I'm not doing a half Ironman just for fun.
In fact, I don't do any endurance event just for fun. I do them so I have a platform to help out a good cause. And actually I wouldn't use the word "fun" at all to describe giving up several hours each week for physically draining activities or asking my friends and family for support yet again. It's a sacrifice and a labor of love.
I've raised thousands of dollars over the years for many cancer organizations through various races and rides. In this case, I'm training and fundraising for a half Ironman on April 13th for Texas 4000. That's 70.3 miles in a row of physical endurance for something I truly believe in.
This feat is part of my overall goal to train 4,000 miles and raise $10,000 in one year for Texas 4000 for Cancer. The race will likely be the second hardest thing I've ever done, and you all know the first hardest had nothing to do with sports and no other experience will ever come close.
I've posted, I've blogged, I've brought it up in almost every conversation. And now I need to come right out and ask. Will you help me reach my goal? I'd like to raise $5,000 by the time I get to the start line on April 13th.
Donate $5 because every bit helps. Contribute $56 because that's how many miles I need to bike after swimming 1.2. Or perhaps $13 because I have to run a half marathon after the swim and bike. What about $70.30 to represent the overall distance? Any amount is appreciated. Please donate today.
I will be swimming, biking, and running for the Texas 4000 riders, for Ruben Garza, and for Junior Barotti.
- The riders all have deep personal ties to cancer and several have lost parents, relatives or friends to this awful disease. But they're doing something to fight back. They’re raising money for cancer research and riding their bicycles from Austin, TX to Anchorage, AK. Seriously.
- Ruben was my husband and one of the most amazing men to ever walk this earth. So much of what I do is in his memory and to honor his legacy.
- Junior is a dear friend from high school who is literally fighting for his life as I type this, lying in a hospice facility as his wife and three young girls try to stay strong.
Currently I'm training daily just to get to the start line, and I'm only able to do that by drawing strength from you and from people like you who provide support, perspective, and stories of their own life endurance.
Please visit my personal page to donate and/or www.texas4000.org for more information on Texas 4000.
With gratitude,
Jen
