I know I have said “thank you” 100 times over the past few months, but with your help I was able to achieve a personal goal, and together we helped raise over 75,000 dollars for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
Some words to think about: “IF WHAT YOU DID YESTERDAY SEEMS BIG, YOU HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING TODAY” I’m thinking…………. Half- Ironman in May of 2008- I’ll be in touch………………………….
SOMA Quarter Ironman- Race Weekend
The weekend started Saturday with a quick warm up swim in Tempe Town Lake. This is where it is all going to happen tomorrow morning at 6:30AM sharp. My honored teammate Mike Carbajal and I did an out and back warm up of about 800 yards just trying to ease our nerves and get a little more comfortable with the lake. Then a Team in Training pre-event Pasta Party and it’s off to bed for a good nights sleep. Yeah right! Someone must have forgot to tell the Soma organizers that the night before our event was the ASU Home Coming and that the entire town of Tempe would be rock’n all night. I finally dosed off around midnight and at 3:00am I was awaken by a thundering pounding on the hotel room door, so I jumped out of bed and stormed over to see who it was, saying to myself “who the F@%* is that, don’t they know I have to get up in 1 hour?” So, I peered though the peep hole and saw 3 very large, drunk, ASU meatheads, and decided that it was time to go back to bed.
Caraline walked me over the course at 5:15AM and I entered the 70 degree water at 6:15 to get ready for the gun to sound. BANG! 300 of us are off and I let’em have, it’s like a boxing match with your eyes closed, your trying to swim but, BOOM another shot to the face, POW another kick to the chest, and now the panic starts to set in. So, I pulled up and did a little breaststroke. I’m going to let these Amazon swimmers go ahead, and I’ll have some smooth water. Nope- here comes the next wave of 300 simmers and the are gonna run me over. So after about 200 yards of doing battle and trying to get into a rhythm, I put my head down and started swinging, I mean swimming. I finished the swim in 28:41, that’s 1:19 ahead of schedule.
I came out of the water and headed for the transition area, I was ready to bike. I ripped my wetsuit off and started to get my gear on. I had a little trouble with my socks, but got through T1 in 4:03.
I mounted my bike and headed out on the course. This course has several hills and U-turns, which made for a tough ride. I would power up a hill at 6 miles an hour, make the U-turn and OH YEAH hit the downhill reaching speeds over 30 miles an hour, only to have to slam on the brakes and make a sharp turn to back up another hill. There was no real areas where I was able to enjoy the coasting rewards of a good downhill. After passing several people with flat tires and other mechanical problems (including my own teammates) I thanked God that I had not any problems. I completed the 29.2 mile bike course in 1:51:18, which was 8:42 ahead of schedule, and I now have almost a 10 minute head start on my goal of finishing under 4 hours.
I hit the transition area (T2) and slammer jammer baby, 1:46 and I’m gone, off for the 6.5 mile run.
The Run, It’s just over a 10K, 6.5 miles, no big deal, one trip around the lake with a short out and back on the north side. I had set a goal of 1:30:00 and I was going to only walk 1 minute per mile. My mind was focused and my legs were moving, the first 3 miles went really well, But then the mind games started, and this is were I started to fade. My feet were numb, sweat was dripping into my eyes, and I started complaining to myself and the runners around me. The short out and back on the north side, turned out to be ¾ of a mile out and ¾ back, and I was not happy. During the out and back I would run and then walk, and there was a young girl (race #1300) who would pass me and then I would pass her. We did this several times until one time she ran up next to me as I was walking and said “I think I’ll run next to you, beings we seem to be going the same pace” And I said great and started to run next to her. Together we set little goals, let’s run all the way to the next aid station, let’s run over the bridge. Then as we rolled into the final mile I said to her “I really want to beat the 4 hour mark” she looked at her watch and said “well, I am at 3hrs and 40 minutes right now”. Knowing, the women started about 10 minutes behind me, that only gives me 10 minutes to finish the last mile. Considering I was averaging roughly 15 minutes per mile I needed to kick it in gear. There was going to be nothing left in the tank at the finish line. If I was going to miss the mark by 1 or 2 minutes, I was going to collapse at the finish line. I put my head down and called on all the motivation I been given during the past 3 months. All the stories, the heart attack jokes, Marty wishing he had more hair, my honored teammates who had battled cancer. My mind was racing, I pulled from everywhere, but then I came out from under the bridge and headed up the hill to the final turn. This is where my daughter Chelsea was waiting for me, she had her “GO BRUCE” T-shirt on and she was pumping her fists in the air. She had waited almost 4 hours to run the chute to the finish line with me and she pulled me across in 3:59:47- GOAL ACCOPLISHED! The kiss from Caraline at the finish line was pretty nice too!
