Why I Tri

"Are you crazy?" "Why would you do that?" "How long is a triathlon".....these are all questions I get from people when I tell them I am training for an Ironman. I have decided to start a blog to help people understand why I participate in this crazy sport and to tell of my experiences leading up to Ironman......And yes, I do believe you have to be a little crazy to train for Ironman!

My triathlon experience started in 2008 after my brother and sister-in-law roped me into my first race. After a 1 block ride on my new bike with clip in pedals I had a shattered wrist and a bright yellow cast but something told me I couldn't let that discourage me from trying out this triathlon thing. 4 months later I completed my first triathlon alongside my sister-in-law, Cindy and my best friend, Kim. We had a blast! I was hooked! But I had no plans to train for Ironman...EVER!

That all changed in November 2009 when my brother, Ronnie, completed his first Ironman in Florida. I am a huge sports fan and this was by far the coolest sporting event I had ever witnessed. These athletes were amazing and they came in all shapes, sizes and ages. This was something that I could actually do. I also found a team to join, which really changed my entire tri experience and my spiritual experience.

tri4Him is a faith based triathlon team where members race to glorify God and to be His light to a watching world.....and this is my reason for racing! I thank God daily for giving me the able body to train and race. I thank him for the courage and strength to take on extreme goals like Ironman. I pray that I can be His light on the course and in my everyday life. "Let us run with Endurance the Race that is set before us" Hebrews 12:1 This is the passage we live and race by on the tri4Him team and I hope to share this with you in this blog on the way to the Ironman finish line.

I will be participating in Ironman Texas on May 21 of this year along with many of my team members including my brother (yes our parents think we are crazy too). This will consist of a 2.4 Mile Swim, 112 Mile Bike and a 26.2 Mile Run all under 17 hours. Along the way I will share my training experience, my spiritual experience and I hope to raise some money for an organization called Emma's Hugs.  Emma's Hugs is a local charity that was set up to honor a child who lost her battle to Batten's disease in 2010. She is being memorialized through random acts of kindness in the Houston Medical Center. You can read more at www.emmashugs.com. I hope that you will consider donating to their organization. To do so click on their link and note tri4Him Houston in the comments section.

I look forward to sharing my experience with you. I'm sure there will be many ups and just as many downs but I know with your motivation and God's guidance my ultimate goal is possible. "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" Phil 4:13

God Bless,
Kelly