Friday, June 4, 2010

Happy Birthday......

Today, Matt would have been 36. He loved his birthday, and made sure it lasted the entire month of June!

I wish he were here to celebrate and laugh with............we miss and love you, Matt - and we will make sure that your birthday is still celebrated and remembered.

xoxoxo

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Still making a difference....

I thought I would share an email that my mom wrote to her brother. In it, they discuss Matt's death, and how our lives have changed since. Needless to say, we miss Matt more as they days go by, as it really hits home that he is not coming back. I thought his passing would get "easier" with time, but I have found the opposite. The pain is still part of my daily life, and has not diminished in the least; however, there is a silver lining, as explained by my mom (aka "Iron Granny") below...............

Buzz,
As I told you on Thursday, while putting up the fence; I believe some good HAS to come out of this.
We saw the good; we saw it Thursday, Friday, and especially on Saturday. We saw it while stuffing packets; you saw it while stuffing envelopes.
We saw it at registration; we saw it through all of our volunteers.
We all saw it on race day, the smiles, the people who came from near and far, people who rearranged their schedules and enjoyed helping.
More importantly we felt it, we felt the love, we felt the love people had for Matt, we felt the love for our Veterans, we felt the love of our Family and Friends and we
felt the love, energy and spirit of Matt.
He was looking down and beaming with pride; as I was, I think it’s the only day I haven’t cried.
As tragic as this is, we all have become stronger, better and more grateful people because of this.
We are grateful we have you, Patti, the girls and all your Family and Friends.
Sherree

I think this pretty much sums it up. Although I would do anything to have my brother back, he has made a difference while here on earth, and continues to do so from above.

I love you, buddy..........

Monday, May 31, 2010

Thank you..........

Wow! What a weekend!!! THANK YOU RACERS – you all did an unbelievable job, and I am so proud of your accomplishments!

I want to thank the city of Sea Isle, Piranha Sports, all of our sponsors - and especially all of our family and friends who have been such a huge help and a great source of encouragement and support.

When I took this challenge on in January, I knew nothing - I didn't even know where to begin. To learn how to coordinate an event like this is not easy, and I have no idea how Matt did it. I have a new found appreciation for all of the work he did.

Matt did not leave behind much information on how he developed and ran this event (I think he kept it in his thick head!) I am not exactly an athlete, and had absolutely no experience with triathlons. The challenge was a very daunting one, but I knew I had to take it on, as TRI For Our Veterans was something Matt was extremely proud of, and it meant a great deal to him. He was so passionate and dedicated, and there was no way I could have let him, or the cause down.

There were a few bumps along the way, especially for a first time race director, and I would never have been able to organize or direct this event without these very special people:

1. Neil Semmel (Piranha Sports). I had never met Neil until after Matt passed away. After our first meeting, he made me feel so comfortable. He is an incredible teacher, has dedicated so much of his free time to helping me, giving me advice and guidance, and being my "go to guy" for pretty much everything! Neil, you are wonderful and a simple "thank you" is not enough.

2. The city of Sea Isle. The Mayor's Office, Police Dept., Recreation Dept. Dept of Public Works, the Beach Patrol - I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly NICE these people are. They have done so much, are so generous with their time, and great to work with. Vicki, Pattiann, Mike, John, and Renny - you are why Sea Isle is the great city that it truly is - THANK YOU!!

3. The Lynn Family......Uncle Buck is my right hand man. Although he tells way too many stories and bad jokes (which only he laughs at) he has been a huge help - attending all meetings, gaining new sponsors, and devoting much of his free time to the planning of this TRI. Aunt Patti – the greatest volunteer coordinator on earth! Organized should have been her middle name. Amy, Reenie, BJ, Doc and Melissa – thank you for all of your help and support, “Miles for Matt” was in full effect! Mikey and Zach – you are hired next year! By far the funniest and most entertaining finish line announcers out there, I am still laughing at some of the comments!

4. The Fordham Boys……Matt would have been proud! You were all on time, sober, and a HUGE help. I truly hope that you will come into town each year, we don’t get to see you enough!

5. Team Microsoft – quite possibly my 2 favorite people of the weekend! Rob and Fitz, thank you for traveling so far, keeping Matt’s memory alive, and talking with my mom. I enjoyed your company – and can’t wait to see those pictures!

6. Our generous sponsors….we raised over 40k for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Foundation and VFW Post 1963! It is incredible, and will make a difference in so many lives.

