Sea Isle's Tri for Our Veterans race is off to a great start. In 30 short days, we have collected about 52 race registrations (much of these over the holidays). It is safe to say, we will experience a sellout because our agreements, with both the city and our timing partner, limit the number of participants.
Take advantage of the Grand Opening race registration and discounted fee. By the end of February, the registration fee will rise. Additionally, this is the first beach triathlon of the summer and we are expecting a lot of early interest.
Lock up your spot now and click HERE to register for the Tri for Our Veterans race in Sea Isle City, NJ. Remember, all proceeds go to The Injured marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's VFW Post.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
From the Civil War to Iraq/Afghanistan: When will we provide for our military veterans?
If you have been following the Tri for Our Veterans race blog, you know that all of the proceeds will be split between Sea Isle City's VFW Post 1963 and The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. It is really important to keep our veterans in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to serve in the Middle East (we are approaching the 5 year anniversary of the Iraq War-- almost 4,000 US soldiers killed in action). Just this week, an important article was published, detailing the trauma these soldiers bring home with them from the front. Click HERE to read about it. Basically, it chronicles how our veterans struggle to re-enter American society after being on the front lines. After ducking bullets and dodging IEDs, they come home to a country tracking the latest drama with Brittany Spears. Our vets face a myriad of obstacles in the transition from the war front to the home front. Homelessness, for one, is a rampant problem for our returning soldiers and has been in every conflict since the Civil War. In 2006, our government counted 336,000 veterans as homeless, which is simply heartbreaking.
The aforementioned article will give you a better insight to the problems facing our returning men & women in uniform, but the one quote that caught my attention, "War changes people", reminded me of when I was a kid and my Dad would introduce me to certain Vietnam Veterans-- he would sometimes comment how different that his friend was before Vietnam. It is very sad to see the same problems occur, 30 years later.
Thankfully, great organizations are helping our returning soldiers and you can too. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is one of those wonderful organizations. The Semper Fi Fund has done a phenomenal job of raising lots of money (almost $17 million since May, 2004), while keeping expenses, like salaries, very low. For each dollar raised by the fund, 95 percent of that revenue is distributed to our veterans and their families.
When you are debating to do this race, think about how your efforts will go to help our veterans. Since this country's inception, they have protected and fought for our freedom and we owe them.
Click here & Sign up for the race-- we will sell out!
The aforementioned article will give you a better insight to the problems facing our returning men & women in uniform, but the one quote that caught my attention, "War changes people", reminded me of when I was a kid and my Dad would introduce me to certain Vietnam Veterans-- he would sometimes comment how different that his friend was before Vietnam. It is very sad to see the same problems occur, 30 years later.
Thankfully, great organizations are helping our returning soldiers and you can too. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is one of those wonderful organizations. The Semper Fi Fund has done a phenomenal job of raising lots of money (almost $17 million since May, 2004), while keeping expenses, like salaries, very low. For each dollar raised by the fund, 95 percent of that revenue is distributed to our veterans and their families.
When you are debating to do this race, think about how your efforts will go to help our veterans. Since this country's inception, they have protected and fought for our freedom and we owe them.
Click here & Sign up for the race-- we will sell out!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Get the Word Out: Sea Isle Triathlon
Ok, the registration has been open for 13 days now and we have seen a good amount of traction. So far, we have two (2) relay teams signed up and twenty eight (28) individuals. Check out the competitors on this website. We have competitors coming from the following states: MA, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD. Not too shabby and I am pleasantly surprised.
The big story is the race blog, which opened in early December. Over 700 visitors from more than 20 states have visited the site. Five (5) different countries have visited the race blog. Most of the traffic comes from three websites: google (duh), USA Triathlon, and Piranha Sports (our timing partner).
Tri for Our Veterans has to thank a number of folks for helping to get the word out. For one, Piranha-- they are a great partner and sent out an email blast to their previous racers. Secondly, I have to give a shout out to Bubba Dogs, who has the best hot dogs in Sea Isle and a great attitude. Tim (Bubba Dog) is a veteran and has been kind enough to "advertise" the race on his own blog, which is one cool site for anyone looking to learn a little about Sea Isle, Philadelphia, and everything in between (Go Phils). Finally, my good friend Chuck Brodsky, who is the Founder of The Nation's Triathlon-- if not for his advice and guidance, I would be LOST! Check out his race in DC-- I am running it this year.
Click HERE to help out veterans and register for the Race....
You can also help by spreading the word about Sea Isle's Triathlon!
