Water temperature on the rise

9 days until the race...a few updates:

Weather report: Initial reports from AccuWeather call for sunny, 71 degrees. PERFECT!

Water temperature: Nasty storm last week, but water temperature is rising. A balmy 59 today, should get to 63 by race day. Does anyone know how to boil the ocean? Honestly, for the 1/4 mile swim, you won't even feel it. I was in a race two weeks ago and the lake was 66 degrees. It felt fine (I did have a short wetsuit on).

Registration: A number of emails about this topic-- yes, we did close the online registration. If you show up on Friday night at the VFW in Sea Isle, 4-830PM, you will most likely get in. On race day-- rolling the dice.

Check in & Packet pick up: Bring a photo ID! If you are a USAT Member, bring your MEMBERSHIP CARD.

Race day essentials: Helmet, swim goggles, towel, sunglasses.

Athletes' Guide to the triathlon: Click HERE.


See you in Sea isle City!
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SOLD OUT...but...

Tri for Our Veterans is sold out; online registration was shut off at midnight on Friday, May 9th. THANK YOU! We are on our way to make a significant donation to our two veterans' causes-- The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's new Veterans' Memorial Fountain.

There will be a limited number of slots available on Friday, May 23rd and Saturday, May 24th (Race Day). These slots, between 10-20, will be first come, first served. Racers will receive a race t-shirt, but all other items are sold out. Come early and register if you want your spot-- Sea Isle's VFW on 5/23 and the Transition Area (JFK Blvd. & Pleasure Ave) on Race Day.

We have more than 370 racers lined up for Sea Isle's Triathlon, Tri for Our Veterans; the Military Division is comprised of more than 10% of the field. Very exciting! If you are racing, please be sure to download the Athelete's Guide by CLICKING HERE.

See you in Sea Isle City....in just two weeks...
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Online Registration Closes Tonight

Well, we have a SELL OUT on hand. We have cracked 350 racers and it has been decided to pull the online registration early. It closes tonight, midnight.

There will be 10-20 slots available on May 23 and May 24 (raceday). These slots are 1st come, 1st served. These racers will receive a race t-shirt, but we are out of water bottles and beach bags. If interested, come to the VFW in Sea Isle on 5/23 (4-830PM) or 40th & Pleasure (Transition Area) to register. No guarantees, so come as early as possible.

Why 350? As a racer, I always appreciate a quality race course. I have been to some triathlons and the race director clearly did not think about the athletes. If you see hair-pin turns on the bike course (especially 180 degree turns), cheap giveaways or t-shirts, and warm water at the finish line-- you know the race director could care less about you, the athlete. This is a first year event and I want a shot to host this triathlon in Sea Isle next year. Without the strong support and the recommendation from athletes, we will not have that opportunity next year.

So, I want to make sure we deliver on quality. The streets are closed for the bike course, but will be lined with parked cars, which will make the bike course narrow (it is Memorial Day weekend, afterall, and it seems as though all of Philadelphia migrates to the Shore for the weekend). 350 racers will fit, but I am not sure about 400-500. Same idea with the transition area, which I believe could hold 600 racers-- but I want to walk before I run-- so we limited it to 350.

Last call, folks, if you want in, you have two options-- sign up tonight before midnight, or take your chance and sign up onsite-- but show up early!

Very excited to welcome almost 50 entrants to the Military Division-- almost 15% of the race will be in this group!! If you are coming to cheer on the racers, be sure to wear your red, white, and blue!

See you in Sea Isle City...
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SELL OUT expected by the weekend

Sell out. wow. I am very excited to announce we will most likely close online registration this weekend due to a high volume of racers signing up in April-May.

We will donate more than $20,000 to our two veterans' causes. Very cool. I am hoping to hit the magic number of $25,000. We'll see.

Less than 20 spots left. We will probably allocate 12 slots for race day-- first come, first served. No water bottle or beach bag, but a very cool t-shirt.

Currently, we have more than 325 racers lined up for the triathlon. The Military Division constitutes more than 10% of the registration list. OOHRAH!

See you in Sea Isle City...

Down to 22 slots...18 days...

Tick...tick...tick...