I finished 538th out of 593 in male overall, and 67 of 72 in my age group.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
JONES requires medical attention
I thought that title would get your attention and before I get into the details let me say THERE ARE ONLY 33 DAYS UNTIL THE SOMA TRIATHLON……………
Training is been very difficult with my busy schedule. I apologize for not posting more often Everyday life just keeps getting in the way. Boy…….am I whining or what? With 33 days left, my training needs to kick into high gear and the Timex triathlon I completed last weekend was just what I needed. The Timex Triathlon was a sprint (750m swim, 14 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run) triathlon that 12 members from the Team in Training and I completed as a warm up to the big event. I finished in 1:52:24 and I did not melt down during the lake swim.
It started out with the open water lake swim, there were approx. 300 swimmers all starting at the same time. It was like street brawl in the dark, I took a kick to the face, but I threw a few kicks of my own and battled around the course in 20 minutes. I came out of the water feeling pretty good and when I arrived at my transition station I noticed my foot was all bloody. I grabbed my towel and wiped the blood from my foot (this caused me to lose some valuable time in transition) to find a huge slice in my heel. There was no time to fret about it, I had to get moving. I slipped on my gear and headed out for a 14 mile bike ride. I had the brilliant idea that 2 red bulls would give me wings and that I would fly around the course. This sorta backfired and all that happened was I was very thirsty for the rest of the day (note to self-no red bull). I wrapped up the bike loop in 45 minutes and transitioned to the run. I ripped off my bike gear and slipped my running shoes on, bloody sock and all, my adrenaline was pumping and I didn’t really feel the gash in my heel. I bolted from the transition area like a gazelle being chased by a cheetah. Maybe not exactly like that, but I felt like I was moving. The remainder of the day was pure hell, for the first time in a triathlon I had to run up a hill. OH MY GOD, that sucks!! Whatever energy you left in the tank, a big hill will suck it out of you. I did manage to post my best run time and for the first time I finished the race smiling. As for the medical attention……….After the race I visited the medical tent to have them clean my cut, which turned out to be only ½” long.
You all have been so supportive though this adventure and with only a month to go; I want to do my best for everyone. Please continue to send all your love and motivational speeches, the SOMA triathlon is double all the distances and I am going to need the support if I am going to finish in less than 3:45:00.
Training is been very difficult with my busy schedule. I apologize for not posting more often Everyday life just keeps getting in the way. Boy…….am I whining or what? With 33 days left, my training needs to kick into high gear and the Timex triathlon I completed last weekend was just what I needed. The Timex Triathlon was a sprint (750m swim, 14 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run) triathlon that 12 members from the Team in Training and I completed as a warm up to the big event. I finished in 1:52:24 and I did not melt down during the lake swim.
