call me disabled, handicapped, a burden, a bother, a chore, a charity case, a special case...to these people I say GET OUT OF MY WAY! .....I'd prefer to keep aiming big, thank you.

Mission Accomplished--"Hey isn't that cheating?"

"Hey, isn't that cheating?"

"No fair..."

"Oh man, 4 legs, you guys look great.."

"Hey, that's drafting..."

All of the above were utterances during my first paratriathlon last Sunday in Peterborough. ALL were said in joking fashion and great supportive manner, by fellow athletes. All were said on the bike as we rolled, seemingly "cheatinginly easy" past them up and down the steep rollers of the Peterborough 1/2 Ironman. A 2 km swim, followed by a 85 km bike ride (which is supposed to be 90), followed by a hilly 21.1km half marathon run. This was my 5th half Ironman of my career, my third time back to Peterborough, but my first paratriathlon--a new beginning.

Today i want to give you a brief (hopefully) recap of the days events; last week i gave you a taste of what the mood surrounding the event was like. The fact that i was a beginner, for the second time... As mentioned this was my third time back to this race, but standing race morning on the shore with 500 other athletes, tethered to my guide Syd...this felt much different. All pre-race buildup and preparation was much the same as any other race i've done, but as i said, standing tethered with our 4 foot bungee cord between us--Syd and I were embarking on something very new to both of us. Syd standing 2 inches taller then me, is a imposing figure, and made me feel that he gave the air of "stay out of our way" to the rest of the gang. This was comforting, heading into the water which was the most stressful for me. Swimming is not usually stressful, i love the beat and bang and push and shove of an open water swim; but not this day when i was very worried that i would snag somebody in our line, injure, drown or in a mild case just REALLY tick them off. Therefore the 2km swim i must admit was the most stressful swim i have ever done in my entire life, far trumping any Ironman mass start with 4 times as many people. My stress and fears were unfounded though, as we never snagged a single person, Syd was a perfect body guard as he is an amazing swimmer, and we managed out effort in a slow and uncomfortable 38:45. Uncomfortable because i can swim a good bit faster, and Syd must've been taking a nap, as this was far below his pace...but safety was the key.

Through transition and onto the bike---we had ridden the previous week together, and i trusted Syd had a handle literally and figuratively on the bike situation, so i was relieved and comforted to get out in my element (the bike) even if it was on the back of our Griffen tandem rocket!
Rolling smoothly and to much crowd support, out of T1, dressed in our matching Rudy Project helmets and matching TEAM RUNNING FREE uniforms (an awesome running store in the GTA that become my newest sponsor, and has been sponsoring Syd and his wife for a while).. Syd and i settled into a easy pace. Our goal was to take it slow until halfway then drop the hammer. We kept a methodical pace until the halfway point, passing everyone in sight (see above for comments recieved along the way). To my surprise the support was amazing, and truth be told i did feel guilty passing people with such ease, as this would not happen quite so smoothly if i were riding on my own. However, we rolled past a couple hundred people and made our way to the pointy end of the field. By half way, we were both feeling ok, but our "undersides" and my lower back, were both feeling the harshness that is a tandem bike ride. You feel ever bump, and every vibration--and we are riding probably the nicest tandem bike ever made! On that way back, we found ourselves quite alone...the leaders were ahead, but most others were behind, and we just rolled along, more in silence due to our upped effort. We were both relieved to get off the bike at the end, giving our bodies a break from the slightly uncomfortable ride. 2:29:00 later, with an average of 34 km/h, we arrived to a fairly empty T2.

