tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50278509936779418132011-09-30T07:23:28.506-07:00Journey's of a legally blind triathlete, husband, philanthropist, coach and all around positive thinker. Setting goals, chasing dreams, Being a very loud voice against ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) with 110% commitment, and leading by example.swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-19579173953213493222010-03-26T17:42:00.001-07:002010-03-26T17:46:57.565-07:00

Just a quick note to reinforce how much i enjoy Rick Mercer...a little out of the blue i know, but just got done watching his recent show.Rick was at the 2010 Paralympic Games and was hanging out with the athletes, in particular Brian McKeever. Brian is a visually impaired x country skier who ALMOST got the chance to compete in the Olympics, but ended up winning 2 golds (maybe three actually) in

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-58832664870130626282010-03-05T13:05:00.000-08:002010-03-05T13:54:01.425-08:00

I'M STILL ALIVEAs my wife pointed out to me earlier this week..."You haven't writen in your blog forever, you should get back to that..." The context I think was partially due to the fact that she felt that my loyal readers (or reader, thanks Aunt Pat!) may be missing me. I also think it was partially due tot he fact that she wanted me to perhaps vent, err, umm, i mean SHARE with somebody other

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-91871082220164244852009-11-26T08:43:00.001-08:002009-11-26T08:52:21.719-08:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-70717779478689880602009-11-17T13:42:00.000-08:002009-11-17T13:47:57.021-08:00

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!

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-6824640484852044962009-11-16T17:17:00.000-08:002009-11-16T18:08:16.329-08:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-38896039199959843842009-10-12T16:51:00.000-07:002009-10-13T09:42:08.728-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-13952781488865700752009-10-01T16:46:00.000-07:002009-10-01T17:02:35.461-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-30396205504208889692009-09-25T10:54:00.000-07:002009-09-25T11:20:35.134-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-42568419196667752322009-09-18T07:25:00.000-07:002009-09-18T07:42:21.383-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-90716840544194928012009-07-31T08:42:00.001-07:002009-07-31T08:54:09.623-07:00

More pictures from the New York City Triathlon...

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-7551923289458195922009-07-31T06:54:00.001-07:002009-07-31T07:44:15.028-07:00

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,

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-85309184265945577692009-07-23T11:43:00.000-07:002009-07-23T11:52:15.331-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-15321387724532395922009-07-17T06:29:00.000-07:002009-07-17T07:57:36.046-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-23712387491346018542009-07-10T06:00:00.000-07:002009-07-10T06:34:18.960-07:00

"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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-47107829055670883692009-06-23T18:16:00.000-07:002009-06-24T12:05:58.067-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-74684576260035667782009-06-13T09:21:00.000-07:002009-06-13T09:39:03.662-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-19771022172440766212009-06-04T09:58:00.000-07:002009-06-05T06:32:53.176-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-65780397221094803402009-05-14T11:20:00.000-07:002009-05-15T06:15:56.834-07:00

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

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-62178060091995506422009-05-11T17:22:00.000-07:002009-05-11T17:30:16.568-07:00

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,

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-65121628135808193452009-04-29T16:32:00.000-07:002009-04-29T16:55:19.211-07:00

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,

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-57333389486127020382009-04-16T07:14:00.000-07:002009-04-16T07:18:34.850-07:00

As per a nickname i was given a couple years ago at our local Triathlon as i led most of the 40k bike ride, only to fall 2nd in the event to a fast runnign friend...i neglect to tell people there were only like 15 people in the whole race...but hey, i was WINNING a race...i've never done that before:) hehe.Anyhow, since i don't have pics yet, i'll keep this post short, but Ryan "Van Rocketship" '

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-23778214754312908022009-04-08T15:47:00.000-07:002009-04-08T15:50:10.290-07:00

Sorry if i've already mentioned this, but i thought i'd let you know that "moving forwad--Life & sport" got it's first paying gig last friday.I was asked to speak at a local corporation regarding learn to run programs..... pretty cool, had a crowd of about 20 people at the lunch n' learn... lots of positive feedback..for sure...

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-38118635965576808022009-04-07T07:24:00.000-07:002009-04-07T07:35:27.132-07:00

Well it's been a little bit, but a couple exciting things are happenign currently...1) I bought a frame/fork from Griffen...apparently they are going out of business, and they had a premade tandem frame that was used in a charity event.. The 8000 USD$ frame was sold to me for 1000 USD$ plus shipping.... so it should be on it's way to Smith's Cycle (our local, kick butt bike shop) soon...today

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-89121858585916902492009-03-30T10:41:00.000-07:002009-03-30T10:56:39.916-07:00

Saturday was a successful day on a few fronts...mainly the fact that Mindy and I survived, and are still talking to one another:) Looking into tandem bikes, we headed 2.5 hours away to the nearest Co-Motion tandem dealer, for a test ride, and to ask the experts all the burning questions I had. This particular dealer was a nice couple that had been riding and selling Co-Motion tandems for many

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-23320077205788256322009-03-25T16:37:00.000-07:002009-03-25T16:43:28.938-07:00

