Philly Health Watch – Go Ahead, TRI it.

I just want to take a few minutes and mention a few quick updates that have unfolded within the last few weeks. Things have been busy, but good busy.  There is a show on Comcast Sportsnet called “Net Impact” that has expressed an interest in telling my story. The show features human interest stories about people and their journey above and beyond sport. I met with show host Gregg Murphy and his camera guy Brian  last week and we shot interviews as well as some training in the pool. The cool thing was that I got to wear a head mounted underwater mini camera. I can’t wait to see how that footage turns out. We will film one or two more sessions over the next couple of weeks and the show should air in March on Comcast Sportsnet. Gregg is a great guy and I am looking forward to our next session. I will keep people posted.

We shot those Net Impact interviews and swim footage at the YMCA in Delaware County PA where I am a longtime member and board member. As it turns out, Gregg Murphy is also on the board of his local YMCA in Gloucester County New Jersey. A couple of days after we filmed, Gregg approached me about being their keynote speaker for the 100 year anniversary celebration of their YMCA. It took me about 6 seconds to think about my answer, after which I responded with an enthusiastic, “I would love to do it. Count me in. And THANKS”. That will be in March and details are still pending. It should be a nice night. And I always welcome the opportunity to connect and network when it comes to the YMCA and all of the good that organization does.

Registration is now OPEN for the Brad Schoener Memorial 5K and Music Marathon which will be held on May 19th. I am directing this race again and hope to treat you all to some new surprises this year – as soon as I figure out what they will be.

I am also working with the legendary and renown band Chico’s Vibe in helping them “orchestrate” a new 5K which will benefit hunger relief. This is still a work in progress and nothing is definitive yet but November 17th, 2012 in Havertown PA is looking very probable. Complete details will be announced once they are confirmed. Expect a FUN event, with registration and timing handled by Tim Krueger’s Run the Day. The band’s front man Dennis Chiccino, and I go back to the mid 1980’s and if the first planning meeting is any indication, this is going to be one heck of a fun trip.

Other than that, not too much is “new”. Training is going well. I feel good. Team in Training is in full swing. Our St. Anthony’s triathlon team is just starting to hit their stride and we started recruitment for the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon this week. Summer will be here before you know it.

Also, to help get you over the winter hump, please don’t forget to visit this year’s Endurance Sports Expo. The Philly area local event will again be held at the Oaks (Pennsylvania) Convention Center the weekend of February 25th and 26th.  Other locations have also been booked in the region. Be sure to visit www.endurancesportsexpo.com for complete details.

I once again can walk above the clouds with clarity and confidence . On January 23rd I had my semi-annual routine blood work with my oncologist. The weeks leading into these appointments are always filled with angst and anxiety for me. I always find myself asking all of the wrong “what if” questions. But I am happy to report that the results were spot on perfect once again. I had a great appointment and chat with my oncologist.

Also, I have just signed on to work with Philly Health Watch and am very much looking forward to this partnership. My regular monthly contribution will probably be centered around multisport racing and training. BUT I will also have the platform to be able to interview and feature some of the amazing individuals and organizations that I am connected to. And will be able to do so via a couple of different media channels. More very soon on this!

My partnership with Philly Health Watch will take on a few different flavors. My regular monthly article will speak to triathlon and multisport racing and training. But I will also have the platform to do a number of different interviews and video spots and will be able to showcase through a number of media channels some of the individuals and organizations that are meaningful to me and who are making a difference in our community and in this world.

I know plate is usually pretty full but sometimes, something grabs you and screams your name to the point you have to grab hold. This partnership is going to be a great one.

Much more detail will follow but be sure to bookmark www.phillyhealthwatch.com and sign up for their newsletter.

Read MORE.

Read the full article by visiting The Baltimore Sun.

The swim course will be 1.5K or .93 miles. The bike and run portions of the race and the transition areas will remain the same, at 40K and 10K, respectively. The St. Anthony’s Triathlon, one of the best known triathlons in the United States, is part of the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) 5150 Triathlon Series.