7. Team Semper Fi – did you see these guys??? Unbelievable. Not only are they extremely talented, they are extremely NICE on top of it all! It was an honor and privilege to meet them, and I look forward to seeing them all next year!

8. My mom and dad……As you can imagine, it has been a tough 4 months for them. Matt was their first born, they were so proud of all of his accomplishments, and there is not a second that goes by when they do not miss him and his huge smile. Through their grief, they have been a huge support and confidence booster for me. Even when I was stressed to the max, they believed in me. Love you guys!

9. My husband……Brett took on A LOT these past few months as I have been adjusting to life without my brother and best friend. There were many days/nights when we didn’t even see each other, as I devoted much of my time to this race. We have 2 little ones (1.5 and almost 3) and he has really stepped up to the plate! Thank you and love you too!

10. To all of our friends, family, and even strangers…….! Your dedication, cooperation, generosity, kind words, and support is what makes this event what it is. I am completely taken aback by the feeling of community that I have experienced over the past few months. Many of you stopped to share stories of Matt with our family - you have no idea how much this means to us. His name is spoken in our homes everyday, and we feel blessed that he is still remembered by so many of you.

I met some of the greatest people this weekend – many of whom said that TRI For Our Vets is their favorite race of the year. I hope it continues to be so for many years to come!

As I looked out over the crowd on Saturday, I saw nothing but smiles. That, along with knowing that our appreciation for our military is the basis of why we come together each year, is worth more to me than you will ever know.

Thank you for another great year and Happy Memorial Day!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

One Week To Go..............

Are you ready?? I think I am - just putting the final touches on some things and I think we are all set!

Athlete Guides should be sent out on Monday to everyone who has registered. In it you will find some changes (the registration site has not been updated as of yet.)

Here are a few highlights.......

1. Packet Pick-up is on Friday the 28th at the VFW (JFK Blvd in Sea Isle City) 4:30 - 8:30 pm. You MUST have valid ID to receive your packet. You CANNOT pick up a packet for another person. Body marking will also be completed at the VFW. New to TRI's?? There is a First Timer's Meeting at 7 where all of your questions and concerns will be answered.

2. You can also pick up your packets the morning of the race between 5 and 6:30 am. There is NO WAIT LIST or SPOTS AVAILABLE!

3. There is a MANDATORY pre-race meeting in the Transition Area at 6:40 am. THE RACE STARTS AT 7 AM THIS YEAR!

4. The COURSE HAS CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS YEARS......

The swim remains the same.

The Bike Course will now be 8.3 miles, as opposed to 12.3 miles (I'm sure you are all very upset by this!) Landis Ave was completely under construction this Spring and the completion date was originally set for June.

You will now exit the Transition area, make a RIGHT onto Pleasure Ave., a LEFT onto 39th, and a RIGHT onto Landis Ave. Proceed North towards Strathmere until the turn around point. The bike return will head South on Landis Ave, make a LEFT onto 40th, and into the Transition area.

The run portion has also changed, due to high tide. This will not be a beach run, as it has been in the past. You will now exit the Transition area onto the Promenade. Run South on the Promenade to 57th, exit Promenade, make a LEFT onto Pleasure Ave, run South to 69th (this is the turn around point, water/HEED station.) Then proceed back North, the same route.

The Finish Line will be on the North side of the Pavilion on the Promenade.

If you have done this race in the past,I know it sounds like alot of changes; but I think you will agree that this route is simpler and much safer.

I mentioned in a previous post that, this year the shirts will be yellow. Well, wouldn't you know it.......... the company decided to discontinue the color, and keep that little tid bit to themselves!

Just another bump in the road, and at the end of the day, not a big deal. Let's remember what this TRI is all about - when considering all of our service men and women - the color of a shirt is a pathetic thing to get upset about. So grey it is for the shirts....... (but who doesn't love a grey shirt, right?)

Wish me luck..............tomorrow I will be on a jet ski setting the flags for the swim! (I wish I looked this good in a wet suit, though! I miss and love you, MBM!)



Sunday, May 2, 2010

SOLD OUT!!!!

Thank you! It doesn't seem to be enough - but I would like to thank all who have registered to race, sponsored, donated, or who are volunteering. The amount of support is amazing.

When I first took on this new position of Race Director, I think there were just under 100 people registered. I will admit it - I was discouraged, afraid, nervous, and anxious over the idea of not having the race sell-out, as it has the past 2 years. I didn't want to let Matt, The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, or the City of Sea Isle down. The pressure was definitly on.

I have had so much help and support from so many incredible people - and we are not finished yet! There is still alot of preparation to do, but I am now even more confident that this year will be a success as well.