Please check out our Stubborn Buffalo Event Series Blog.... http://stubbornbuffaloevents.blogspot.comThis blog is maintained by my sister (Addie White, a memeber of the commitee putting these events on).I started directing these events a couple years ago, and now the family is all tackling this with increased vigor... below is a picture on the blog...this is why we fight... go read the blurb

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-79197520820989284032009-03-25T16:15:00.000-07:002009-03-25T16:24:46.380-07:00

Well some neat news on my front...two items actually..1--Our local online newspaper, which is an up and comer, has asked me to ba volunteer columnist. I will write pretty much the same stuff that I write on my blog; stories of me, triathlon, blind guy getting around in this crazy world, goals, dreams, inspiration, information and some fun.it will be called ENDURANCE JUNKIE and featured weekly

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-46719117104653706532009-03-19T10:02:00.001-07:002009-03-19T10:09:27.923-07:00

2007 Ironman World Championshops---Matt Miller (captain, found of cdifferent.org) and Charlie Plaskon (stoker). Picture courtesy of Matt Miller This is the bike in full on triathlon mode:)Here is a pic..not the best pic, but Griffen uses a new MMC metal that is supposed to be top notch and innovative for stiffness (stiff is good), light, and smooth. So it's this bike vs. the Co-Motion bikes...we

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-12170106333949201922009-03-18T17:20:00.000-07:002009-03-18T17:39:34.373-07:00

Ok, just so you don't get too bored, do note that if you read this blog, you'll see a couple more photos from Kona..the best is the one where I'm stoping directly in front of the camera guy (didn't know it), with a severe hamstring cramp... oh baby was that a bad day all around... but i'd do it all over again.A OR B? A OR B?In the recent days I've been pondering a couple choices I have to, well

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-55142453651042725842009-03-17T09:55:00.000-07:002009-03-17T10:07:05.476-07:00

In about 3 weeks I am desparately hoping that that CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation) based out of San Diego, decides that my story is a worthy one. In December I had submitted an application for a new tandem bicycle; and when you ask, you might as well ask BIG. So, I asked for a Griffen Tandem bike, custom made in Texas. It is the fastest, lightest and most "racey" tandem I've learned about;

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-24115938136027932402009-03-13T13:19:00.000-07:002009-03-14T11:50:40.739-07:00

I wanted to share with you a few videos and pictures from Kona. They've been on the camera for a while, but i just decided to upload them today.... The first video is of my 2nd last solo ride, it was a training ride up to Hawi and back, a few days before the race. My legs felt great, the course suited me, it was hot, windy, but i was ready to go. The race day ride, was not so good, so i choose

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-49798281613789299552009-03-12T11:12:00.000-07:002009-03-12T11:27:21.698-07:00

It is funny how my brain wanders...well not really....if you know me.. Anyhow, today I was thinking about my potential NEW TANDEM BIKE that will be the result of a grant application that comes down on Apr.1st. I've asked big ($17,000) for top of the line tandem...I don't see getting the whole amount, but some would be nice. Otherwise I'll be purchasing a much more basic version to get me

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-71084161704143010472009-03-10T18:50:00.001-07:002009-03-10T18:55:15.429-07:00

Just so you get an idea...a picture of my love....Mindy..my wife..Often times you roll through daily life not realizing who inspires you and believes in you...but I try to appreciate my biggest fan every day... Granted she may not understand my motivations for Ironman racing or marathon running....but she realizes that it means something to me..and that it fills a spot in my life that nothing

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-75490862295028828572009-03-10T12:37:00.000-07:002009-03-10T18:49:00.581-07:00

Today was a bit of a sad day....nothing tragic happened, so you can breathe now... However, it was just a day that seemed to prove to me once again, that great inspiration can get left out on the table.I have grown to see more and more in our city, region, country and world, that far too often the "best qualified" applicant is not chosen for jobs that are suited to them. Meeting applicables on

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-26770948100839102342009-03-08T17:06:00.001-07:002009-03-10T18:28:33.307-07:00

Growing up, watching the Hawaii Ironman, I like so many others had dreamed of doing this insane and obsurd test of human endurance(sanity). I always knew I was never going to be fast enough by the time I went blind, in order to qualify. I also knew (barring some miracle), that I would never get to the age where I would be able to qualify after compiling years of experience and fitness; my clock

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-8647683782738963632009-03-07T16:07:00.000-08:002009-03-07T16:46:58.077-08:00

Ok, so again a reminder, I'm NEW to this, so I am going to experiement a little bit for now.. Bear with me.JUNE 3rd, 2006--- This was the last day that my dad stood for the final time. This was also Mindy and I's wedding day. A very proud man, who sucked up every ounce of pride he had later in the day when we went for our pictures, we tried to get him to stand for our group pictures, but his

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027850993677941813.post-66243395863678769782009-03-06T18:56:00.000-08:002009-03-06T19:31:31.108-08:00

As my father once said in a fit of pure joy in his life, fueled by friends, family, beer and a sense of pride for what he's accomplished...."Kick er' Down!". Silly three words, but to the point of what one must do when faced with the choice to sit and contemplate (when more contemplation would just muddy the waters) or to act. It is in those words, and with the advice of many, that I've chosen

swimbikerunryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15641674443513951353noreply@blogger.com1