We now have 19 days until race day. Over 320 folks have registered for the race and it looks like we will shut down the online registration early. 350 sounds like a nice, round number. Plus, there is still a lot of operational work to be completed.

I am toying with an idea to auction off 12 race day entries, but I don't know-- sounds like too much work on the day of the race-- when there is plenty of work to be done.

Anyhow-- spread the word, we are closing up shop soon...

If you are racing, CLICK HERE for the Athletes' Guide. It should answer all of your questions about the race.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE.

Rest in Peace, SGT German

AP STORY: A Marine sergeant who became a symbol of resilience as he strove to recover from a roadside bomb blast in Iraq that blanketed 97 percent of his body with burns has died, the Defense Department said. He was 22.

Sgt. Merlin German died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was continuing treatment for the injuries he suffered in combat on Feb. 22, 2005, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The former turret gunner was dubbed the "Miracle Man" for his determination in facing his wounds, which cost the former saxophone player his fingers and rippled his face with scars. He endured more than 40 surgeries, spent 17 months in a hospital and had to learn to walk again.

Meanwhile, he started a charity, Merlin's Miracles, to aid child burn victims and considered college and a career.
"Sometimes I do think I can't do it," he told The Associated Press last year. "Then I think: Why not? I can do whatever I want. ... Nobody has ever been 97 percent dead and survived, and lived to walk."

Born in New York City, German moved to its suburbs as a teenager. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2003, according to his charity's Web site. He was medically retired four years later, the Defense Department said.

German had been stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the state Capitol's flags would be flown at half-staff in German's honor, saying the sergeant's "courage and unfailing loyalty serve as an inspiration to Americans everywhere."

Personal note: May God Bless you, SGT German. What an inspiration-- 97% dead and this 22 year old survives, walks again, and starts a foundation for others. Life is for the living....

39 spots left..REGISTER NOW if you want to race

Very exciting stuff happening with the race. For one, our sponsors have greatly expanded and we now count a number of new companies as sponsors for Sea Isle City's summer triathlon-- Tri for Our Veterans. South Jersey Gas, Kix-McNutley, The Lobster Loft, and The Commodore Club. Very cool.

Secondly, we are now projecting a total amount of $25,000 to be split between our two organizations-- The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's VFW project to rebuild the town/s Veterans' Memorial. This is beyond my wildest expectation-- I was hoping to raise a total of $15,000.

Thirdly, we only have 41 spots left in the race. I decided to cut the registration off at 350 and expect to sell out by the time the race goes off. 350...huh, I can remember cracking 20 and getting excited! Thank you, to all who have registered. For a race to hit these numbers in its 1st year is amazing-- it just doesn't happen. THANK YOU RACERS! Click HERE to register.

Finally, we have posted the Athletes' Guide for the race. Click HERE to review the guide. It has some very, very important information, including maps, schedule of events, parking, and check in procedures for racers.

Again, thank you for reading my blog, for racing and for helping out our veterans! See you in Sea Isle City!

Couldn't have done it without you....

I am putting the finishing touches on the Operations Manual, which details the various course maps, safety plans, and schedule of events. It is a lot of work, but it also made me appreciate all of the people who have been so kind to the triathlon. Here is just a few of the many who deserve credit:

Marge Quinlan-- my mother in law. She has been such a supporter since the beginning. A couple of her contributions-- recruited our very first registered participants, posted the race concept out to her email directory, visited over 70 businesses in Sea Isle (yes, SEVENTY) for sponsorships, and even signed up her own relay team! I often wonder if the little Marine Drill Instructor inside of her inspired her to be such a helping hand. THANKS MOM!

Mike Patton-- family friend and, according to my wife, my "BFF". Mike is a former Marine and in charge of our bike course safety. He has a great eye for details, which is welcomed.

Gerry Quinlan-- my father in law. I have mentioned his contributions in past blog posts, but he has been so instrumental and deserves another credit. Director of Volunteers, Chief Note Taker, and my "local" connection. He has saved me countless hours!

Bill Dalton-- President of Bridgepoint Insurance Group, our Founding Sponsor. When this event was little more than an idea, Bill was in our corner. Like me, he is not a veteran but deeply believes in citizens caring for our military veterans. Bridgepoint was our 1st sponsor before we even had a official sponsor package! Talk about trust. Thanks Trooper!

