Less than 9 weeks until I line up again in the waters of Kailua Bay for the Ironman World Championship. I thought I’d take a few minutes to share some updates with all of you who have offered your support to me and to my fundraising efforts. 
There has been lots of great press surrounding our campaign. IRONMAN posted an article announcing our exciting news, and followed up with an FAQ to answer questions as they come up.
Special thanks to Julia Polloreno, Editor-in-Chief of Triathlete Magazine and a fellow Women for Tri Board of Advisors member. If you are interested in what we have been up to so far, check out “Women For Tri: An Update“.
On Thursday I attended the USA Triathlon Athlete of the Year and Multisport Awards Banquet in Milwaukee where I received the Spirit of Judy Flannery award from the USA Triathlon Women’s Committee. I am so honored to have received this recognition from USAT and I had the opportunity to say a few words of thanks. I’m not much of a public speaker, and being called up after Mark Allen’s keynote speech was quite intimidating but here’s the sentiment I shared:
Thank you, I am humbled and honored to receive this Sprit of Judy Flannery award from USA Triathlon. Being at the top of my age group this year at 59 doesn’t really allow me to be in the same league athletically as someone like Judy was, but I am looking forward to turning 60 in January and being the baby in my new age group. I try to embody the spirit of Judy and so many others I’ve met like her by giving my utmost to support and encourage more women to venture into the sport that we are so lucky to be part of, which is why I’m so honored to also serve on a new national initiative to bring more women to our sport, the Women for Tri board. I feel that Judy would be proud of our work!
I am exploring as many possible options for fundraising as I can manage with the time I have available. One of the most fun events recently was staffing the run course of the Jersey Girl Triathlon with volunteers and water stops. I co-founded this race back in 2010 with local race director, Doug Rice of Split Second Racing. While I don’t have hands on involvement with the race any more our Club has always supported this event as one of our main focus races each year. It was great to be out there supporting all the women on the course, and Doug and the race made a very generous donation in exchange for our time! Thank you.
Besides training for the race I still have a huge task ahead of me — I need to raise $25,000 for our Women for Tri fundraising campaign. To date I have just over $4,000 and promises from lots more of my friends, family and fellow athletes, but that means I still need just over $20,000 more. Sounds like a lot, I agree! But . . . . . as I broke it down earlier, I only need 147 more of you to support me by donating $1 per mile (more is welcome of course) for a total of $140.60 towards my 140.6 mile journey! This endeavor is something that I am truly passionate about. Triathlon has had such a major and positive impact on my life. It is my mission to share this passion with as many others as I can. These funds will allow the Women for Tri board to establish programs across the country to bring this healthy lifestyle to more women. All funds you donate are tax deductible as donations will go through the IRONMAN Foundation, a 501©(3), and are 100% earmarked for Women for Tri specific initiatives.
More details and a link to donate can be found on my Crowdrise page. I know most of you have offered to donate, please do so today and help me reach that $25,000 goal! Thanks for your support!
moirahoran 