I appreciate all of your efforts more than you will ever know.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

13 Spots Available!

Looks like another sell out! Registration will soon be closed, as there are only 13 spots left. Get movin'!

The past 2 years, we have given Polar Water Bottles, (along with a long-sleeve t-shirt), out as give aways. Polar Bottles are awesome, but we thought we would switch it up this year!

Each participant will receive a long sleeve (yellow) t-shirt - in addition to a pair of these......

With Lock Laces, you never have to stop to retie your laces during any race, sport or activity.

Look for them inside your race packet this year!!!

Monday, April 26, 2010

33 Days and Counting...........

Wow - only about a month away from race day, and we are almost SOLD OUT!!!!!

Thank you to all of you who have registered to race or volunteer, and a very special THANK YOU to our sponsors and families who have donated! The amount of support we have received is amazing.

****PLEASE NOTE RACE TIME HAS CHANGED TO A 7 AM START. ALL PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS MUST ARRIVE BY 6:30 AM!!****

I have mentioned in my last post that the course will change a bit - these changes are still in effect, and have even been altered a bit more (confused, yet?).

Swim course will stay the same. When leaving the transition area, racers will head North on Pleasure Ave, turn Left on 39th St, and then a Right onto Landis Ave - heading North into Stathmere.

The bike route will now be 1 Loop. Upon turn-around, racers will head back South on Landis, making a Left onto JFK, and back into the transition area. The bike route will now total 8 miles, as opposed to 12.

After leaving the transition area, participants will enter the promenade and run South to 58th St, exit the promenade, run North on Pleasure Ave, and then back onto the promenade. The finish line will be on the North side of the Pavillion on the promenade at JFK Blvd.

Refreshments will be off the promenade, on JFK Blvd. for all race participants. The Award Ceremony will be held on the promenade as well.

I will be updating the prizes and give-aways soon, so stay tuned!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Times, They are A-Changin'!

For those who have competed in the past, there will be quite a few changes in the race course this year.....

Landis Ave (the main road in Sea Isle) is under construction, and it is not looking like it will be completed in time for race day. We have a few alternatives in the works - the most likely route will be to exit the original transition area, make a right onto JFK Blvd, a right onto Landis Ave, and head North into Strathmere, making 2 loops, and then heading back to the transition area.

Another issue that we are "running into" is high tide. The peak of high tide will come in the middle of the "beach run" to finish the race. Due to the fact that there will be little beach to run on, softer sand that will cause more injuries - the "beach run" will now take place on the promenade and Pleasure Ave (the road closest to the beach.) The finish line will be on the promenade this year.

The city of Sea Isle has been wonderful in working with us to ensure that every aspect of the race is taken care of. We want this year to be just as much (or even more!) of a success as it has been in the past.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up thus far. As of today, there are only 93 spots available - I am looking forward to another sell-out!!!

Again, thank you to all of our sponsors. We could not do this without your support!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

What Are You Waiting For??????

Tomorrow - March 31st - is the LAST DAY for your discounted registration fee. The price increases as of April 1st!

Sign up before midnite tomorrow and save a few bucks!

Monday, March 29, 2010

One Foot in Front of the Other.....

This is my new mantra. This is the reality of how our family must face each day. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time....

As I'm sure most of you are aware, this blog (well the blog formerly known as seaisletriathlon.blogspot.com) was created by Matt McCulley.

Matt suddenly passed away on January 12th. He was a loving husband, father of 3 beautiful girls, a beloved son, brother, and friend. TRI FOR OUR VETERANS was extremely important to him, and it is our family's wish that his vision be carried on.

I am Matt's sister, and I hope to be able to continue what Matt started....to support our military veterans. I am now the race director for this year, and the TRI is scheduled for May 29, 2010.

I won't promise to be as insightful, thorough, or as funny as my brother was - but I am willing to give it a go! I will not have the answers to everything, as I have never competed in a triathlon in my life! I do, however, have many people who are helping me learn the ropes and guiding me through this new journey. I want to especially thank Neil Semmel from Piranha Sports, Shannon McGroagan from GO! Athletics, Chuck Brodsky from the Nation's Triathlon, as well as, my family and friends. Since Matt's passing, the amount of support we have received has been overwhelming. Thank you does not seem to be enough.

Matt was very special to me, and I miss him more as each second goes by. His drive, commitment, and determination to help The Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963, and all military veterans was amazing......you can help to continue his passion by signing up here!

Thank you!!!