The big story is the race blog, which opened in early December. Over 700 visitors from more than 20 states have visited the site. Five (5) different countries have visited the race blog. Most of the traffic comes from three websites: google (duh), USA Triathlon, and Piranha Sports (our timing partner).
Tri for Our Veterans has to thank a number of folks for helping to get the word out. For one, Piranha-- they are a great partner and sent out an email blast to their previous racers. Secondly, I have to give a shout out to Bubba Dogs, who has the best hot dogs in Sea Isle and a great attitude. Tim (Bubba Dog) is a veteran and has been kind enough to "advertise" the race on his own blog, which is one cool site for anyone looking to learn a little about Sea Isle, Philadelphia, and everything in between (Go Phils). Finally, my good friend Chuck Brodsky, who is the Founder of The Nation's Triathlon-- if not for his advice and guidance, I would be LOST! Check out his race in DC-- I am running it this year.
Click HERE to help out veterans and register for the Race....
You can also help by spreading the word about Sea Isle's Triathlon!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Origins of the Tri for Our Veterans race
This entry is a re-post of my first blog entry..."So why are you doing this...". A number of people have asked me about the origins of the race and I thought it made sense to repost it. Plus, our timing partner, Piranha Sports, recently sent out an email to all of their race community and new people are discovering the race blog. Lastly-- don't forget to REGISTER for the race...click here and you will magically be connected to our registration page.
Here goes....
Last summer, I completed four triathlons, a marathon, and an Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman). My MBA finished up in May and work was going very well. I spent a lot of time in Sea Isle and really enjoyed the long summer with my three daughters, my wife, and the rest of my family and friends.
Then, I read the article. I read the New York Times every day and this one was an Art & Entertainment piece, which I rarely read. It was a review of a photographer's work hosted by a NYC gallery. The article broke me. It made me feel so selfish, so guilty, so undeserving, so ashamed, so un-American because I did not serve my country like my father and grandfather. The article made me want to do something. The article and its pictures still haunt me. The article is still online and I go back to it now and again-- check it out when you can.
This idea, this race, this blog, and this post are all apolitical. I will not divulge my political party, my feelings for or against the war, nor the administration that launched it. I have only one goal: to give something back to the veterans who have fought in our previous battles and those who fight in today's wars. It is fairly simple, but, wow, is there a lot of work to do...
I came up with the idea to launch the "Tri for Our Veterans" triathlon race and host it in Sea Isle City, NJ, which is the beach town my family has visited for 40+ years. Triathlons are very fun-- you start off by swimming a certain distance, jump on a bike for a number of miles, then run as best as you can to the finish line. My race is going to be a "sprint" because of the short distances involved. Most folks think of the Ironman Series when it comes to triathlon races--- which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles bike, and 26.2 (marathon) race. Sea Isle's Tri will be a wee bit different-- 1/4 mile swim, 12.3 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run on the beach's hard sand-- perfect for first timers, those looking for a beach workout after a long night at the Ocean Drive, or someone willing to help our veterans. For most people, they will complete the race in about 90 minutes or so.
Best of all-- the proceeds will go towards two fine organizations: The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund & Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963, in their efforts to rebuild the town's Veterans' Memorial Fountain and Garden.
Which brings me to the title of this post-- I met with a professional timing company today, who will record and post all of the triathletes' times. They organize & host about 12 races a year as part of their business. When they asked about the purpose of the race, I let them know it was going to be a not-for-profit race...to which they responded...."So, why are you doing this..."
Read the article, check out the photographer's gallery http://www.jenbekman.com/artists/nina_berman/, and then you might get a sense of how bad these soldiers need our help and deserve our respect.
Wanna Race? You need to register......click here to help our veterans
Here goes....
Last summer, I completed four triathlons, a marathon, and an Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman). My MBA finished up in May and work was going very well. I spent a lot of time in Sea Isle and really enjoyed the long summer with my three daughters, my wife, and the rest of my family and friends.
Then, I read the article. I read the New York Times every day and this one was an Art & Entertainment piece, which I rarely read. It was a review of a photographer's work hosted by a NYC gallery. The article broke me. It made me feel so selfish, so guilty, so undeserving, so ashamed, so un-American because I did not serve my country like my father and grandfather. The article made me want to do something. The article and its pictures still haunt me. The article is still online and I go back to it now and again-- check it out when you can.
This idea, this race, this blog, and this post are all apolitical. I will not divulge my political party, my feelings for or against the war, nor the administration that launched it. I have only one goal: to give something back to the veterans who have fought in our previous battles and those who fight in today's wars. It is fairly simple, but, wow, is there a lot of work to do...
