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I keep catching headlines regarding the state of actor Charlie Sheen. I am a pretty compassionate guy who understands the evil grip that addiction can have on a person. But I just can figure Charlie out. I really feel that he is perfectly content to self destruct; and self destruct as publicly as possible. Maybe it’s a ratings grabber but it sure is sad for those left in the wake of his destruction.

I have been biting my tongue on this one because I don’t really want to give it time or justice but feel the need to make a couple of comments. I was both taken back and intrigued by the recent blog post by “Charlie”. I encourage you to check this out:  http://charliebroadway.blogspot.com/2011/01/triathlon-is-stupid-sport.html. Charlie basically goes on a rant and blasts everything related to triathlon and triathletes in his post “Triathlon is Stupid”.

I actually do agree with a couple of his points that the sport has become way overpriced by certain entities and race directors. But where he spreads hatred and distaste for triathletes as people, I have found the exact opposite to be true. The triathletes that I am attracted to and surround myself with are among the most supportive and positive people I have ever met. While it spurs me to ponder why all of the negative people are attracted to Charlie, I think I know the answer to that question. I guess we’re all entitled to our opinions.

In quickly glancing at some of his other posts, I see a general theme of negativity loaded with expletives intended more for shock value than anything else.  I look at the post, and the author as an interesting sociology project that adds, detracts, or speaks of very little significance to the sport of triathlon or to triathletes. But, it’s passionate, and passion can be good.

Keep you eye out for the latest Liberty Sports Magazine. The February issue will be out any day and I have a feature article in there on a great guy named Andy Holder.

And on the subject of Liberty Sports Magazine, don’t forget the Endurance Sports Expo February 26^th and 27^th in Oaks PA. As last year, this will be a great two day expo of all things multisport, with speakers, demos, samples, etc. At noon on each day Todd Wiley and I will be presenting on the topic of “Balancing Life and Sport’. Come check it out.

And lastly, my next episode of Make it Count can be heard live on February 17^th at 6:30 PM where I will chat with Anne Mahlum, founder of Back on My Feet.

Enough rambling for now. Enjoy the snow, or ice, or warm sunshine if you are lucky enough to be in that climate!

Also there are some great show coming up including Todd Crandell on January 17th and Anne Mahlum in February. Visit their websites to learn more and be sure to listen in.

I am starting TODAY off the right way with peace and quiet, my dogs, and coffee. (and you folks). But the big ticket item today will be launching my kayak a couple of miles down the road at Beasley’s Point. There is a nice small beach down there that is perfect for kayaking and open water swimming.

Tonight I need to head home so I can connect with John Anderson and a couple of other cyclists for tomorrow’s cancer bike ride. Keep your fingers crossed for OK weather. I’m sure we will have plenty to share from this ride. Wet or dry, I’m looking forward to it. It will be good fun and a nice 66 mile training ride while helping the cancer cause.

Last weekend my wife and I were helping out the race director and her husband at the Avalon Islandman triathlon. Midge and Tim Kerr are GREAT friends and GREAT people who totally GET IT.Tim has been giving back to the community in various ways for over 20 years. (see www.timkerrcharities.org for more on them)  Avalon is one of my “give back” races that I work and support but don’t race. So I was helping Tim organize some athlete awards when I hear Midge call my name for an award for going “Above and Beyond”. Awards like this and the one that I received from Team in Training a few weeks ago mean more to me than any performance based award.

This was already a special race because we were using it to recognize the late Brad Schoener, and Brad’s wife and family were there to support and present the awards. Although I still don’t feel my actions warrant an award, I am really touched that someone gave me a nod like that simply for doing what I love to do. So my point is – yes – you can make a difference simply by harnessing what you love to do.

As a quick side note; Earlier this week we also met Tim and Midge for dinner where we discussed everything from raising kids to racing. Earlier, this year I had  introduced the Kerr’s to Anne Mahlum of Back on My Feet (www.backonmyfeet.org) who will have huge representation at Tim’s 7 Mile Run in September. As I was going into a little more detail about Back on My Feet and how their program works, Tim chimed in with this comment “Well, why don’t I just send busses up to Philly to pick up all of the Back on My Feet athletes so they don’t have to worry about transportation”. Need I say any more ?

Life is good and I am surrounded by great people.

Back on My Feet turns two years old tomorrow and you can help with their $100,000 birthday campaign. Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.

BOMF has developed into a very comprehensive program that operates in Philadelphia and Baltimore with more than 170 members and 600 volunteers.

They have helped 44 members re-enter the workforce and 31 members move from living in a shelter to living on their own, or back with their family. It’s incredible.

They have just $3,500 left to fundraise today and tomorrow and anything you could give would be appreciated. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/bomfbirthday2, or mail a check to:

Back on My Feet
1520 Locust St, Suite 804
Philadelphia, PA 19102