RACING FOR A CAUSE....2019 IRONMAN LAKE PLACID

So, about a year ago I came up with this crazy idea of training for another Ironman, and raising money and support for Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston while I’m doing it.  At the time, I was coming back from a pretty serious knee surgery (Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy and ACL Repair).  However, I was getting back into shape, and competing in some local sprint triathlons.   I was having some success and started to get the “itch” to do another one.  Now, you might think….here we go again, someone that wants to do an Ironman for charity…..but that’s not me….well not entirely!  I’ve been a “triathlete” for close to 30 years. 

Sunset Sprint Triathlon, Bridgeton, NJ; circa sometime between 1990-93.

I’ve done 11 Ironmans (finished only 10, but that’s another post!), including 4 at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, so I’ve got nothing to prove here.  However, last summer it dawned on me that my kids never saw me finish an Ironman….and I wanted them to experience that.  For those with kids, you’ll get it.  Kids want to be like mom and dad.  Hell, my daughter ran a 1.5k with me at 2.5 years old, because dad was a runner.  And last year, at 4.5, she ran and finished the St. Jude 5k run/walk for Cancer.  I still remember her getting mad at me a couple years back because we didn’t bring HER bike, and SHE couldn’t race. 

Anyway, finishing an Ironman, and letting them experience the journey of training and racing is something I want to give my kids.  Here’s the thing, I’m not a young dad.  I just turned 47 and I’m teetering on the upward and downward slope of triathlon.  Not to mention, I’m coming off surgery in 2016 where I wasn’t sure if I would ever run again, let along compete in an Ironman.  Additionally, my kids are still at that age where they’re not consumed with activities, which is likely only a couple years away.  So, after discussing this with my wife, we figured that we had a 2 or 3 year window to do this.  For me, 3 years is too far off, but I knew that I needed at least 2 years of training.  So, 2 years it was.  Year 1 (2018) was going to focus on getting competitive again…racing Olympic Distance triathlons, including Age Group Nationals.  Year 2 (2019) was going to focus on Ironman.  I haven’t planned out 2019 yet, with the exception of Ironman Lake Placid, for which I am now registered.  Now, back to the “charity” thing!  As mentioned….I’ve been a triathlete since 1989, and have done more races that I can remember.  The sport has given back to me in so many ways.  So, for my last go-round, I figured it was time for me to give back.  But, how was I going to do that, and for which charity?  Well, as this Ironman is all about MY kids, I thought best that the charity be child-focused.  Now, there are many, many worthwhile child charities out there.  But, sometimes, things happen for a reason.  Last year I happened to run into the Chief of Staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston.  I told him of my idea, of chronicling my journey to Ironman Lake Placid, and he was beyond excited.  He put me in touch with his staff, and the rest is history. 

Pat and his law partners touring Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston, with the Shriners' staff.

So, here we are….kicking this campaign off the ground.  Now, I need YOUR help!  This is not going to be easy for me….no, I’m not talking about the Ironman, or the training involved….I’m talking about THIS!  The blogging, the social media, the videos.  These are not really in my comfort zone….but I’m going to do it.  So, please follow me….share it with your friends, family, co-workers…whoever.  But, please also consider donating a few bucks (DONATE HERE!).  This is a long campaign….so you really have two tax years to work with the donations!  I will post frequently…on here and my Instagram account (pfdwyer99).