Too Many Too Few

Just a few words to a good friend as he prepares for this next round of battle. Although it was written for Ethan, it can easily serve as a battle cry for anyone going through their own situation.

Many too many play the “why me” card when it comes to things like cancer
They take the easy route and give in to the disease and all of the evil that goes with it
Many too many focus on what they don’t have and how much they hurt
They worry in vain about the hair or weight that they’ve lost
Many too many are anchors in their own healing process
And have no idea how much control they really have

Too few are those like you who can mentally, spiritually, and emotionally rise above it
They have the gift of being able to sift through the dirt until they find that ray of hope
Too few are those like you who can let that ray of hope guide them 
They lead by example and spread their message of hope and possibility for all to see
Too few are those like you with the courage to allow themselves to be truly seen
They may have patches of physical weakness but never do they really feel beaten

Just know that although this war may seem long, you are winning
Just understand that the team in your fox hole is larger than your wildest dreams
Just realize that you are helping countless people in their own struggles just by being
Just believe that this will soon be a speed bump in your rear view mirror
Just keep the perspective and the faith 
Just use this as a chance to continue to make a difference in this world

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Get Dirty

Click HERE for preliminary 2010 XTERRA race dates.

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USA Triathlon Announces Hall of Fame Inductees

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Five individuals who have impacted the sport of triathlon will be inducted into USA Triathlon’s Hall of Fame on Feb. 13, 2010. A banquet in their honor will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The 2009 inductees are the second class to be inducted into the USAT Hall of Fame since its creation in 2008. The inductees include some of the most notable figures in multisport history: Jim Curl (contributor), Barb Lindquist (post-1999 elite athlete), Paula Newby-Fraser (pre-2000 elite athlete), Valerie Silk (contributor), and Carl Thomas (contributor).

“As we begin a new decade next month, it is fitting to usher out the old with a celebration around those who contributed the most to get us where we are today,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of USA Triathlon. “We are very proud to honor Barb Lindquist, Paula Newby-Fraser, Valerie Silk, Jim Curl and Carl Thomas by inducting them into the USA Triathlon’s Hall of Fame.  On behalf of everyone who has embraced the multisport lifestyle, we collectively thank these great individuals for their accomplishments over the years.”

Registration for the Hall of Fame banquet is open at www.imATHLETE.com/events/USATHallofFame.  Cost is $40 per person, and the event will be limited to 300 attendees.

About the Inductees

Jim Curl, Contributor
In 1982, Jim Curl, along with fellow inductee Carl Thomas, began the U.S. Triathlon Series.  The USTS distance evolved and led Curl and Thomas to create what is now known as the Olympic distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run).  Through the series, Curl has produced over 150 triathlons internationally, and his involvement includes the creation of the Reebok Women’s Triathlon Series and events that have become some of the larger races in the U.S., such as St. Anthony’s Triathlon and the Accenture Chicago Triathlon.

Barb Lindquist, post-1999 elite athlete
Barb Lindquist began her athletic career as a swimmer. She competed for Stanford University and was a member of the U.S. National Team until 1991.  In 1996, she began her professional triathlon career and has been an integral part of the sport ever since.  Lindquist was a member of the USA Triathlon World Championship team for 10 years, and in 134 career races, she won 33, stood on the podium 86 times and finished in the top 10 114 times.  She was ranked first in the world from February 2003 through 2004, and placed ninth at the 2004 Olympic Games. Though she retired from racing in 2005, she continues to contribute to the sport, first as the coach of the Under-23 National Team and now as the USAT Collegiate Recruitment Program Coordinator.

Paula Newby-Fraser, pre-2000 elite athlete
Paula Newby-Fraser is considered one of the greatest triathletes to ever have competed. She has won more Ironmans than other legends like Mark Allen, Erin Baker and Dave Scott. Newby-Fraser won eight Ironman World Championships between 1986 and 1996 and has 24 total Ironman career wins.  The world record she set for the Ironman distance stood for nearly 15 years.  Newby-Fraser has earned multiple honors in addition to her championship titles, as she was named “Professional Sportswoman of the Year” in 1990 by the Women’s Sports Foundation, the “Greatest Triathlete in History” by Triathlete magazine in 1999, and “Female Pro Athlete of the Decade” by the L.A. Times for the 1980s. She also was named one of the top five professional female athletes of the past 25 years (1972-1997) by the United States Sports Academy.

Valerie Silk, Contributor
The Ironman triathlon would not be where it is today without Valerie Silk. Silk served as the owner, president, CEO and race director for the Hawaiian Triathlon Corporation (now the World Triathlon Corporation) throughout the 1980s. She negotiated multi-year sponsorship agreements and network coverage through ABC’s Wide World of Sports. She also increased the volunteer base by over 2,500 volunteers and developed merchandising and licensing divisions for Ironman products and services.  Ironman grew internationally, as Silk developed qualifying races in other countries, as well as the IronKids Triathlon Series.