I came up with the idea to launch the "Tri for Our Veterans" triathlon race and host it in Sea Isle City, NJ, which is the beach town my family has visited for 40+ years. Triathlons are very fun-- you start off by swimming a certain distance, jump on a bike for a number of miles, then run as best as you can to the finish line. My race is going to be a "sprint" because of the short distances involved. Most folks think of the Ironman Series when it comes to triathlon races--- which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles bike, and 26.2 (marathon) race. Sea Isle's Tri will be a wee bit different-- 1/4 mile swim, 12.3 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run on the beach's hard sand-- perfect for first timers, those looking for a beach workout after a long night at the Ocean Drive, or someone willing to help our veterans. For most people, they will complete the race in about 90 minutes or so.
Best of all-- the proceeds will go towards two fine organizations: The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund & Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963, in their efforts to rebuild the town's Veterans' Memorial Fountain and Garden.
Which brings me to the title of this post-- I met with a professional timing company today, who will record and post all of the triathletes' times. They organize & host about 12 races a year as part of their business. When they asked about the purpose of the race, I let them know it was going to be a not-for-profit race...to which they responded...."So, why are you doing this..."
Read the article, check out the photographer's gallery http://www.jenbekman.com/artists/nina_berman/, and then you might get a sense of how bad these soldiers need our help and deserve our respect.
Wanna Race? You need to register......click here to help our veterans
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year's Resolution: Register, Train for the race
Happy New Year! Many of us are waking up a bit drowsy this morning, cursing the cheap champagne, the never-ending toast at midnight, or the decision to stay up just a few more hours. Gyms are packed around the country with folks putting their resolutions into practice and there is a run on Advil at the local CVS to alleviate either the headache from last night or the sore muscles from this morning's workout (rarely both).
When making your New Year's resolutions, please keep Sea Isle City's triathlon race in mind and register for the Tri for Our Veterans race. That's right-- put a stake in the ground and say "I'm doing it-- I am going to train for the summer's first triathlon of the season". We need our supporters to register as early as possible. The race is restricted to 400 racers and we need all of the support we can muster. With an early sell out, Tri for Our Veterans will be able to better publicize the event, work on other fundraising mechanisms, and control our costs--- all of which will help us increase our contribution to The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963. Remember, all proceeds from this race go directly to these two great organizations.
Finally, many of us count exercise as one of our many resolutions for January 1st. By late January, we all need some motivation. Any time I need a kick in the can to get out of bed and out to the gym, I think of the folks below-- feel free to do the same.
Len McCulley: My Grandfather. He has taught me so much in life. As a 19 year old soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, he was "volunteered" to flush a sniper out of a church steeple because he was young, green, and single. He won the Bronze Star for his efforts and eventually made it back to Philadelphia to marry, raise a family, and cheer for his Eagles. I often think of him during my workouts, especially today, his birthday!
Gary Gordon & Randy Shughart: These 2 brave soldiers risked their own lives to save an Army pilot in Somalia, as depicted in Black Hawk Down. I can't image having the courage to do what they did. Both were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Our wounded veterans: If these folks can pull themselves out of bed for physical therapy, I am guessing I can pound the pavement to shed a few pounds.
When making your New Year's resolutions, please keep Sea Isle City's triathlon race in mind and register for the Tri for Our Veterans race. That's right-- put a stake in the ground and say "I'm doing it-- I am going to train for the summer's first triathlon of the season". We need our supporters to register as early as possible. The race is restricted to 400 racers and we need all of the support we can muster. With an early sell out, Tri for Our Veterans will be able to better publicize the event, work on other fundraising mechanisms, and control our costs--- all of which will help us increase our contribution to The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963. Remember, all proceeds from this race go directly to these two great organizations.
Finally, many of us count exercise as one of our many resolutions for January 1st. By late January, we all need some motivation. Any time I need a kick in the can to get out of bed and out to the gym, I think of the folks below-- feel free to do the same.
Len McCulley: My Grandfather. He has taught me so much in life. As a 19 year old soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, he was "volunteered" to flush a sniper out of a church steeple because he was young, green, and single. He won the Bronze Star for his efforts and eventually made it back to Philadelphia to marry, raise a family, and cheer for his Eagles. I often think of him during my workouts, especially today, his birthday!
Gary Gordon & Randy Shughart: These 2 brave soldiers risked their own lives to save an Army pilot in Somalia, as depicted in Black Hawk Down. I can't image having the courage to do what they did. Both were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Our wounded veterans: If these folks can pull themselves out of bed for physical therapy, I am guessing I can pound the pavement to shed a few pounds.
Please click HERE to register for the race...we need you!
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