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!
Showing posts with label triathlon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label triathlon. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Registration is now OPEN!
Tri for Our Veterans race registration is now open for business. Our website and registration page went live this week. Click HERE to be linked over to it. All major credit cards accepted-- as well as checks/money orders.
Update: Congrats to Tom & Kara Cullen-- first athletes to register!
We have partnered with Piranha Sports to time the event and organize the registrations. For those triathlon newcomers, timing is very sophisticated these days. Piranha will provide a velcro anklet & RFID chip, which is tracked via computers. You will be able to view your results, including the "splits" for the swim, bike, and run, by the afternoon of the race. They are an AWESOME partner and organize a number of their own races. Lots of experience!
Three key points:
Update: Congrats to Tom & Kara Cullen-- first athletes to register!
We have partnered with Piranha Sports to time the event and organize the registrations. For those triathlon newcomers, timing is very sophisticated these days. Piranha will provide a velcro anklet & RFID chip, which is tracked via computers. You will be able to view your results, including the "splits" for the swim, bike, and run, by the afternoon of the race. They are an AWESOME partner and organize a number of their own races. Lots of experience!
Three key points:
- This race will sell out-- register now to confirm your spot.
- The earlier you register, the cheaper the registration fees
- If possible, please register by check--it saves us a transaction fee-- more money to the Vets!
Get a jump on that New Year's resolution & register today!
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Marines have Landed
One of my favorite TV shows growing up was "The A Team", starring Mr. T and George Peppard. Peppard's character, Col. Hannibal, would always declare "I love it when a plan comes together" after a successful mission.
Although I recognize there is a tremendous amount of work to complete for the Tri for Our Veterans race, a lot of progress has been made in the past few days. My good friend, Chuck Brodsky, started The Nation's Triathlon in DC and continues to be a great mentor to me as I organize this race. (As a first time Race Director, I would be lost without his guidance). Chuck connected me with Team Semper Fi, which is one of the many initiatives of The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund-- yes, the same organization that will share in the proceeds from the triathlon. Team Semper Fi provides coaching, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees, and travel expenses for wounded team members/veterans. I spoke to the coach and sponsor of Team Semper Fi, explained the Tri for Our Veterans concept, and invited him to join the race. He accepted! Team Semper Fi will be sending about 12 athletes to compete.
Additionally, we received official recognition as an event associated with The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. With their official backing and Team Semper Fi's participation, the Tri for Our Veterans race carries a tremendous amount of legitimacy. My hope is to work with our sponsors, The City of Sea Isle City and VFW Post 1963, to attract a lot of media attention to the event, which will fuel registration figures, increase revenue, and, ultimately, the contribution back to The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. It is a nice circle of partnership-- they officially recognize the race, we donate monies to them, and our veterans benefit from increased services.
It appears as though The Marines Have Landed in Sea Isle City!
As an avid racer, I am just thrilled and excited to watch the Team Semper Fi athletes compete in the triathlon. The Team Semper Fi competitors have incurred a number of battlefield injuries; some members have been badly burned, others suffered gunshot wounds, and a few have lost limbs to IEDs and other devices of war. Besides the grueling physical therapy program, these soldiers have completed a number of difficult endurance races, including The Marine Corps Marathon, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, and The Nation's Triathlon. Their grit, determination, and sheer will to compete and win is admirable and I am excited to watch them in action as they storm the beaches and take the streets of Sea Isle during the triathlon!
Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete in my own race because of the numerous responsibilities as race director (this is my only regret about the race, for I have always wanted to compete in a Sea Isle tri, considering I have spent every summer of my life in this fantastic beach town). However, I will certainly remember the obstacles and challenges these fine Americans have faced and overcome during my long training runs...God knows, we can all use some inspiration at mile 20 of a marathon.
Registration and website will be up by December 20!
Although I recognize there is a tremendous amount of work to complete for the Tri for Our Veterans race, a lot of progress has been made in the past few days. My good friend, Chuck Brodsky, started The Nation's Triathlon in DC and continues to be a great mentor to me as I organize this race. (As a first time Race Director, I would be lost without his guidance). Chuck connected me with Team Semper Fi, which is one of the many initiatives of The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund-- yes, the same organization that will share in the proceeds from the triathlon. Team Semper Fi provides coaching, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees, and travel expenses for wounded team members/veterans. I spoke to the coach and sponsor of Team Semper Fi, explained the Tri for Our Veterans concept, and invited him to join the race. He accepted! Team Semper Fi will be sending about 12 athletes to compete.
Additionally, we received official recognition as an event associated with The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. With their official backing and Team Semper Fi's participation, the Tri for Our Veterans race carries a tremendous amount of legitimacy. My hope is to work with our sponsors, The City of Sea Isle City and VFW Post 1963, to attract a lot of media attention to the event, which will fuel registration figures, increase revenue, and, ultimately, the contribution back to The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. It is a nice circle of partnership-- they officially recognize the race, we donate monies to them, and our veterans benefit from increased services.
It appears as though The Marines Have Landed in Sea Isle City!
As an avid racer, I am just thrilled and excited to watch the Team Semper Fi athletes compete in the triathlon. The Team Semper Fi competitors have incurred a number of battlefield injuries; some members have been badly burned, others suffered gunshot wounds, and a few have lost limbs to IEDs and other devices of war. Besides the grueling physical therapy program, these soldiers have completed a number of difficult endurance races, including The Marine Corps Marathon, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, and The Nation's Triathlon. Their grit, determination, and sheer will to compete and win is admirable and I am excited to watch them in action as they storm the beaches and take the streets of Sea Isle during the triathlon!
Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete in my own race because of the numerous responsibilities as race director (this is my only regret about the race, for I have always wanted to compete in a Sea Isle tri, considering I have spent every summer of my life in this fantastic beach town). However, I will certainly remember the obstacles and challenges these fine Americans have faced and overcome during my long training runs...God knows, we can all use some inspiration at mile 20 of a marathon.
Registration and website will be up by December 20!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
"So, why are you doing this..."
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? Volunteer? More to come......
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? Volunteer? More to come......
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