During last year’s triathlon, the swim course was relocated away from the St. Petersburg Pier and shortened to 1,000 meters due to weather conditions. “Numerous competitors told us how much they liked the swim course last year, so we decided to make the permanent move to the new location,” said St. Anthony’s Hospital President Bill Ulbricht. “We think the change is necessary because of potential construction at the Pier and that this new course will continue to offer athletes an excellent challenge as they build to the other two legs of the race.”

The St. Anthony’s Triathlon is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The race, which has served as the USA Triathlon Regional Championship for many years, is a qualifier for the 5150 U.S. Championship event.

The St. Anthony’s Triathlon will open registration for its 29th annual race starting at 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011. Approximately 4,000 athletes competed in the 2011 event.

The St. Anthony’s Triathlon will be held on April 29, 2012 as part of a three-day weekend event that includes a sports and fitness expo and the Meek & Mighty Triathlon on April 28, 2012. For registration information, visit SATriathlon.com or call (727) 953-9005. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/stanthonystriathlon.

Chrissie is the current Ironman Triathlon World Champion and a multiple world record holder in Ironman distance triathlon, smashing numerous time records during her career.  She is also a true “citizen of the world” supporting numerous causes that are important to her in all corners of the globe.   We’re excited that Chrissie can join us to support a cause that is important to us, the Cadence Cycling Foundation. 

CCF’s mission is to use cycling as a mechanism to connect with local, underserved youth ages 9 – 18, and help them improve their health and well-being, improve school performance, and develop positive life skills.  CCF accomplishes this by carrying out afterschool and summer programming based on a Positive Youth Development Model, offering programs through neighborhood partnerships, and building
collaborations to provide participants with access to support services.   CCF’s programs have expanded to include triathlon training/racing and we’re excited that members of the CCF Triathlon team will be in attendance at this very special event.  To learn more about the Cadence Cycling Foundation, click here.  

Tickets for this event are $25 per person, with 100% of the proceeds going to CCF.  Don’t delay, as this special opportunity is limited to 100 people.  Click here to purchase your tickets now.  You will not receive a physical ticket, but your name will be on a list at the door.  If you can’t attend the event, we hope you’ll consider a year end contribution to Cadence Cycling Foundation by clicking here.

I actually love hearing from those people. And I love signing them up and watching them transform themselves into triathletes and crossing the finish line a new person. I sent the below email to one such prospect. My comments are pretty universal so I thought I would share with everyone.

Hi,

I am always happy to talk about the sport, and the program. And take an even greater and vested interest in those that might be a little apprehensive about some aspect of the event. I understand those feelings. I also know that we take pride in working with people to overcome those feelings. I have seen so many people come though the program with slight fears or concerns. I can’t tell you how good it feels for me to watch them grow from week to week and gain a little more confidence and then share with them that feeling of crossing the finish line.

Being a little nervous is an even BIGGER reason to sign up. The benefits that you will derive through this journey are far greater than the sport of triathlon. You will develop a sense of self and confidence that will trickle down to all aspects of your life. I have found that many too many people live their lives in a relatively small comfort zone. And they live their lives and all is “just fine”. BUT sometimes we need more. Sometimes, “just fine” isn’t enough. Sometimes we need to push the edges of that comfort zone and when we do, we discover a completely different world, and a side of ourselves that we never knew existed.

This  triathlon program has three dedicated coaches, all of whom feel exactly the way I do. We take pride in making you into a triathlete.

Don’t do this for any other reason, besides wanting to grow as a person.

Feel free to ask me anything you like!

Hope to see you  at Kick Off

Steve

www.teamintraining.org

2012 is starting to come into focus a little more clearly. I may also add the Ocean Drive marathon in March since I will already be in 26.2 mile shape. The spring will bring a number of sprint triathlons. Then of course EagleMan IronMan 70.3 in June. Followed by a few charity/training bike rides to support LIVESTRONG and the American Cancer Society in July and August. Then I will be back in Cambridge again for ChesapeakeMan ultra distance triathlon in September. Before I know it, I am back where I started with NYC again next year.

Add to that my usual support and “working” races such as Avalon Islandman, Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon, SheROX, and it should be another full and rewarding year. Much more to follow! Stay tuned.

More info HERE