It was a really rough summer for me health-wise, and I’m only just beginning to bounce back.  I cannot begin to describe how tough it is for me to train for an upcoming event when I’m barely getting by in terms of energy for each given day.  I have never struggled more to overcome my body’s limitations than I have in these last few months.

Sometimes I think I must be a special kind of masochist to make a choice–every time I ride–to welcome more pain to this already pain-burdened body of mine.  But then I remember that I have a very dear mission, that I have championed a  worthy cause, and that all the additional pain & fatigue of training for these fundraising events is worth it.

This will be my first triathlon since MS came-a-vistin’ to my life.  I’m raising funds & awareness for Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization devoted to making a difference in the lives of folks with illness & disability who need our help to enjoy a more active, independent, wild-&-wonderful life.  Like this guy, JJ.

Bright & early on Sunday, on October 20th, I will be standing side-by-side with more than 200 challenged athletes.  These athletes have come from across the country — and around the world —  to celebrate the 20th Anniversary Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge.

Among the athletes participating will be:

• 19 injured military personnel including Gabe Martinez who lost both his legs to an IED in Afghanistan and is now a mentor to those who lost limbs in the Boston Marathon bombings.

• 86 amputees who will swim, bike and run as though nothing can stop them.  Look for first-time SDTC participant Nick Ekbatani, a former starting offensive lineman for UCLA who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident.

• 32 challenged kids who will meet others with the same disability — some for the first time — like 3-year-old Ireland Nugent who lost her legs in a tragic accident earlier this year and will be participating in the Kids Run.

• 24 wheelchair athletes including 3x Paralympian Mary Thompson –a quadriplegic who has participated in 100+ marathons and all 20 SDTCs.

Some call the San Diego Tri Challenge inspiring.
Some call it life-changing.
Many call it THE BEST DAY IN TRIATHLON.

Wanna help me make a difference in the lives of folks like JJ, Gabe, Nick, Ireland and Mary?  You could pass on my story & donation page:  email, Tweet, Facebook post – anything you can think of to spread the word.

You’ll really be helping me, too.  Your donations & encouragement will support all of my efforts to overcome the fatigue & pain of MS so that I can help others with illness & disability live rich, joyful lives full of activity, community and adventure.

Here’s where you can donate to my San Diego Tri Challenge journey.  And you may read more about my motivation for this particular ride & the marvelous Challenged Athletes Foundation in my previous blog post.

As always, thanks for reading, and thanks for all of your support ~