Carl Thomas, Contributor
When Thomas was the vice president of marketing at Speedo Swimwear in 1982, he joined Jim Curl to create the U.S. Triathlon Series. The series quickly spread from the original five cities to 12 nationwide.  The format of the series and the distance was considered ideal for Olympic competition, and Thomas predicted that by the time triathlon was an Olympic sport, “hundreds of thousands of athletes will have competed at the Olympic distance” worldwide.  In 1984, he founded CAT Sports, Inc., creating network televised special events for a number of sports and acting as the executive producer of over 25 televised triathlon events for ESPN, NBC and other national syndications. Thomas also served as the first treasurer of the International Triathlon Union.

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USA Triathlon Unveils New Logo for a New Decade USAT

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon (USAT) has created a new logo, which will be unveiled throughout 2010.

A reason for the redesign, according to USAT’s Manager of Creative Services Chris Didario, is to help better drive brand awareness and visibility for the organization’s core disciplines.

usat logo“We are more than just triathlon,” said Didaro, the creator of the updated logo. “We are a community that embraces duathlon, winter triathlon, aquathlon, aquabike and off-road duathlon and triathlon, so our primary mark must allow us to move between these disciplines depending on the situation. The USAT logo lacked the red, white, and blue stars and stripes that are so emblematic of what we represent in the domestic and international markets as a national governing body.”

The updated look will be instituted as the official USA Triathlon logo starting Jan. 1, 2010.

USA Triathlon’s constituent groups will see the new logo on the usatriathlon.org website, in publications like USA Triathlon Life magazine and the USA Triathlon Multisport Zone, on merchandise, at USAT national championships and on membership materials.

“When we reviewed the current logo, there were two issues that prompted us to look at alternative designs,” said USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. “First, the focal point of the mark was on an acronym, not our full name. While all of us on the inside refer to USA Triathlon as USAT, those unfamiliar with us don’t. Second, it is redundant with USAT on the top and USA Triathlon below. So our effort to streamline the logo brings USA Triathlon to the forefront, allows us to easily change to the other vital disciplines within the multisport lifestyle and includes a nationalistic element to support the focus of some of our members in international competitions.”

Updated logo usage standards will be posted on the usatriathlon.org logo page after Jan. 1, 2010.

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2009 Ford Ironman World Championship to Air on NBC This Saturday, Dec.19

The 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship broadcast will air, for the 19th consecutive year on NBC, this Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET (check local listings).  The telecast will highlight the physical and emotional journey taken by athletes during the renowned 140.6-mile event.  Veteran sports commentator and narrator Al Trautwig will provide the voiceover. Athletes profiled in the Emmy-Award-winning program range from professionals including three-time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington of Great Britain to physically challenged athletes, military veterans, retired professionals and weight loss success stories.
 
In its 31st year, the Ford Ironman World Championship start cannon sounded on Oct. 10, 2009. More than 1,700 of the world’s fittest athletes braved the harsh elements of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in an attempt to earn the title of “Ironman.” Temperatures on event day reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher at certain times on the bike and run portions.  Athletes ranging in age from 20 to 80 years competed in the 2.4-mile Pacific Ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon in a classic battle of human motivation versus sweltering heat and mental and physical fatigue.
 
“Each year we look to inspire our viewers with the raw power and competitive nature of the professional athletes along with the impressive stories of courage and determination demonstrated by all participants,” said Peter Henning, senior vice president of television production for Ironman.  “The course might not change year to year, but the drama continues to intensify.”
 
The broadcast captures the emotion of the day and features head-to-head competition among the top male and female professionals.  The program documents Australia’s Craig Alexander as he adds a second consecutive Ironman World Championship title to his resume and Wellington, who secures her third – breaking the course record of Ironman great, Paula Newby-Fraser of Zimbabwe – with an overall time of 8 hrs., 54 min., 2 sec.  The program also highlights the 17-hour challenges of several unique professional and age group athletes who define the meaning of inspiration and bring to life the “Anything is Possible” mentality.
 
Featured athletes include:
 
•        Decorated professional and 2009 top American finisher Chris Lieto, the former surfer and college water polo player with three top-10 finishes at the Ironman World Championship
•        Matt Hoover, season two winner of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” who gave it his best to be an official Ironman finisher, but crossed the finish line mere minutes after the midnight cut-off time
•        Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a double-amputee with numerous world records, who completed an impressive swim but narrowly missed the cut-off after biking the 112-mile course
•        Four-time Lymphoma survivor and heart transplant recipient Kyle Garlett, who was not able to complete the challenging swim within the allotted timeframe
•        Mike Adamle, a former professional football running back and well-known national and Chicago-area sportscaster, who tested his strength and drive for the second time in Kailua-Kona
 
Further program details and information on the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Event Series can be found by visiting: www.ironman.com.

