Why?

In the fall of 2010 I read about the Monster IronMotivation cycling class in the City of Oshawa's recreational magazine.  I joined with the intent of becoming a stronger cyclist.  My goal was to bike with the "big" guys in my charity event the Friend for Life Bike Rally.  During these "spin" classes my fellow cyclists, now my friends and teammates, asked what race are you doing next?  I soon discovered that next race meant triathlon. My goal was to become a stronger cyclist not to conquer my fear of swimming.  My dear friend, Ron, told me if I wanted to swim go see Coach Paul he'll cure you of the fear.  Then Giselle told me the story of her husband and how Paul helped him to conquer his fear of swimming.  So I thought why not.

Coach Paul and I had our first swim class together in November 2010.  In the first few classes it was all about becoming comfortable in the pool and not fearful.  Actually today over a year later its still about being relaxed and comfortable in the water. Eventually I began to swim and eventually I made it into the lake and eventually I did a try-a-tri.  Wow by June 2011 I was competing in Triathlons. My charity event was the last week of July. This ride is a journey as it is 600 Kilometers from Toronto to Montreal. An awesome experience.  My goal of becoming a stronger cyclist became reality and I was privileged to ride with a great bunch of cyclists for the week.   I knew I made it when Glen, a great cyclist and triathlete told me that was an awesome sprint on the fourth day.  After the bike rally I had two more triathlons and the season was over.  At the end of the season with my fellow newbies Jeff & Tara we decided to sign up for the 70.3 (1/2) Ironman in Muskoka.  It did not take long to realize I could not participate in the bike rally and train for my 2012 Triathlon season.  I have friends on the charity event who do but as a newbie its more important to focus on this new goal. 

One of the many things the bike rally taught me was there is a whole world of people outside of our family, friends and acquaintances who need help in some way or another.  I had been toying with the idea of using my countless number of hours of training, the numerous races and my A race as a fund raiser.  There are many organizations that can use our help but after much thought my husband & I decided Gate 3:16 would be the choice. 

Gate 3:16 is an outreach center helping low income and the homeless community in Oshawa. They provide breakfast, lunch, computer access, literacy skills, counseling services, meidcal services but most of all a place where people can come for a breath of hope, encouragement, and a listening ear. 

I hope you will consider jumping on my back and following me as I swim, bike and run to my goal of $5000.00 for my fund raiser Open the Gate 3:16.