It started out with the open water lake swim, there were approx. 300 swimmers all starting at the same time. It was like street brawl in the dark, I took a kick to the face, but I threw a few kicks of my own and battled around the course in 20 minutes. I came out of the water feeling pretty good and when I arrived at my transition station I noticed my foot was all bloody. I grabbed my towel and wiped the blood from my foot (this caused me to lose some valuable time in transition) to find a huge slice in my heel. There was no time to fret about it, I had to get moving. I slipped on my gear and headed out for a 14 mile bike ride. I had the brilliant idea that 2 red bulls would give me wings and that I would fly around the course. This sorta backfired and all that happened was I was very thirsty for the rest of the day (note to self-no red bull). I wrapped up the bike loop in 45 minutes and transitioned to the run. I ripped off my bike gear and slipped my running shoes on, bloody sock and all, my adrenaline was pumping and I didn’t really feel the gash in my heel. I bolted from the transition area like a gazelle being chased by a cheetah. Maybe not exactly like that, but I felt like I was moving. The remainder of the day was pure hell, for the first time in a triathlon I had to run up a hill. OH MY GOD, that sucks!! Whatever energy you left in the tank, a big hill will suck it out of you. I did manage to post my best run time and for the first time I finished the race smiling. As for the medical attention……….After the race I visited the medical tent to have them clean my cut, which turned out to be only ½” long.
You all have been so supportive though this adventure and with only a month to go; I want to do my best for everyone. Please continue to send all your love and motivational speeches, the SOMA triathlon is double all the distances and I am going to need the support if I am going to finish in less than 3:45:00.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Keep up the FIGHT!!!
How’s It? This is the Hawaiian slang for What’s Up? I hope all is going well with all of you. With only 93 days until SOMA, I have been pushing up the training total, last week was huge- totals for the week were: Swim 4800 yards, Bike 83.5 miles, and Running 5.5 miles. I know I need to get in more running, but I have discovered that running is no fun. I met with a nutritionist last week and we are working up a food program for my training. It is actually hard to eat enough and at the right times to meet my nutrition needs. I had a 46 mile bike ride on Sunday that I burned 2700 calories.
I’m sorry I don’t have any new photos this week, but I promise I will update with some new pictures next week. I did however manage to crash my bike twice last week, both were small but I have several new battle scars to show for it. I just can’t unclip from the pedals in an emergency. I have no problem when I can foresee the stop, but man if I have to unclip in a hurry……..Forget it- I’m going down.
I had the opportunity to watch the 2006 Hawaii Ironman last Sunday on ABC. It is amazing how people find their way into Triathlon and the reasons they do it. As you know, I have been fortunate enough to hook up with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training and to have surrounded myself with wonderful people who are full of support. The reason I mention this, is there was a very moving story about a guy named John Blaze who was the 1st person to ever complete the Hawaii Ironman with ALS- Lou Gehrig’s disease. He completed the 2005 Hawaii Ironman and when the network interviewed him prior to the race he said “They will have to carry me off this course, I’m going to finish even if I roll across the finish line” and when he finished he dropped down and rolled over the finish line. Shortly after the race he lost the use of his legs and was confined to a wheel chair. So knowing his death was coming and wanting to create awareness about ALS he recruited a team of several people, who competed in the 2006 Hawaii Ironman in his honor. They all rolled over the finish line. In May of this year John died. I know my little blog doesn’t really do his story justice but I guess the more I get into this training and education about the diseases such as Leukemia, and Diabetes, and ALS, the more I am motivated to take up this fight. Thank all of you for helping me.
ALOHA,
Bruce
I’m sorry I don’t have any new photos this week, but I promise I will update with some new pictures next week. I did however manage to crash my bike twice last week, both were small but I have several new battle scars to show for it. I just can’t unclip from the pedals in an emergency. I have no problem when I can foresee the stop, but man if I have to unclip in a hurry……..Forget it- I’m going down.
I had the opportunity to watch the 2006 Hawaii Ironman last Sunday on ABC. It is amazing how people find their way into Triathlon and the reasons they do it. As you know, I have been fortunate enough to hook up with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training and to have surrounded myself with wonderful people who are full of support. The reason I mention this, is there was a very moving story about a guy named John Blaze who was the 1st person to ever complete the Hawaii Ironman with ALS- Lou Gehrig’s disease. He completed the 2005 Hawaii Ironman and when the network interviewed him prior to the race he said “They will have to carry me off this course, I’m going to finish even if I roll across the finish line” and when he finished he dropped down and rolled over the finish line. Shortly after the race he lost the use of his legs and was confined to a wheel chair. So knowing his death was coming and wanting to create awareness about ALS he recruited a team of several people, who competed in the 2006 Hawaii Ironman in his honor. They all rolled over the finish line. In May of this year John died. I know my little blog doesn’t really do his story justice but I guess the more I get into this training and education about the diseases such as Leukemia, and Diabetes, and ALS, the more I am motivated to take up this fight. Thank all of you for helping me.
