With my selection to the Talisman Center's "Drive 5" confirmed, I figured there was no time like the present to start a blog. The purpose of these updates will serve as a "story" as I venture to the "dark side" (at least according to hard core cyclists) of triathlon, with my sights focused on Calgary 70.3.
For a starting point I have included a section of my original prposal for consideration for the Drive 5 contest. Enjoy :-)
******************************************
Throughout my life I have always been known as a confident, capable and determined individual. Whether it was in the books at school, pedaling through the mountains on my bike, or running circles around the Oval track, I have always been driven. However, it was not until I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Collitis that I learned just how driven I could be and needed to be. At first it felt as though my world came to an abrupt halt and then started tumbling down. With a well planned and highly anticipated training and racing schedule for the approaching season, having doctors tell me to stop riding and focus on the disease made my goals seem like distant memories and my usual “spark” just disappeared. I went from being driven to sitting in the passenger seat just watching the scenery go by. It was not until many flare ups and tears later that I realized that what I had been given is an opportunity. I had been given the chance to re-think the way I not only approach my sports but how I approach life in general. I had been given the chance to take this disease and make it work for me, not against me. I am now back in the driver’s seat. I have accepted that this disease is a part of me but it will not hold me back from pursuing my goals and living my life to the fullest. I may not know what is around the next bend in the road, but with a tool box full courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot, and wisdom to know the difference, I know that no matter what road block appears in my way my way, I will be able to overcome it.
In 2009 I will be training for the Ironman Calgary 70.3 being held in Calgary/Cochrane on August 2, 2009. I want to take my passion for cycling and running, and my determination to swim like a fish, and place top 3 in my age group, women 25-29. An intensive "off season" training plan will prepare me for a great season of racing and a selection of “rev up" races scheduled earlier in the season will help me prepare for this event. My journey to Calgary 70.3 will be used as a stage and opportunity to bring awareness to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC).
Irritable Bowel Disease, which is comprised of Crohn’s and Colitis, has no known cause or cure. There are currently 201,000 reported cases of IBD in Canada, which has the highest prevalence and incidence of IBD in the world. Did you know that IBD is three times more common that Multiple Sclerosis or HIV, and is as common as Type 1 Diabetes and epilepsy? Now let me ask you whether you had heard of IBD or Crohn’s or Colitis prior to this proposal?
It is through public awareness and education that society can learn about the disease and become actively engaged in recognizing the symptoms, educating others, supporting research but also witness the accomplishments of real people determined to lead a healthy, active and involved life. My athletic journey to Calgary 70.3 can provide a platform for building awareness of the CCFC. The tag line of CCFC ‘Get gutsy” speaks to education. I think it is equally appropriate to apply “Get Gutsy” to the commitment, determination, risk and ability required to balance personal, professional and athletic lives to compete in Calgary 70.3.