Not having been totally trained for this event, and suffering a bit of an injury, my goal was to run as much of the half marathon as possible, and just see how it went. I really didn't have any specific time goals for the whole day, so it was just a matter of plugging away. During the first very shady section, Syd ran in front of me (where the pictures were taken), and i followed along like a good little puppy dog:) When out onto the open road, we ran side by side, Syd pointing out any road flaws, pylons, etc. This will take some more practice, but really all went well. I am pleased to say i managed to run the entire 21km (only impressive due to the fact the hills were killing me)...it is so hard running hills when you don't run them around here. We pushed harder the last 4-6 km, i was suffering, and Syd was cruising. He lives and trains on those hills, so this was simple for him. Pushing really hard the last 2km, we turned into the park, Syd and i grabbed hands, turned the final corner to the finish where Syd raised our hands in victory, saw the clock read 5:11:xx (which was my second fastest half Ironman ever), i dropped, rolled for ALS....and that was that.

Even thought the bike course was short, it was still a fast enough race for me..i was very pleased with the effort and very thankful to Syd for his help. This guy lives and breathes triathlon (even more then I), and his presence and help that day really helped me out. Our next adventure is in two weeks in New York City, with an Olympic distance triathlin which happens to be the USA National Paraytriathlon Championships. This will give me a good idea of where i stand in terms of others in my category (as I was the only visually impaired athlete in Peterborough). I am looking forward to the new experience and the new tandem career. It isn't the same as going alone, but it is still suprisingly, familiarly, satisfying.
A huge congratulations to local fellow C-K athletes Jason Ramboer who absolutely hammered his first half Ironman in a 4:41 time, Brennan his brother in the half Duathlon, Helen Robertson of Chatham in a very respectable time, and Helen's daughter Helinka who also had a solid day.

So off to training i go, getting ready for the fast and furious NYC triathlon! Thanks to Running Free for the great gear, Rudy Project, Syd, my wife, Smith's Cycle, and everyone who's help got me to the starting line of my new career. And thanks CKDP for letting me tell my story, my hope for Sunday was to turn some heads, and get some people thinking.....No matter what your abilities, set that goal, and go for it, and NEVER underestimate somebody based on their age, sex, religion, disability or athletic ability; for as soon as you do this, is the time they will leave you in a cloud of dust.

Ah Ha!

That is the sound of me and Andrew, my 2 ride pilot this past week, figuring out some tricks and ideas for tandem riding. My wife and i had an initial shaky ride, as the bike is too big for her. However, Andrew came home for a bit from Vancouver and volunteered to get out for a couple rides with me. Nothing major but we did two rides of 55 and 56km...avg bout 32kph, not land speed, but gave us time to figure some stuff out. The videos are from last night after our second ride, Mindy took the camera as i wanted to show the start, and how "smooth" we've gotten it to. Starting is definatley the hardest part of the tandem game i've found so far, but Andrew and i after a shaky first 1k of the first ride, got some ideas worked out.
What i am saying in the first video, is that we both clip our left foot in, and on the 1-2-3-Go, we both give a good solid push with that left leg, while giving a general body lean forward (it is all about gaining as much forward momentum to start the lumbering beast up)....
Once you are on your seat, you one legged pedal for a few strokes, then coast and clip in. The KEY to success, we found was making sure you gear down low enough at stops...this allows you to get a few good and quick one legged pedal strokes in, to gain that intial momentum. We learned that hard way with some big wobbles, if Andrew didn't gear down far enough; and my left leg did not like trying to overcome that much initial torque.
The second video is just when we turned around, i wanted to us it to gauge my positioning....which i found isn't bad for the seat, but the handlebar reach is an issue(as it is on all non-custom tandems)...so that is a work in progress, in order to keep my hands from falling asleep and back from hurting...would be open to suggestions.

Anyhow, am off to Niagara on the Lake on friday to meet up with Syd, my new buddy and pilot for Peterborough 1/2 Ironman in 1.5 weeks (yup jumping right in), and for the New York City triathlon at the end of July. Syd has been following me story, and stepped right up and volunteered to help; this dude is seriously fast--9:49 at IM FLA last year... He and his wife came to visit us a few weeks back, and they are both very very nice people who i hope Mindy and i can forge a long lasting friendship with.










