I have a fabulous idea! I hope you will read this and join me in one of many ways! As the New Year approaches, I have the most amazing resolution. Believe me: I never thought I would be saying these words, but I am going to be a triathlete! After growing babies for more the last six years, I am more than ready to get into shape, reclaim my body, and accomplish a new goal. Wilmington has so many amazing races, and so many inspiring people (you know who you are- THANK YOU!), and I am dedicated to accomplishing this goal for myself in 2010. I'm not talking about an Iron Man race- but for me to complete even a Sprint distance Triathlon is something I never thought attainable; and for the first time, I am more than positive that I can do it.
My idea is this: I'm starting from scratch, and since the training will take a fair amount of time, I'd like to do this not only for myself, but for a cause. Most of you know how passionately I feel about supporting orphaned Kenyan children through Amani Children's Foundation. I've gone from thinking in October: "I might TRY to complete a triathlon" to "I WILL TRI for Amani." Why not? When training gets tough, thinking of those little faces will certainly remind me of what tough really is. Why not Tri for Amani, and why not recruit others to join me? Imagine the children we will help if we form a group, race for a face, ask for sponsorships to go directly, 100% to Amani Children's Foundation (amanichildren.org), and support each other in the process. Can you imagine $1,000 sustaining you for an entire year? That's what it costs for one child to be saved and nurtured for an entire year. Just $1,000. Together we can help so many children.
How can you help? Support me! Check out Amani Children's Foundation and make a donation if you feel so inclined. Or you can mail a check to me made directly to Amani Children's Foundation. The only reason I would not complete this goal is if I get injured in the training process. To that end, I have already been training with a trainer who specializes in safe and effective triathlon training. I am already working hard and safely, and I am ridiculously determined to do this and help children in the process. Please consider supporting me.
Even better, JOIN ME!! Tri for Amani with me. Believe me- if I can do this, you can, too. I have never, EVER been a runner! So, I have been learning using a free iphone app (download it from itunes) called Couch to 5K- it's working! Santa's bringing me a bike. I'm getting in the pool the first week of January (just had a leg vein surgery Thursday.) You can do this, too! Just think- you can actually keep that New Year's Resolution this year. Imagine the motivation you will have once I give you a darling little picture of a baby in Kenya who can benefit from your dedication. You too can race for a face. And imagine what a service you will be doing to your own health, thereby setting a great example for your own family! When I see who is interested, we'll go from there as far as creating a club or group. I'm thinking about fun stuff like bumper stickers, race tattoos, Tri-tops with with Amani Children's faces on them..... My mind is reeling! So fun. So motivating.
If you are already a triathlete, consider doing it for this wonderful cause!!! Join me and tell those triathletes you know to join the party as well. Or send me your advice- I need it. I'd love to benefit from your expertise, and to see a familiar friendly face during the races.
Here's some helpful information.....
** The registration for the events starts at the beginning of the New Year, so check out setupevents.com for more scoop. Right now I am thinking I will go for the Azalea Festival Sprint Triathlon in March, Kure Beach Double Sprint in June, and YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon in Spetember. What will you do? Set your alarm to register so you don't miss out!
** Spread the word about Amani Children's Foundation and amanichildren.org
** Forward this to everyone who might be the slightest bit interested!
Thanks in advance for your support, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