ALOHA,
Bruce
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Mountain Man Triathlon
Well, I guess the best thing about this Triathlon is that I did not drown. This was my 2nd triathlon and my 1st OPEN WATER swim. The day started out good, I felt good, I was loose and ready to go. We lined up on the boat ramp to start the swim and I was ready to go. The gun sounded and we were off. For the 1st 75 yards I was rolling, then all of a sudden I lost it, I could not get a breath, and I was drinking water. I rolled over to my back and tried to get some air. I rolled over again and began to do breaststroke, nothing was working. Now I was really starting to PANIC. I continued for another minute or so doing breaststroke and I wasn't coming around. It was at this moment that I called for the canoe. The canoes are guys who follow the swimmers incase there is a problem. Well I had a big problem, something I had never experienced before, I could not swim. I grabbed onto the canoe and hung on trying to catch my breath. As I was hanging on I began to contemplate quiting. With about 600 meters still to swim, I didn't know if I could do it. Finally after hanging on the canoe for about 2 minutes, I decided there was no way I was going to quit. So I let go and continued to breaststroke. At about 100meters to go I tried to swim it in. I gave it about 6 strokes and went right back to breaststroke. I finished the swim and headed for the bike (see photo). I was totally wrecked. I could not believe what had just happened and it took about 6 miles on the bike before I got my head back. I finshed the 12 mile bike and then the 3.1 mile run. This was much more difficult than the previous Triathlon. Although this event took place at 6000 ft elevation and feels like a complete disaster and I missed my goal of finishing under 2 hours (2:01:31). I have to remind myself that I did not need the ambulance, I smiled at the finishline and "I FINISHED"; and at this time, that is the true goal. Thank you Caraline, Chelsea, and Mom for cheering me through the toughest atheletic event of my life, so far!
PS-Never stay at the Quality Inn in Flagstaff, AZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS-Never stay at the Quality Inn in Flagstaff, AZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Just a quick note; Today begins the 16 week training program for the SOMA Olympic Distance Triathlon. The SOMA Triathlon is the one I signed up to do with The Leukemia, Lymphoma Society- Team in Training and the one you all donated too. It is going to be an awesome experience and I'm very excited to share it with all of you. Thanks to all of you I have reached my fundraising goal and can now focus on the training. If anyone is interested in donating some additional funds to this cause, please take a minute to check out my wife, Caraline's page: http://www.active.com/donate/tntdms/tntdmsCJones
She is training for a Century Ride in Honolulu, Hawaii with TNT.
Right now, I am really struggling with the running portion, I just can't seem to get any distance before I have to stop and walk. I will be putting some extra miles on my running shoes this month.
I want you all to know how much your emails and comments on this page mean to me. I love them all, even the betting on the heart attack, so please keep them coming.
Aloha,
Bruce
She is training for a Century Ride in Honolulu, Hawaii with TNT.
Right now, I am really struggling with the running portion, I just can't seem to get any distance before I have to stop and walk. I will be putting some extra miles on my running shoes this month.
I want you all to know how much your emails and comments on this page mean to me. I love them all, even the betting on the heart attack, so please keep them coming.
Aloha,
Bruce
Monday, July 2, 2007
JUST FINISH
I started this race with two goals, finish the race and have a smile on my face afterwards.
I mentally set a time goal of under 2 hours (swim 20 min, bike 45min, and run 45 min)
I started the swim feeling pretty good, I was loose and relaxed. Each swimmer left 15 seconds behind the next. I caught the guy in front of me on the 1st lap. I then made my 1st mistake, I thought “I must be going to fast, I need to save my energy” so I did not pass him. As I settled in to my pace I noticed that most of the swimmers do not get a very good push of the wall. I would fall slightly behind the guy in front of me, but when we hit the wall I would pull right back up to his feet. After about 100 meters I was passed by a guy who I never saw again, and about 400 meters I was passed by another guy. I probably should have passed this guy back around 500 meters, but I again made a decision to settle in behind. I didn’t want to burn out in the swim. I finished the swim in just over 16 minutes-right on my race plan
As I moved toward the transition area, I saw Chelsea and Madison holding up signs they made and cheering me on. It took a few seconds to clear my head and get to the bike.