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Holiday Greeting

I simply cannot believe we are at the end of another year. Nor can I believe that year is already 2009. Where has all the time gone? This time of year is always a period of reflection for me. As I look behind me, I am extremely grateful for the people and events that blessed me in 2009. Once again, I was fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing family and friends who truly “get it” and understand the importance – no, the NEED – to make a difference out there in the world in any way possible. My inner circle expanded significantly this year with some wonderful people who have enriched my life.

A week doesn’t go by without me making a connection or a contact somewhere in the world that seems to contribute to the building of that perfect beast. I find myself constantly surrounded by selfless greatness. The kind of people who are accomplishing huge things yet who are doing so for no other reason than they are able and feel the need to help. Dave Roberts was a long time Philadelphia area news guy at our local ABC affiliate who just retired after over 30 year in this market and 50 years in the business. He summed things up quite succinctly when he said that if you give of yourself and give unconditionally, expect nothing in return, and don’t take yourself too seriously, you will never be unhappy. I can’t say it any better than that.

I know life can get crazy and sometimes it seems like we belong to everyone else but ourselves. People often tell me that they would love to do such and such but they just don’t have the time. And you can fill the blank with just about anything from volunteering to running a marathon, to taking flute lessons, to whatever. It really doesn’t matter. We ALL have a little more time. We may not see it through the weeds of our current schedules, but we can always find a little more time. Quite frankly, I don’t care who you are or what you do, show me your schedules, tell me your dream, and I will find time in your day. The key is not to be afraid to find that time, as many people are. Of course it is easier to “not have the time”, than to work hard at achieving something with the risk of failing. If I were to actually sit down and document each and everything thing that I “do” or am involved with in some way, I would make my own head spin completely off of my shoulders. You have the time to make yourself and everyone around you a little bit better. Do the world a favor and make that your New Year’s resolution.

The fact that we are already at the end of the year should be a reminder of how quickly everything can pass us by. In times of pain and anguish, just remember that the storm will pass. It has to, it always has since the beginning of time. But also be sure to embrace the good times, and those people who have helped make those times good. Although they too will pass, allow them to leave a much more permanent imprint on your soul than the dark times. You can control that.

We control more of our own happiness than we realize. We don’t need a magic carpet to arrive to deliver the happy dust. We don’t need to win the lottery. We don’t need the nicest car on the block or the latest and greatest electronic toy. Happiness isn’t about how many expensive things we own or how many good things can happen to a person. Sadness isn’t about all of the bad “stuff” that can happen. We own those emotions. We own them through the choices that we make. We own them by how we handle what does happen to us – both good and bad.  We own them by understanding who is under our own skin and who is in our own hearts.

So here is to the celebration of the accomplishments of 2009. And to the wide open abundance of hope and possibility that a new year can bring. I wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday and even more of the same in 2010.

Before I go, I wanted to share something that was passed onto me at work. I don’t know the original author personally, but I think her message is a great one and worthy of sharing regardless of your background, affiliation, denomination, eye color, or shoe size. I’m sure Ms. Jaynes won’t mind.

 
1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

©By Sharon Jaynes
 
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family – It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.  Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust.  But giving the gift of love will endure.
 
Merry Christmas to you all.

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USA Triathlon Announces Partnership With TYR

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon (USAT) and swimwear manufacturer TYR have agreed to terms on a four-year gold level partnership for TYR to become the official swimwear, Team USA competition and training apparel outfitter, and swim accessories and goggles supplier for the organization. The deal is effective Jan. 1, 2010.

“We are thrilled to begin a partnership with USA Triathlon in order to invest and support the sport of triathlon,” said Ryan Dolan, TYR’s national manager of sales and multisport. “Aside from reaching out and getting involved with triathletes at all ages and levels, TYR also looks to develop the best products for all athletes through feedback from the elite USA team.”

USA Triathlon members will receive a 20 percent discount on TYR products, including everything from swimsuits to goggles to backpacks, purchased from the TYR website with a coupon code. Discounts also will be available for USAT clubs, certified coaches, race directors and Team USA.  Tri-Zone, USA Triathlon’s merchandiser, also will have an assortment of TYR items for purchase.

“USA Triathlon is elated to have TYR working side by side with America’s top elite and amateur multisport teams as well as over 1.1 million who dabble in multisport every day,” Tim Yount, Senior VP of Marketing and Communication for USA Triathlon stated. “The TYR signature of quality will also be a significant asset to the many constituents that work with USA Triathlon every day. They will help redefine quality in the soft goods side of the USAT business.”