Sherree and Paul McCulley-- "Iron-Granny" and SGT Swartzkopf. My Mom and Dad. Mom was a huge source of encouragement and one of our registered athletes. Dad (and his father) are veterans and both inspired me to help our soldiers.

Fordham-- for teaching me two important concepts: "men for others" and "to whom much is given, much is expected".

And finally, Heather, Caroline, Emma, and Lila: Thanks for inspiring, listening, and coping with the hours of planning this event has taken. Girls, I am very proud of the fact that you have learned about the role of our brave men and women in uniform. Freedom isn't free; instead, it is paid for by our soldiers, 4,000+ who have recently died in Iraq. I now know you understand Memorial Day is more than the start of the summer.

See you in Sea Isle....just 26 days to go.....

T-minus 32 days

August 16th, 2007. I wrote Sea Isle's Mayor, Len Desiderio, on this date, proposing the idea of a Sea Isle triathlon. Now we have 32 days to go. Where did the time go? Things continue to progress. From a race director's seat, job duties switch from marketing the race and filling the registration list, to more of an operational one. We have 271 racers signed up-- yes, 21 people signed up in the last six days-- so I am very confident we will hit 300+. In fact, we will probably inch towards 350. The city has not cut us off and we have a very large transition area, which will accomodate our racers with plenty of room to spare.

From an operational perspective, I just put the finishing touches on the race manual. 18 pages...wow! I am lucky to have two people to lean on when writing this paper-- Chuck Brodsky, who is behind The Nation's Triathlon and has a ton of experience-- and my father-in-law, Gerry Quinlan, who was a logistics manager for Verizon before retiring (and he still retains his keen eye for details). Gerry is a Sea Isle resident and has saved me countless trips to the beach. These two guys have helped me get this off the ground. Thanks, guys!

Details, details...I think I have put together a solid course. The swim is what it is-- 400m in the ocean. The real key here is protecting the athletes by providing plenty of lifeguards and lobbying for some back-up...like the Coast Guard. They will have a boat on the scene, which is very reassuring. (And, no, it is not going to be cold...Sea Isle water temperature is 56 today and will only go up...expect high 60s!).

The bike course is the trickest venue because of traffic control. The city has been kind enough to close Pleasure and Landis (southbound) Avenues, but there are other concerns: 30+ cross streets to block, five 90 degree turns, four "s" curves, and lots of parked cars. Obviously, we will need to have a good number of volunteers (70+ so far) and educate our athletes about the twists & turns. On the positive note-- bikers will enjoy the very long straight aways-- almost 9 miles of straight riding. I have been to some races where they force you to do a 180 degree turn on each lap (Philly Tri, Wildwood Tri)-- not fun and SLOW. I estimate the bike course contains more than 9 miles of flat, laser straight road (Landis, 79th-42nd, is going to break speed records).

Finally, the run. This has been the easiest to organize-- a 3.1 mile, out and back course on the hard sand. No traffic to worry about, only the occassional, washed up jellyfish.

All in all, I would have to say, a race director should be required to particpate in 5-10 triathlons before starting their own race. I have tried to eliminate any concern for the racer and put on a bodacious (did i really just use that word) venue for you athletes!

Have any suggestions? Add a comment to the blog!

250.............

Wow. I feel great today. We just broke 250 registrations!

When I came up with the idea of launching a triathlon in my favorite beach town-- my second home-- I figured a figured a good goal would be roughly 250 racers. Then I actually launched it and watched the numbers trickle in via Piranha-Sports. Many times, I questioned whether or not we could hit that magic number. During the cold months of January and February, racers slowly started to show up-- but most of them were friends, family, and familiar racers. Now, we are seeing a ton of activity and racers from as far as Massachusetts and Virginia.

Some interesting numbers:

2,690-- the number of visitors to the race blog
7,596-- athletes in Piranha's database...we sent 2 emails announcing the race
1,291-- number of postcards I sent to area triathletes
10-- number of Team Semper Fi racers

$21,000 -- Amount we are predicting we will raise for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's new Veterans' Memorial Fountain

Thank you! This has been an amazing experience and I am so pleased to give back to our community, our veterans, and call attention to the sacrifices made by our military. With 250 racers as of today, we should probably climb all the way to possibly 350 (we do have 36 days to go and a lot of racers wait until the last minute).