T1- transition from swim to bike
I grabbed a drink of water, I threw on my shirt, helmet and glasses. I then took an extra moment to put on my socks and bike shoes. I did not use my heart rate monitor. I unracked my bike and headed to the exit.
The Bike- 12.0 miles (3) 4 mile loops
It was a little shaky getting started, but by the first turn I felt OK. I merge onto the course, grabbed my TNT water bottle and took a quick sip. Then, as I went to put my water bottle back, I missed the holder and BANG my water bottle was sliding down the road behind me. Oh, well I can’t stop now and I have another one! I played with my gears a little and started pumping my thighs. I thought I was moving out at about 20 miles an hour on the slightly down hill section and then I heard this sound, I would hear this sound over and over again for the next 45 minutes LEFT, ON THE LEFT- These were other racers blowing past me. I felt like the tortoise, but I tried to remember-JUST FINISH. Each time I came by the transition area, I would get rejuvenated, everyone was cheering and Chelsea and Madison were holding up more signs, bells were ringing, it was awesome. I was pumped up and as I started up the slight incline, I saw my chance to make a move and pass another cyclist. She was a very large woman, but at this point it didn’t matter to me. I yelled “LEFT” and I motored by her. Powering my way up the slight incline ( more on her later). As I came down the front stretch on my final lap, I began to remove my feet from my shoes (this is common in Triathlon, you leave your shoes clipped to the bike). I had practiced this at home, but it took a lot longer in the race than it did at home. So my feet were out and I’m ready to transition to the run, I coasted into the transition area. As I got off my bike, I almost ate it. My legs were like jello, I really didn’t have any control of them for about the first 10 steps. The course volunteers asked me if I was OK, and I said “yep, just git n er done”
T2
I walked into the transition area and racked my bike, cleaned the pebbles off my socks and slipped on my running shoes and hat, then attached my run belt with my number (#139) facing forwarded and headed for the exit.
THE RUN 3.0 miles
As I exited the transition area everyone was cheering, I grabbed a cup of water and started to jog. I could not feel my legs, there was nothing there, but the with everyone watching there was no way I was going to start walking already, so I pushed out around the 1st turn and then I walked. Remember this is only one 10th of a mile into the run portion, I walked for a while and then I ran for 30 seconds and then I walked again. This continued for the 1st lap. As I neared the end of the 1st lap a guy jogged up next to me and asked how I was doing, I said “ I’m git’n er done” he said, I’ll hang with you until the turn off, he was on his 2nd lap. So I tried to hang along side as he talked to me for a minute or two, all I could do is huff and puff- no words were coming out of my mouth. We continued on for a few more seconds and I had to start walking again. He said come on you can do it, and I gave him the finger. No just kidding-I thanked him for hanging with me and told him to finish strong. I grabbed a cup of water and continued on my second lap. Just then it happened, I heard the sound again….. “LEFT. It was the large women I passed during the Bike leg, she was motoring by me like I was standing still. I poured the remaining water in my cup, over my head and told myself, com’on Bruce, pick it up man, you can do it. So I picked up the pace and just when I got close to her, I heard an ambulance and I thought man “Just Finish”, and started walking again. I felt that I needed to save what little I had left in the tank for the big finish. After completing my second lap in the same fashion as the 1st, I knew I needed to spend every last bit of energy on the last ½ mile. So I picked up my feet and began to bring it home, As I rounded the last corner with the finish line in sight, people starting screaming and cheering really loud, and I thought man this is awesome, all this for me? And just then two guys that had started 45 minutes after me, came sprinting past me, side by side, they were moving. I had the best seat in the house, right behind them, and after they scorched past the finish line I heard the announcer say, “here comes number 139- Bruce Jones”. The crowd screamed and cheered me all the way through the finish line. The best thing was I had a smile on my face and Caraline and Chelsea were standing there waiting to give me a hug. It was a great day!!!