In addition to providing all levels of USAT with apparel and product, TYR will provide bonuses to elite USAT athletes donning the TYR apparel at each annual ITU World Championship (Olympic distance), 2011 Pan-American Games and 2012 Olympic Games as well as the five-event London 2012 Elite Triathlon Series.  TYR also will supply 20,000 swim caps for Elite Series events and USAT National and Regional Championships.

About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon – the fastest growing sport in the world – as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 3,100 races and connects with more than 125,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.

About TYR
TYR is passionately dedicated to providing all athletes with the products and inspiration to perform at the highest level possible. The name TYR (pronounced tier) is taken from the mythical Norse god of warriors and deity among athletes, representing heroism and victory in battle. The TYR brand embodies the competitive spirit of sport, and is a symbol of courage and triumph.
Links
www.tyr.com
www.usatriathlon.org

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Mastering the Hindu

One of my favorite strength training exercises requires lifting nothing at all but your own body weight. I often talk about the benefit of performing functional movements rather than slaving over weights and machines.

Do you want to develop killer leg strength, burn fat, and gain greater aerobic conditioning in one move?

Visit LIVESTRONG.COM and see what our friends have to say about the ancient old secret known as the Hindu squat.

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2009 Kona TV Alert

In case you needed a little poking to get the motivational juices flowing, click HERE and check this out.

And be sure to tune in on 12/19.

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Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon Announces a Partnership Extension with Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers

Philadelphia-based Multisport Retail and Coaching Center  Is a Founding Partner of the Event

The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon (PHLYTRI), one of the largest and most popular triathlons in the country, today announced a partnership extension with Cadence Cycling and Multisport Centers for its 2010 event taking place June 25-27.

Recognized as the leading cycling and multisport training center in the country, the Philadelphia-based Cadence provides world-class products, coaching programs, cutting edge training advice and physiological testing services. Cadence has partnered with PHLYTRI since its inception in 2005.

“Cadence is one of PHLYTRI’s founding partners and this partnership is one reason for our event’s tremendous growth and popularity,” said PHLYTRI race director Lars Beck. “Our athletes have come to expect a world-class experience and working with Cadence has allowed us to set a high standard. From race support, coaching, testing and a retail presence, Cadence offers our athletes a multitude of services from the leading authority in multisport located right here in our hometown.”

Cadence Cycling and Multisport Center serves clients of all abilities with reliable data regarding their health and fitness levels in order to create scientifically based, quality driven exercise programs that enable each individual to reach their respective athletic and health goals.  Cadence’s award winning coaching staff led by Brian Walton, founder of the Performance side of the business for Cadence and 1996 Olympic Silver Medalist is proud to be associated with PHLYTRI.

“Cadence has been proud supporter of the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon since its inception in 2005,” said Walton. “It’s no surprise our customers and athletes make this event a priority on their schedules as they rave about the organization and the support they receive on this exciting and scenic course. Whether it’s to place in the top three of the age group or simply to have their best time of the year, it’s the crown jewel race of triathlon on the East coast!”

Taking place June 25-27, the 2010 PHLYTRI  will host an entire weekend of events including the Olympic distance race (1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run) with a $13,500 prize purse, a Sprint distance race (.9K swim, 24K bike and 5K run), Kids Fun Run & Duathlon and a two-day multi-sport expo.  The PHLYTRI Olympic Distance Race has been selected by the USAT Mid-Atlantic Regional Council to host the 2010 USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Club Championship.

The Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will once again serve as the event’s official charitable partner with various activities promoting and raising funds for CHOP.  Primary among those will be the Karr Barth CHOP Charity Challenge, a team challenge competition included in Saturday’s Sprint distance race.  PHLYTRI is proud to also partner with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation program as athletes dedicate their training and participation to raise money in the fight against cancer.

Founded in 2005, the PHLYTRI is one of the largest and most popular triathlons in the country.  Held in the city’s historic Fairmount Park, the race was named a top-five triathlon in the United States by Outside Magazine and was lauded as one of the top big city triathlons by Inside Triathlon Magazine.  For more information on the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon visit www.PhillyTri.com.

About Philadelphia Triathlon, LLC

Philadelphia Triathlon, LLC is a leading multi-sport race production and management company.  Based in Wayne, PA, Philadelphia Triathlon owns and produces the highly-regarded Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon — named a top triathlon in the U.S. by Outside Magazine and Inside Triathlon Magazine — and produces the Danskin Triathlon Series – the largest and longest running women’s triathlon series in the world.  Known for producing high quality races, Philadelphia Triathlon, LLC also provides management and race operation services for additional endurance sporting events.  For more information, please visit www.PhillyTri.com.

source: Ed Donovan, Philly Tri

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"Be the change you wish to see in the world " - Gandhi
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