See you in Sea Isle City!

Race Article in The Press of Atlantic City

The Press of Atlantic City was kind enough to feature Tri for Our Veterans in today's newspaper. Click here to read the article.

40 days 'til race day...

Race news, tidbits, & 44 days to go...

Race registrations are up to 225 and we are expecting a sellout...which is great news.

This week, Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, was posthumously awarded the nation's highest military honor-- The Congressional Medal of Honor. Monsoor was in Iraq with his SEAL Team, flushing out insurgents, when a grenade landed next to him. He dove on the exploding grenade and saved the lives of his fellow SEALs in doing so. Though he lived for 30 minutes after the explosion, Monsoor eventually died, becoming the 16th SEAL killed in Iraq/Afghanistan. Another debt that can never be repaid.

I am planning something special at the race to remember those brave men and women who have given their lives in Iraq. With more than 4,000 killed in the war, it is a challenge, but I have something up my sleeve to honor all of them AND call out our local heroes (NJ-DE-PA) in particular. More details to follow...

Thanks go out to the Yacht Club of Sea Isle, the Commodore Club, the TI Yacht Club and the various organizations who have been pledging volunteers for the race. THANK YOU.

44 days until the race...you ready?

EXTRA, EXTRA: Triathlon breaks 200 registrations

200 registered racers for the triathlon. Remember, first 300 racers to register receive the best race swag on the Jersey shore-- Polar water bottle, t-shirt, and beach bag complete with race logo.

Tell your friends and sign up today by clicking HERE.

Today's Inspiration: Ripples of Hope

Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.

Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance...

All of us will ultimately be judged, and as the years pass we will surely judge ourselves on the effort we have contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which our ideals and goals have shaped that event. (RFK, 1966)

Trophies for top finishers

Most races give out trophies or awards for top performances. Top relay team, 1st place, and top performances in age groups (i.e. Men 30-34) are all examples. Tri for Our Veterans is no different-- we will have awards and they will coincide with our veteran's theme. All top performances will win a customized dog tag key chain, as pictured above. I was worried if this was going to be well received by our military and veterans in attendance, but the VFW assured me it was "a-ok". My number one goal is to put on a great race and raise a lot of money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, but a close second is to raise awareness to the true purpose of Memorial Day-- honoring our military. Hopefully, we can accomplish both!

We are now over 180 participants...guarantee your spot by registering HERE before we close out the race.

Press Coverage: Tri for Our Veterans

Click directly on the article for a larger viewing of the article.

Ok, it is not the New York Times, but I think the Sea Isle Times did a nice job of highlighting the race. We appreciate the public relations. If you are having a hard time reading the article, click HERE and it will take you to their website.

Call for Volunteers

Well, we have more than 170 people registered for the race and we expect about 350 total racers. This will allow us to donate approximately $20,000 to our veteran causes. Great news!

We still need help, though. The race is very difficult to organize and we need volunteers to help with traffic control. Do you have family and friends willing to help? Click HERE to sign up.

We are only asking for two hours of your time. Most of the volunteers will be asked to help with traffic control-- Pleasure Avenue and northbound Landis Avenue are closed to traffic. Volunteers will be asked to hold any vehicles from entering the course-- 7:30 to 9:30 AM.

Please spread the word-- folks can sign-up online by clicking HERE.

EXTRA, EXTRA: Mimi supports the troops.

BREAKING NEWS: Mimi registers for the Tri for Our Veterans race!

Wow. I am very proud to announce my Mom signed up for the race. After weeks of training, she felt she could safely sign up and compete. That's right..."Mimi", mother of three and grandmother to four beautiful girls, is signed up and ready to compete on May 24th. As a wife of a veteran, Mimi supported the race since its inception and has been a proud backer of our efforts to support our military veterans.

This is her first triathlon and she is very excited. It goes to show that this race is possible for all ages and even first timers. I have received a number of questions about this race, mainly from first time triathletes. Because of the short swim, the flat bike course, and the overwhelming crowd support, this race is a perfect setting for "rookies".

Nice job, Mom. I can't wait to give you a hug at the finish line!

