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.