DONELLA'S FUNDRAISING RACE IRONMAN CANADA 2010 (Penticton, British Columbia) Around this same time last year, November 2008, Tony and I contemplated joining Team In Training for the first time. We wanted do something to give back, while at the same time try something that was new, fun and challenging. Last fall in 2008, I had donated towards a coworker's TNT triathlon fundraising. After, checking out his fundraising site and reading about his experiences, there was something inside that sparked an interest in this organization and it's cause. I was curious and I thought to myself, "Could I do this?". Shortly after, Tony and I attended an info session in San Jose, California. I had been interested in possbily participating in a triathlon, neither Tony nor myself us had done Team In Training and didn't know exactly what to expect. At the time, I had so many questions. Could I actually learn to swim? Will we be successful at fundraising? Will people actually support us? Will we be able to balance work and training? Can we afford this? What will people think? A year later, I can say that every aspect of training for a triathlon with Team In Training has been amazing. We've met and trained with inspiring honorees whom have battled cancer, we met teammates that have become our training buddies and friends. More importantly you have helped us raise funds toward cancer research. Our TNT journey has given us a little more perspective on life and what we as individuals can continue to do in helping to make a difference. Team In Training has been such a positive experience that after our first triathlon, I continued and became a part of the supporting mentor staff for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training 2009 summer triathlon season. It was during this time, that the thought of doing a longer distance came up. Former team mates had recently signed up for an Ironman, they encouraged us to join them in training for the longer distance. Every time, the idea of doing and Ironman distance came up, I'd laugh it off and think , "Ha! Those crazies! Doing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run all in 17 hours...hahaha only weirdos do that stuff". As time went by, that inner spark of curiosity returned. And just like déjà vu, all of the the same unsure questions from a year earlier returned, but to a higher degree, "Could I do this?". I had so many concerns, not only with the race itself (I didn’t even know if I could even make the cut off time limits). But the sacrifices I would have to make in order to train for an Ironman distance. It would mean a lifestyle change, a commitment to training, time away from friends, family and most of all time away from Tony. I wrestled with this in my head for several weeks. After long discussions we decided to do it "together". Knowing that we were going take on this challenge together alleviated many of my fears. My best friend and favorite training buddy was going to take on this adventure with me. A few days before our three year wedding anniversary we registered for an entry slot for Ironman Canada 2010. I couldn't believe it! We had just become one of those "crazies", we had just signed up for an Ironman. I’ve heard that training for an Ironman distance requires a lot of time and commitment. What better way to do in, but with a group of positive athletes supporting an important cause! So in November 2009, we decided to the join Team In Training's Ironteam. I don't exactly fit the athletic profile of a triathlete, nor do I post times that would ever get me near placing on a podium. When, I've mentioned to a few people that I was considering signing up for an Ironman distance. I would often see a look of doubt in their eyes. But that's ok, I have some of that too. It's taken a lot of guts to bring myself to this starting point. Despite the odds, moments of self doubt, and the very long road ahead of me, I also have the courage to "try". And knowing that I helping to save lifes and having inspiring honorees cheer me on, motivates me to do it! This upcoming year Tony and I are going to push ourselves to the limits by doing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run all in 17 hours. And if all goes well (God help us!) , at 11:59 p.m on Sunday, August 29, 2010, we will have completed Ironman Canada in Penticton, British Columbia. We are going to train more, we are going to raise more and we are going to do our best to fight cancer! I hope that you can help support this important cause generously. Donate Now! To keep posted on my training and see how fundraising is going by following me on Twitter.