THE FINAL POST

Well somewhat sadly, this is the last post to my blog. My new best friend Chris Gailus from BCTV news was a great participant and a wonderful supporter of the cause.

The results are in:

I was 5th coming out of the water in 40 mins

I was 3rd after the bike in 1 hr

I finished 3RD IN THE RACE.

I was 14 seconds out of 2nd and 8 minutes out of 1st. Who knows what would have happened if my leg had held up.

Lessons that I have learned:

1. Hard work pays off - all the training and time put in made the race enjoyable and rewarding. For an old man of 49 to finish 3rd, I feel like I accomplished something.

2. Always find ways to contribute to good causes - While my contribution was slightly over $1000 - the event raised over $250,000 for Canuck Place. That's amazing and I am confident will help kids.

3. Set a goal - set a goal to do something you don't think you can do. You will be surprised at the human spirit.

4. Walk the Talk - I probably learned more about "human character" than anything. It has been interesting listening to people who say they want to support your cause but can't find the time to do so. I am truly inspired and appreciative of the friends in my life who have supported me because if it is important to me, then it is important to them. Thanks again to everyone who helped out, you are held in the highest regard by me and my family. I would love to repay the favor should you ever need anything.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Well after 6 months of fundraising and training, my Adventure Challenge is over. It was an amazing journey. I was surprised by how tough the course was but pleased to know that my hard work had paid off.

I paddled hard around Jug Island - my goal was to do the 4kms in around 36 minutes, and I came in 40 minutes. I found my boat slow and dragged through the water, if I had my Pygmy kayak, it would have been 36 mins.

Next was the mountain bike, my goal was an hour and I nailed it right on. It was grueling, 35 minutes of straight up hill, and I don't mean rail bed up hill, I mean steep up hill. Then it was technical downhill and sprint to the finish. It was a gas, I really loved the biking and felt very strong and passed alot of people.

Finally the dreaded run. I got off the bike, the legs felt great, not tired or sore. I ran about 500 meters of flat road, it felt super. Then the course went to a trail, straight up hill, the first step I took with my left leg - POP went my soleus, the competetive part of the race was over. I had to walk/limp up the trail and back. What should have taken me 35 mins took me 50. I wasn't really disappointed because I expected it was going to give out, it hadn't really healed from last week. I was able to jog across the finish line though and I felt great.

I met a lot of great people and over $200,000 was raised for Caunck Place, I even won a door prize, 2 bottles of wine.

My final entry will be my times for each leg. These should be posted this week. To all who supported me, thanks so much, it has been an event I will never forget.

The Time Is Near

Well, only a few more days until the race. The money has been raised and I am getting really excited to participate in such a worthwhile event. I can't wait to meet all the people participating and organizing, I can only imagine how positive it will feel.

I am not sure about my injury. I ran today for the first time since I popped my Solleus (sp). I got 16 minutes in and started to feel the same stiffness and pinching just before it popped so i walked the rest of the way. Lorene will run for me if I can't and I appreciate that but I so desperately want to finish, even if it is on my hands and knees. I will continue to massage and stretch and hope for the best.

So for anyone out there who wants to see, I race at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 11 in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. If you need more info, call or email me. So the next Post will be after the race with a picture of me with my medal (even if it is just a participation medal). Thanks again for everyone's support and if we have made one child's life a fraction better, it's all worth it.