San Fran 26.2

Well, Trisha (sister) and Natasha (sister in law) have finally caught the bug. They are both running the Nike Women's Marathon in SF in late October. Plus, they are both participating in Team in Training, workign to raise $3800 each for cancer research. Will make the event even more memorable for them both.

Training for this will be a big challenge for them, but I know they can do it. Just need to committ to yourself that this goal is a priority and not let anything allow you to lose sight of the goal...FINISHING!!!!

Tash will be providing random updates on the Team Madison blog. Link to that page is provided from this page.

Ironman California Finisher Video - 2007

Ironman Wisconsin Finisher Video - 2006

Janus Charity Challenge

Last year, with the generous support of family and friends, we were able to raise over $7500 for Make a Wish of Kansas as part of my participation in Ironman Wisconsin. Through those efforts, a young man from Derby, KS is going to have a dream of his fulfilled.

This year, I am racing at Ironman Florida in November. I have two very ambitious goals: finish the race in less than 12 hours and raise $15,000 for StepStone in Wichita, KS. StepStone is an organization that provides support and transitional housing to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. This money will go a LONG way towards helping these victims get back on their feet and live a safe and normal life once again. My training is at full speed so it is time to begin raising money as well.

With that in mind, I am asking you to do two things:

1. Take a moment to click on the link below to learn a bit more about the charity and why I am doing this. If you think this a good cause and are in a position to make a donation that would be wonderful. You can make online donations or you can mail me a check. Either way is fine.

http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/fl07/timodonnell

2. Help me spread the word. There more people we can share this with the better. If you have family, friends or co-workers who may be interested in supporting this cause, please forward this email on to them. If you think your place of work might be interesting in donating as well, please let me know and I will be happy to contact them directly.

Every little bit helps. Thanks in advance for your support.

Tim

Not a lottery winner

I was not one of the lucky 150 who were selected for Kona. There is always next year. Maybe one day I will actually qualify.

So...I my tenative plan for the summer / fall

June - ???
July - Midwest Mayhem and Midwest Mudder in lawrence, ks
August - PigMan Half Iron in Cedar Rapids, IA
September - RedMan Half Iron in OKC, OK
November - Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach, FL

kona bound?

I find out tomorrow at noon if I "won the lottery" and get to race in Kona this fall.

Would be an amazing opportunity to get to participate in this event. I am keeping my finger crossed...maybe one day I will actually qualify, but for now I will take a lottery entry with a smile.

Once I know which full I am racing, I will update a summer / fall race schedule online.

If I dont get in I will be racing in Florida in November. Either way I am looking forward to taking on the Ironman distance again this fall.

Also - next week I will be kicking off my fund raising efforts & participation in the Janus Charity Challenge. I will be raising money for Step Stones, a group out of Wichita, KS that provides transitional housing and support for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.

In 06 we raised about $7500 for Make a Wish of Kansas - I am thinking of setting my goal at $15,000 this year. Will be working on this project with my family and we have a number of groups in mind to target as well as family & friends. Just like last year, I am sure this will keep me motivated and make the event even more special.

Ironman California 70.3 Race Photos - Part 2

Finally done...time shown is pro time, my time is 65 minutes faster.



A few of us were in the chute at once, so I didnt get to break the tape myself



Leaving a VERY cold swim...about 60 degrees

Ironman Californa 70.3 Race Photos - Part 1

Leaving T1 on the bike - still pretty cold outside.



Nice and relaxed on the run...this was on lap 2.



Post race...happy to be done and to be awarded finisher medal and gear



2nd half of the bike



About mile 1 of the bike...leaving Oceanside Habor

Ironman Cali - Pre and Post Race Photos

Oceanside Pier - Thursday


Balboa Island, Orange County, CA - Friday


LAX - Sunday Morning...long, long lines. Missed flight #1



LAX - Still waiting in line


Post race on Saturday...dad parked about 2 miles from the finish, so I was really happy to walk back to the car.

I will try and upload my finished video when I am able to download it from the web.

Ironman California 70.3

The race went really well. I finished in 5:37:32...well undr goal of 6 hours.

I am pleased with the race and my effort. I do think that I could have bettered my time by 10-20 minutes.

I had trouble spotting the bouys on the swim and wasnt keeping a straight line, pus saltwater taste horrible.

My new bike performed really well. Once I get more time in the saddle I think I will be able to push it a bit harder.

Ended up running 8:24 miles on the run. Not bad, but I was hoping to be closer to 8 flat. My pace was up and down, so I need to stay more consistent in my pace.

Great way to start the season. Taking this week off, then going to bust my ass to get ready for the Big O Half here in KC on May 6th. I think a goal of 5:15 is realistic.

Photos to come when Dad emails them to me.