A couple short notes:

1) Syd is the founder of www.canadiantriathletes.com and a member of Team Running Free, he has gotten me a sponsorship with them today... So i get some sweet discounts on running/tri gear, and get to promote a Running/Tri store that "gets" us hacker-athletes out there...well ok, i'm just a hacker i guess..far from a speeddemon

2) We SOLD our house, after 7 months of trying (just making sure thier home inspection goes well, but if that is the case, the house is sold)..and we are moving to some new digs within the city, something brighter, w/ a garage, and bit more BLIND friendly perhaps..

My new ride...a bit sad...but very thankful

So most of you have been reading the saga of my new "career", having to race tandem in triathlon from now on, due to the fact....well.....i just can't see well anymore..and it's not going to get any better.
So, after about 7 weeks of waiting and being as patient as i could (sometimes not that patient)....last night we brought my baby home:) hehe... pics to follow..

The BIKE:
Frame: Griffen Vulcan --Metal Matrix (4 types of metal)
Fork: Carbon
Wheels: Velocity Deep V rims w/ shimano hubs and 40 spoke front/rear
Cranks: FSA tandem cransket (triple) 172.5 front, 175 rear
Drivetrain: SRAM Force 10 speed front and reaer derailleur
SRAM bar end shifters
Brakes: Shimano
Base Bars: Easton aluminum
Aero bars: Easton Aluminum
Seats: 2 Selle Itailia
Seatposts: 2 Easton Aluminum
Tires: Michelin Lithion 700x25c
Brake levers: Tektro
Stoker stem: Co-Motion max-adjust chromoly
Front stem: 90mm Cane creek (i think)
Heat set: Cane creek (i think)....didn't double check these two..

Haven't weighed it yet, but am guessing aroudn 30lbs..which for a tandem is LIGHT


Why sad you may ask? Well, seeing my old ride and my new ride together, it makes me sad to know what i used to be able to do, and won't get to do ever again..so i'm left with the memories of my awesome Cervelo and i....flying across the roads:)

Thankful? for sure...agian, i always try to keep a positive attitude...i must admit recently it's been a bit tough...but i always realized that even though my world is changing..i'm still able to do what i love to do. Yes with a bit more difficulty and planning and expense and inconvience and frustration...but still am able to do it.
I jsut read an article about a professional triathlete (Xterra--which is off road triathlon)...who was hit with a cancer that required the removal of her glute... Hence she can no longer compete AT ALL. Very sad.. So i try very very hard not to have those days when i feel sad bout my new situation...becasuse in all actuality i am still VERY lucky and blessed. We all are in our own way..

SO, enjoy the pics...these will be more...but this gives you a good look.

Kindness of strangers!

Well, it has been a little while since my last post and i thought i'd just give you a few updates on how things are going. I guess the first update is the good and bad situations i'm having with support from others. As you will see, i am getting lots of support, but from unlikely places, and the support i thought i would be getting from familiar faces is not happening.
In my saga to try and get this bike together, i've been having many conversations with people (strangers and not) about my transition into paratriathlon, learning to race tandem, learning to ride the tandem bike (whenever it finally gets built) etc. What i am finding is, for the most part, the individuals who are complete strangers to me, either by facebook, my association with Team Blazeman, CDF (see below) or even a great guy out in Vancouver and fellow paratriathlete; these people are providing me with as much if not more support emotionally then my local circle of friends. DO NOT get me wrong, i have a handful of very understanding people around me who "get it", but many who do not, and are almost saying (without saying it) that i'm somehow faking or milking the system or whining and asking for things i don't need. What i've come to realize is that people will be people and that unfortunatley have a hard time putting themselves in the shoes of others. My wife's theory is that since they can't SEE my vision deteriorating, they just assume i've woke up one morning and said "you know what, racing by myself isn't fun, or i don't get enough special treatment, so i think i'm gonna quit that and go race as a para-athlete"... It sorta makes sense, i guess. What they DON"T see is the amount of stress i am under simply to go outside for a run and not step in a hole, or how i'm still dealing with a damaged back after a bike crash at 20mph last August, when i hit a monster crack in the road that anybody else would have saw a mile away--a crash that was my lucky escape from severe injury, and my realization that my days of independant riding was over. However i choose not to bore them with these stories, as they have busy lives....so onward we go.
Back to the original message in this post--support from strangers who have agreed to help me find sponsors, guide me through a race, give me information that is desperatly needed.