Race GIVEAWAY....~Chill~, we have it!

Ok, so everyone I know asks, "Are you going to have Tshirts"? Of course. Every race has it and it is the one thing you can count on when entering a race. To start a race is sometimes just as competitive as participating in a race. In South Jersey alone, there are now 5 beach triathlons and we need to do our best to stand out from the crowd. I am very excited to announce the Tri for Our Veterans will be giving custom Polar Bottles to our first 300 registered racers. Click HERE to read all about the company. Honestly, this is NOT your average water bottle-- it is a 24 ounce insulated water bottle and will keep your beverage of choice cooler twice as long as the usual water bottle. If you shop at Dick's or REI, check them out for yourself-- and the pricetag-- (retails for $10). The bottle is perfect for your bike cage or your long days at the beach.

Yes, this is an expensive giveaway, but we want to make this triathlon a success in year 2-20, so we are doing our best to deliver a great, all around experience. The tshirt will be fantastic (logo is done and it is awesome), the Polar Bottle will thrill you, the course is fast-fantastic, and the food at the end of the race (Herr's pretzels, Rita's Water Ice, bananas, oranges) will satisfy you.

Only 70 days until the race. Be one of the first 300 to register and you get a Polar Bottle...wait until the last minute and you are out of luck.

Click HERE to register.

Tale of two American cities

1. Berkeley, CA: The city council was debating a measure calling for the ouster of the US Marine recruiting office because the majority of residents were against the war in Iraq. Once the state and federal government threatened to pull all funding, they broke ranks and modified their position. Read more by clicking HERE.

2. Sea Isle City, NJ: From day one, the city has WELCOMED our military veterans & supported the Tri for Our Veterans race - Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Mayor Desiderio recognized the importance of keeping the memorial in Memorial Day weekend and rallied his office and the city's departments behind the event. Folks like Vicki Feeney (Recreation) and Tom D'Intino (SIC Police) have been so suportive and helpful. By working together, we have put together a great race course and a wonderful event to kick off the summer. Recently, Sea Isle's Department of Public Relations issued a press release about the race-- read below.

There you have it America-- when the going gets tough, some turn their backs, while others help out. This race blog will remain apolitical; I do not think you need to be a Democrat or a Republican, for the war or against it to support the brave men and women in uniform. I think you just need to be an American.

Race update: 85 days to go and we have 139 people registered. Want to volunteer? Email me at mcculleyfordham@hotmail.com

Sea Isle City adds triathlon to calendar of events

Sea Isle City - A new event, a triathlon dubbed Tri For Our Veterans, is taking place in Sea Isle City on Saturday, May 24, 2008. The three-part race will begin at 7:30 A.M. and will consist of a 400-meter ocean swim, a 12.3 mile (4.1 mile loop) bicycle race and a 3.1 mile beach run.The event, which is expected to draw hundreds of athletes from around the region, will serve as a fundraiser for the injured marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle City VFW Post 1963. Additionally, organizers hope that the race will shine a spotlight on the needs of injured veterans and those serving in the United States Military.

According to Race Director Matt McCulley, the triathlon will be a positive way to kick off the summer season and celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. "We want to keep the word 'memorial' in Memorial Day," said McCulley. "Our real focus is on our returning soldiers, injured marines and the work Semper Fi Fund has done."Established in 2004, Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions to injured marines, their families and other service members injured in direct support of marine units. The fund also supports Team Semper Fi, which is made up of injured marines and sailors who compete in athletic events that raise funds and awareness for wounded veterans. Team Semper Fi provides wounded team members with coaches, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees and travel expenses.

McCulley, who is not a military veteran, was inspired to organize Tri For Our Veterans during a visit to the Jersey shore in 2007. It was then that he decided to combine his love for Sea Isle City, his passion for endurance racing, and his tremendous respect for America's veterans - especially those who have been injured while serving their country."We have to put our best foot forward and give as much support as we can to our military," said McCulley. "The city of Sea Isle City and VFW Post 1963 have been supporting Tri For Our Veterans since day one, so I knew that Sea Isle was the right place for this event."

For information concerning the Semper Fi Fund, visit www.semperfifund.org . Those wishing to compete in the triathlon can register at click here.