The TRI-Tucson people were great. They put on a well organized and fun event. I don’t think I could have chosen a better place to run my 1st Triathlon.
I want to thank Mike for running in the event with me and most importantly my cheering section, Chelsea, Madison, Carla, and my ultimate supporter, personal photographer, and wife, Caraline. I love you guys- Aloha!
PS- I finished in 1:46:44. GOALS ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!
I mentally set a time goal of under 2 hours (swim 20 min, bike 45min, and run 45 min)
I started the swim feeling pretty good, I was loose and relaxed. Each swimmer left 15 seconds behind the next. I caught the guy in front of me on the 1st lap. I then made my 1st mistake, I thought “I must be going to fast, I need to save my energy” so I did not pass him. As I settled in to my pace I noticed that most of the swimmers do not get a very good push of the wall. I would fall slightly behind the guy in front of me, but when we hit the wall I would pull right back up to his feet. After about 100 meters I was passed by a guy who I never saw again, and about 400 meters I was passed by another guy. I probably should have passed this guy back around 500 meters, but I again made a decision to settle in behind. I didn’t want to burn out in the swim. I finished the swim in just over 16 minutes-right on my race plan
As I moved toward the transition area, I saw Chelsea and Madison holding up signs they made and cheering me on. It took a few seconds to clear my head and get to the bike.
T1- transition from swim to bike
I grabbed a drink of water, I threw on my shirt, helmet and glasses. I then took an extra moment to put on my socks and bike shoes. I did not use my heart rate monitor. I unracked my bike and headed to the exit.
The Bike- 12.0 miles (3) 4 mile loops
It was a little shaky getting started, but by the first turn I felt OK. I merge onto the course, grabbed my TNT water bottle and took a quick sip. Then, as I went to put my water bottle back, I missed the holder and BANG my water bottle was sliding down the road behind me. Oh, well I can’t stop now and I have another one! I played with my gears a little and started pumping my thighs. I thought I was moving out at about 20 miles an hour on the slightly down hill section and then I heard this sound, I would hear this sound over and over again for the next 45 minutes LEFT, ON THE LEFT- These were other racers blowing past me. I felt like the tortoise, but I tried to remember-JUST FINISH. Each time I came by the transition area, I would get rejuvenated, everyone was cheering and Chelsea and Madison were holding up more signs, bells were ringing, it was awesome. I was pumped up and as I started up the slight incline, I saw my chance to make a move and pass another cyclist. She was a very large woman, but at this point it didn’t matter to me. I yelled “LEFT” and I motored by her. Powering my way up the slight incline ( more on her later). As I came down the front stretch on my final lap, I began to remove my feet from my shoes (this is common in Triathlon, you leave your shoes clipped to the bike). I had practiced this at home, but it took a lot longer in the race than it did at home. So my feet were out and I’m ready to transition to the run, I coasted into the transition area. As I got off my bike, I almost ate it. My legs were like jello, I really didn’t have any control of them for about the first 10 steps. The course volunteers asked me if I was OK, and I said “yep, just git n er done”
T2
I walked into the transition area and racked my bike, cleaned the pebbles off my socks and slipped on my running shoes and hat, then attached my run belt with my number (#139) facing forwarded and headed for the exit.