SO, i would like to use the rest of this article to thank the sponsors that i do have and hope that i can get many more like them.
The first is the C Different Foundation, which i am a member of. This is a group of blind and visually impaired triathletes who are close-knit and all strive to show the world that blind/visually impaired athletes aren't blind to what is around them, they just SEE the world a little DIFFERENT then everyone else; which isn't necessarily a bad thing, in fact it can lead to a more enhanced life. CDF has thus far provided me with much moral support, and information on what i need to obtain and do in order to race tandem. This info is very hard to get, and can only come from people with first hand experience. CDF are those people, that are fantastic support, and are also the ones who hooked me up with Griffen (bike compnay) to get a great deal on my new frame. Thanks CDF!

The second sponsor i would like to thank is a bit more of an "arm's length" group...they reside way out in California and have been so generious to provide me with $1000 in grant money to help with the large costs incurred this year. The Challenged Athletes Foundation is a foundation that provides financial support to athletes with all types of "challenges" in all types of sports. Some of the best para-athletes have been supported by the CAF in their racing, training, travelling, etc. Without CAF, many athletes would have NO chance to get out and compete, so support them, as they do great work! Thanks CAF!

This past week i received a third sponsorship from Rudy Project--these great folks gave me a 3 year sponsorship which entitles me to STEEP discounts on their sunglasses and helmets. Rudy makes some of the most technologically advanced eyewear for athletes out there, and at a fraction of the price of their competitors. As we speak i have a new helmet and kick butt pair of sunglasses on the way--i will share pics later. THANKS RUDY PROJECT!

A huge thanks to these three sponsors who have helped in this transition period and i look forward to representing them well.
Quick update on me---TROT TO THE BEACH 1/2 Marathon is this weekend, a beautiful and fun point to point 21.1km from Blenheim via backroads, trails, paths, to Erieau (for the folks reading in the C-K area). I've not been able to do this race in it's 6 year history i think...but i am pumped to give it a shot this year. Will keep you posted on that adventure! Anyone in the C-K area wanting to do it, come out this sunday to the Blenhiem arena and sign up.
AND-last but not least, you must keep saying "tandem bike, tandem bike...we keep hearing about this bike but have yet to see it ready to go or in action..." Well it is VERY close to being done, and by next weekend i hope to have the big green monster rolling through C-K.. I can't wait for the reactions!

Keep safe everyone, train hard and say a little prayer of thanks every time you step out the door for a workout, we are lucky folks who are fortune to get to do what we love.

Trot

Going Blind is Expensive! :(

As a note to the beginning of this message, I'm not whining, I'm just sighing loudly, with hints of anger, hints of frustration, and bits of pent up energy.
Last October, when I stood at the start of the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, I knew it was my last hurrah as a sighted athlete, a solo triathlete, my final solo bike ride.. Needless to say my fairytale ending didn't...well...end in a fairytale!! However, I still made the decision and promise to begin my new life/career as a Paratriathlete (blind triathlete), and outwardly blind member of society; not that i was hiding it, i just wasn't doing a good job at informing people about it.
The loud sigh and sense of frustration you hear is the noise of all our (Mindy and I's) hard earned money disappearing into my Paratriathlon career. I often remind Mindy AND myself that, I'm not doing all this on purpose, I'm not trying to spend money, I'm not enjoying this....I would very much like to just keep all my stuff as is, get out and go racing. This is not to be, so i need to adjust and get on with the new chapter.
It is sad that all the things that I've loved and found function in, with regards to my solo career, many are now useless or need a good deal of tweaking. This all adds up as well. We're not talking 10's of thousands of dollars, but all and all we're talking close to 10 thousand dollars...which for us is a lot of money.
Oh c'mon, it can't be that much? Well not yet, but i can see it becoming that in a very short time. Here's a rundown of the money put out so far or needing to be put out shortly:

