MANCHESTER MAN TRIATHLON

This project will combine a few of my favorite things.

I've been involved in youth programs for over 20 years. For me, there's nothing better than facilitating learning experiences for kids.

Somehow along the way, a few years ago I got mixed up in triathlon. Personally, it's more than just swim/bike/run. I've discovered a lot about myself during all of those hours and miles of training.

One day on a long bike ride last summer I was trying to think of ways to help local youth be more active. Then all of the sudden this idea came to me like a bug hitting my sunglasses: MANCHESTER MAN!! I could complete a full ironman distance triathlon all in the town of Manchester, VT to raise money for the Town's youth programs.

That's awesome! Except I've never even attempted an Ironman before. This is the grandaddy of triathlon distances. I wasn't so sure I could run a marathon, especially after swimming 2.4 miles then biking 112 miles.

I tried to ignore it, saying this was a silly idea but the thought of Manchester Man was very persistent in my brain. So I started loosely training for it in January, running during cold, dark, and snowy nights while riding my stationary bike indoors for long hours. I started gaining confidence when I was completing 13 mile runs consistently every week, something I was only doing two or three times a year previously. Miles slowly increased on the run over the weeks and when the snow melted I was able to ride on the roads again getting a little sunburned in the process. I finally jumped in Emerald Lake and started to swim in May. Yeah, brrrrrr is right.

Although there is still some self doubt about how I will do on July 11, I'm excited for the chance to help the community while doing what I love to do. One of the things I've learned about myself as a triathlete is that self doubt can be a useful motivator. Like saying to yourself: "Oh yeah? Watch this!!"

If you're reading this please consider donating to help local youth get a chance to participate in educational and athletic programs in Manchester, VT. Click the links in the homepage to find out how.

Thank You!!