why we are racing

Doug and I are racing in the Oceanside 70.3 Ironman at the end of March.  We registered for the race early in the summer last year.  Doug has competed in several races at this distance, but this is a first for me. We have been building endurance and increasing miles preparing for this event.  I am excited, but my motivation and perspective have changed.

Before Christmas good friends of ours introduced us to an organization called Reece's Rainbow.  This is an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for orphans with Down syndrome.  These sweet children need families, and the only thing holding them back are the funds!

I want to introduce you to Maggie.  Maggie is five years old and has been transferred to an adult mental institution where care and conditions are much less than ideal.  Most orphans don't survive in these facilities.  We are racing for Maggie! Through raising awareness and more importantly money we can help this sweet child.  We need to raise at least $10,000 to help Maggie find her family.

We are not doing this alone!! This is a joint effort with some great friends that you can be introduced to at One Step Closer to Home under the "racing" tab.  This is also where you can contribute directly to the cause of helping Maggie by making your pledge.

The neat thing about this for me, is this has made early mornings and hours spent on the bike and pavement more meaningful. In the beginning, it was all about me; personal bests and building speed and endurance. Improving and doing my best is still important, but now my focus is different. Now I am racing for a much bigger cause!

Please visit One Step Closer to Home and provide a pledge to help bring Maggie home.  Providing a pledge is the immediate way that you can have an impact but also important is to please spread the word. Together we can make a difference!