Tandem Bike --$5000
Car Rack--$850 (because the regular rack won't work for a tandem)
Bike Box--$400 ish (i own a regular bike box, but this won't hold a tandem.....)
Shipping--$300 a trip (i'm guessing, as i can't take the tandem on the plane, it now must go UPS)
Travel--$ whatever a plane ticket is worth (i'm not going to ask my guides to pay for themselves, not yet anyways)
Computrainer and Real Course Videos ---$2000 (becasue when others are outside riding, this is my method of enjoying the outdoors)
OK, so the last one was because I wanted it anyways, but the premise holds true though.

I find it funny that people think I'm buying all this just on a whim, but really looking at it... $9000 roughly has or will be spent within a year solely for the reason that I'm going blind.
BUT, remember this beginning of this note, I'm NOT whining... just stating fact that many don't really think about. The beauty of all this is the fact that I'm taking that frustration, pent up energy, card that I've been dealt, and I'm using the fire it's lit under my butt; to be productive, driven and highly motivated to get back on the scene in a big way.

So...what's my goal?
Attention all buisnesses great or small!
I'm offering you a once in a lifetime opportunity to get on board this fast moving train of positive energy.....C'mon, you know you want to!!
I've always wondered how people go about asking for assistance via sponsorship... and for the life of me I can't figure out how people get so good at selling themselves...
Point of the fact is, ya, I very much could use some local companies to get excited about me, about my energy and the positive impact I can make for the C-K area, but don't worry, I won't be knocking on your door....this is the best my plea gets...

C'MON!!! PLEAAAASEEEE, YOU KNOW YOU WANNA!!!

Hey, at least I tried!
How cool would it be if somebody(company) would send me to the World Championships, back to Ironman, to races big and small. I believe that all that is happening to me in life is for a very specific and positive purpose; I believe too often we look at the high priced athletes as our heroes or role models, when most of the time you simply need to look to your parent, friend, neighbour, or fellow citizen for the highest level of empowerment that money can't buy!

I hate Back Ordered Products!!

So a quick update from my world..
Spring is springing, and i'm getting over a week long bout of flu/food poisoning which my wife and I caught from Paris (we think).
Anyhow, i'm getting VERY antsy to get out, get riding, set a race goal, and get rolling. Part of me really wants to get out and get racing as a Paratriathlete, to make my mark and show the world how being blind is NOT bringing me down, it's pumping me up actually.

My tandem frame has been sitting in the bike shop for about a month, sitting, sitting, and more sitting, looking lonely and bored. We are waiting on various bike companies getting their product out to us... and being backordered for 3-4 weeks is killing me.

I'm getting more anxious and looking forward to choosing one or more of the following races:

New York City Tri-USA PC Championships (july)
ITU World Tri=Gold Coast Aus. (sept)
ITU World Du=North Carolina (sept)
Ironman 70.3 Augusta GA (sept)
Ironman 70.3 World Championships (nov) clearwater Florida


This year is supposed to NOT be about me racing, picking a large race to aim for, so i'm trying to do at least ONE of these races, and on the cheap.... SO, i'm trying to find ways to approach companies to help flip the bill...any suggestions? I am mostly teasing, as i really don't have anything to "offer" them as incentive... but man would it be nice to get some free plane tickets Down Under...ooooo baby would that be sweet..

oh well....it's just the racing itch getting to me.... i'm a VERY much goal oriented person, and i need a race to shoot for...so i can go work hard to get ready for it, and let it all fly...

time will tell, i'll keep you posted!!

check out a fellow CDifferent Team member and an AMAZING triathete
AARON SCHIEDES (www.cdifferentwithaaron.com) this kid can fly! he holds the world olympic distance record for a paratriathlete...

