Taking up the challenge ...

As many of you already know, on June 26th, I will toe the line at the Ironman Coeur d'Alene triathlon. In preparation over the next 17 weeks, I'll be logging somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 training hours, comprising around 2000 miles of cycling, 500 miles of running, and about 180,000 yards of swimming (about 7200 laps and over 100 miles). It's a privilege for me to be able to do that, though, and in acknowledgement of my good fortune, I've decided to raise money for Children's Hospital Oakland. This is a way for me to express my gratitude and, hopefully, do something that can really make a meaningful impact for people less fortunate than I am.

I've hung my virtual shingle through the Janus Charity Challenge and the Active.com network at http://www.active.com/donate/imidaho/tri4cho. I'm hoping to raise $10,000 by race day. Please visit the page and make a donation, since every little bit will help, no matter how small. I will also be organizing events around the community to help raise awareness and generate donations, including sponsored evenings at local Baja Fresh restaurants and Starbucks coffee shops, a fundraising event with a silent auction featuring products and services from community shops, and perhaps even a poker tournament. Stay tuned for more details!