CAF .... My Motivation

On October 28, I will be fortunate enough to once again participate in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge in San Diego, CA. This is the main fundraising event for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). This is from an email I wrote last September while training for this event, my second Half Ironman ....

Training is going well, and I feel so much stronger and more confident than I did at this time last year. And because I am no longer SO intimidated by the physical challenge I will be facing on November 5th, (2006), I have had time and energy to reflect on what has gotten me here in the first place ....

My Dad was injured while serving in the US Army during the Korean War. He was shot in his left arm, and he lost the use of his hand -- it was in a permanent fist. A competitor to the core, my dad won contests to see who could get another morphine shot while rehabbing in the hospital. My dad never preached or complained, he lived his life ... working hard and taking care of his wife and 5 kids. He taught us all how to play baseball and coached our teams. He played softball himself, and he was good! He would wear the glove on his right hand, catch the ball, put the glove under his left arm, pull out the ball and throw it. And boy would he get mad if we didn't use 2 hands when catching the ball! When he retired and moved to Lake Havasu he started a senior softball league and yelled at the pros on TV to use 2 hands.

I never thought of my dad as disabled and the only time I remember hearing that word in my house was when my dad was driving disabled veterans to the hospital or helping out the DAV in some other way. By his example, my father showed me that anything is possible. He taught me to try my hardest and to never quit. I am thankful and proud of him, and I know he is proud of me.

In 2004, CAF began a new program called Operation Rebound, which supports and mentors American soldiers and veterans who have been permanently injured in recent wars, and last year there were several soldiers who participated in the triathlon.

CAF is where I got my start in the sport of triathlon. Before that I was just a runner. I did the run leg of this triathlon for several years before I worked up the courage to do a triathlon. You see, I didn't know how to swim. But three years ago I looked at a guy with one leg who was doing all 3 events himself while I was only running, and I decided then and there that not knowing how to swim was clearly NO excuse. I fractured a bone in my foot a month later and couldn't run ... it was the perfect time to learn how to swim :) And now look at me ... I'm an Ironman!!

This year I will do only the run. I want to ENJOY the day and cheer on all of the amazing, courageous athletes who will be there, and I want to include others in this inspiring day. My IronTEAMmates Maria and Gregorio will be joining me. Teammates Laurie, Jen, and Karen also have a team. This is my favorite day of the year, and I'm really looking forward to it. The race is sold out, but you can still come .... volunteer, cheer, be amazed. Donations are welcome too :)

Thanks!
Trish