FAKER!!

Ok, so if i didn't laugh, i'd have to cry?

I find it really interesting, more on a humerous side, the reaction people have when told that I am buying and riding a tandem bike. Not random strangers (well some, but i don't mind them), but the individuals that know me, that know my visual impairment, and it's degenerative nature. I've gotten plenty of reaction for sure, a lot has been supportive, but the funny/sad ones are those that somehowe seem to think of me as dorky, or a faker(withou saying it directly).

They seem to think that becasue i could ride solo for the past 15 years, and that all of a sudden within 6 months after Kona i need to ride tandem; that i'm just being a baby or that i don't REALLY need to do it. HMMM, well, let me borrow the keys to your car then.....we'll get a little demonstration of exactly how much i'm being a "dork" or "faking".... My lower back doesn't seem to think i'm faking, it seems to think the bike crash i had last August due to me not seeing a crack in the road, going 20mph on my bike, flying through the air, slamming into the pavement; is a pretty real indicator that my vision has led me to this point.
I really don't get all that upset, but i do get frustrated, as it is paramount to calling me a liar, or a sissy. If anybody knows me, they know what calling me a sissy, or wuss, or wimp would mean to me....them's fightin' words:)

I have come to a realization in my life that things are going to get tougher, that in my disease, small losses are seen as big losses (when you lose 10 percent of 60 percent, you are not left with much)... I have come to realize too that people in my life who are used to seeing me do lots of things withou much hiccup, or troubles---as i've been able to cope pretty seamlessly---will get quite the shock. Shock? When i show up to a ride on a tandem, to a run or open water swim with a tether, to work, gym, social outing with POKEY (my cane)--will fill you in on that later. I know that i need not feel bad or embarassed, as i've not been hiding this from them; everyone around me knew my situation, but i think they didn't realize the extent of it. SO, i plug away, swallow a bit more of my pride, and whip out POKEY, my tether, my tandem, and i continue to do what i've always set out to do---Prove that anythign is possible with a positive mindset, look for the silver lining, use perspective, and be thankful for what i've got.
POKEY--In Paris i broke out the new cane that i got from the CNIB... I've always had a cane (since i was 17) but never used it, never saw the need to use it...however last year after Kona, i started to practice only a couple times, as social outtings with my other cane... I didn't really like the cane, the noise it made, the way it looked...it did make me feel dorky. Therefore i said to Mindy that if i'm going to "be blind'...then i'm going to try to do it as comfortably as possible... went out and got a new cane, that for cane's sake, is pretty coool.. It is collapsable like tent poles, white with some red on the bottom (as 99% of blind canes are)...has a rolling tip, and is mica pigmented, so it is a bit reflective. In Paris i figured i didn't know anybody, had not worries of embarassement, and used Pokey freely....to my wife's delight, i found it very comfortable and very very helpful (dammit she wins again).... so as with anything in my life, i had to give it a nickname (still up for debate)...you can chime in if you like...options so far:
Pokey
The Stick
The Rod
Jabby


If you have any thoughts/suggestion, i'm open for changing it:)

A couple Paris picks....Paris was fun, not the super most awesome place i've ever been, but lots of history and very pretty; just too many pushy people and food wasn't all that fantastic either...

But i had fun, my wife ws happy, a vacation is always nice, and gave me time to not think about triathlon/running etc...for a week at least.Mindy in Toronto airport--a pre flight snack:) She's thinking "put the F**ing camera down .."


The Eiffel tower isn't THAT big...what's all the fuss about?