THE RUN 3.0 miles
As I exited the transition area everyone was cheering, I grabbed a cup of water and started to jog. I could not feel my legs, there was nothing there, but the with everyone watching there was no way I was going to start walking already, so I pushed out around the 1st turn and then I walked. Remember this is only one 10th of a mile into the run portion, I walked for a while and then I ran for 30 seconds and then I walked again. This continued for the 1st lap. As I neared the end of the 1st lap a guy jogged up next to me and asked how I was doing, I said “ I’m git’n er done” he said, I’ll hang with you until the turn off, he was on his 2nd lap. So I tried to hang along side as he talked to me for a minute or two, all I could do is huff and puff- no words were coming out of my mouth. We continued on for a few more seconds and I had to start walking again. He said come on you can do it, and I gave him the finger. No just kidding-I thanked him for hanging with me and told him to finish strong. I grabbed a cup of water and continued on my second lap. Just then it happened, I heard the sound again….. “LEFT. It was the large women I passed during the Bike leg, she was motoring by me like I was standing still. I poured the remaining water in my cup, over my head and told myself, com’on Bruce, pick it up man, you can do it. So I picked up the pace and just when I got close to her, I heard an ambulance and I thought man “Just Finish”, and started walking again. I felt that I needed to save what little I had left in the tank for the big finish. After completing my second lap in the same fashion as the 1st, I knew I needed to spend every last bit of energy on the last ½ mile. So I picked up my feet and began to bring it home, As I rounded the last corner with the finish line in sight, people starting screaming and cheering really loud, and I thought man this is awesome, all this for me? And just then two guys that had started 45 minutes after me, came sprinting past me, side by side, they were moving. I had the best seat in the house, right behind them, and after they scorched past the finish line I heard the announcer say, “here comes number 139- Bruce Jones”. The crowd screamed and cheered me all the way through the finish line. The best thing was I had a smile on my face and Caraline and Chelsea were standing there waiting to give me a hug. It was a great day!!!
The TRI-Tucson people were great. They put on a well organized and fun event. I don’t think I could have chosen a better place to run my 1st Triathlon.
I want to thank Mike for running in the event with me and most importantly my cheering section, Chelsea, Madison, Carla, and my ultimate supporter, personal photographer, and wife, Caraline. I love you guys- Aloha!
PS- I finished in 1:46:44. GOALS ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Welcome and Thank You
I have created this blog page for all my donors. I will update this site with pictures, training logs, and anything else that is triathlon fun. This is my way of saying "Thank You" All of you who donated your hard earned money (well at least most of you work hard) are an inspiration to me. It has been an amazing adventure thus far and I'm only 6 weeks in. The overwhelming support from my family, friends, work aquaintances, and friends of friends have put me over my fundraising goal in record time. We completed my fundraising faster than anyone else on the team.
The event is the SOMA Triathlon on October 28, 2007 in Tempe Arizona. It is the biggest Triathlon in Arizona, it attracts the top professionals along with the recreational guys like me, there are more than 2000 participants.
The TNT coaches and mentors have been very good to work with, and the few cancer patients I have met, have been very gracious and grateful.
I am very excited to share this experience with all of you, and I can't wait to get into the heavy training. As most of you know, I started with some minor training on my own May 8, 2007. I weighed 238 lbs. and could not run more than 30 seconds witout stopping to walk. I Started my 16 week program this week (6-25) and currently weigh 228lbs.
My friend Mike and I are going to compete in the "Firecracker Sprint Triathlon" on July 1st, in Tucson, Arizona. My goal is to finish the event, but secretly I am hoping to finish in under 2 hours. The event distances are Swim-750 yards (pool), Bike 13 miles, and run 3.2 miles
Check back for the results
Aloha,
Bruce
The event is the SOMA Triathlon on October 28, 2007 in Tempe Arizona. It is the biggest Triathlon in Arizona, it attracts the top professionals along with the recreational guys like me, there are more than 2000 participants.
The TNT coaches and mentors have been very good to work with, and the few cancer patients I have met, have been very gracious and grateful.
I am very excited to share this experience with all of you, and I can't wait to get into the heavy training. As most of you know, I started with some minor training on my own May 8, 2007. I weighed 238 lbs. and could not run more than 30 seconds witout stopping to walk. I Started my 16 week program this week (6-25) and currently weigh 228lbs.
My friend Mike and I are going to compete in the "Firecracker Sprint Triathlon" on July 1st, in Tucson, Arizona. My goal is to finish the event, but secretly I am hoping to finish in under 2 hours. The event distances are Swim-750 yards (pool), Bike 13 miles, and run 3.2 miles
Check back for the results
Aloha,
Bruce
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
