tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7660644325387457022024-02-07T13:04:19.831-05:00where there is a wheel there is a wayBlogging about my daily life in Atlanta and my adventures with my brothers as we take on races together!Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-46513951329612549362016-12-06T21:16:00.000-05:002016-12-06T21:16:08.176-05:00KPF On The Rise During Busy Fall<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hello Kpeasey friends...On behalf of Brent and me, we would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">The Kyle Pease Foundation has had a tremendous year due to the efforts of all of our fans, donors, sponsors and supporters. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">This past fall has been one for the ages culminating with our </span><span style="background-color: white;">7th Annual Bowling with Kpeasey event. The fun-filled fundraiser was a rolling success with most of our athletes in attendance. The event included laughter in abundance as well as selling the Kpeasey swag, the launch of Justin Knight's new book, A Knight in Shining Armor, great food and some awesome raffles and give-aways. Overall the event was a rousing success. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomOjIhmCi8Nt7RJacrfLG8lojTxBRRLr1r56ABTuwESYAwbJ2YvIHcKy3bx1naBNploTphoHzyUQbfkJhhqHMzeGnkUPuxzP05smuG5YhHusi9yu1x5F0qBIB-x1juUw7xagaz9QFCyJE/s1600/15268056_1627727860586432_133708420464282567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomOjIhmCi8Nt7RJacrfLG8lojTxBRRLr1r56ABTuwESYAwbJ2YvIHcKy3bx1naBNploTphoHzyUQbfkJhhqHMzeGnkUPuxzP05smuG5YhHusi9yu1x5F0qBIB-x1juUw7xagaz9QFCyJE/s200/15268056_1627727860586432_133708420464282567_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of the highlights of the event included the announcement of The Jake Vinson Family Grant. This was a special one as we awarded two recipients of the grant. Sherry Adams and her family received a grant to help facilitate the construction of a handicapped bathroom to allow Sherry to gain more independence. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Noah and </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Naomi Williams also received a grant to put towards a new van to get Noah to all of his activities. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. We were thrilled to once again have The Vinson family in attendance to announce and congratulate the winners. The memory of Jake will always be a part of who we are and what we stand for. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">Thank you to all who came out to Stars and Strikes to participate and volunteer for the event. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>And now a few words from Brent: Bowling with KPeasey actually started in 2009 before The Kyle Pease Foundation was actually born. Kyle, with the help of some of his friends and aides, set up a bowling event. That first event benefited Reaching for the Stars, an organization supporting individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Kyle ran and organized the event on his own and helped to raise a little more than $3000 dollars. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>When the foundation was formed in 2011 we elected to continue with an inclusive event, bowling, that was the original vision of our founder. Today we raise nearly $25,000 annually at bowling, which allows us to support our local 5K/10K races for ALL our athletes! The joy we gain from helping disabled individuals find joy in endurance sports is a true joy and we look forward to continuing to share our mission. Thank you all for allowing us to serve and for helping us grow year in and year out!</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">We did do just a bit of racing this season including a visit to NY and the New York City Marathon. Brent and I, along with with Ricardo Aranda and Matt Sour visited the Big Apple and had a blast during our redemption tour. Ricardo soaked up every famous NYC landmark that the city had to offer including Times Square, and the world renowned Katz's Deli. It was great to see Ricardo so excited even before the race. His enthusiasm was contagious. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">The race was equally amazing. It was surreal as Brent pointed out the spot along the course where our wheel exploded last year. This year, no such mishap as we blazed through the streets of the city in record time. We also were able to talk about the organization during an interview with USA Today and on our local station 11 Alive Atlanta. See more images on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/WalkingWithKPeasey/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1602962366396315" target="_blank">facebook photo album</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: large;">The week before we were in the Nation's capitol for the Marine Corps Marathon. It is incredible to roll through the streets of DC with all those historic monuments and landmarks as a back drop. The MCM had many of our teams participating at their highest level and it was a true honor to celebrate it with the Abilities Experience. Nine KPF teams participated and had an incredible experience. What I love most about the event is the fact that it brings all of us together as a KPF family. Laughing, competing and just hanging out creates an unforgettable experience. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">The foundation would not be possible without our athletes, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">sponsors, supporters, board members. Once again, we thank you for making 2016 one to remember and we look forward to what 2017 has in store. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Stay tuned for updated race info coming up on our website very soon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Until then....remember that Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way!</span></span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-4244537684061844772016-09-21T21:36:00.002-04:002016-09-21T21:36:28.740-04:00KPeasey Says Good Bye To Publix and Hello to a Busy Fall Calendar<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We hope everyone is having a good end to their summer. This is always a fun time for the Kyle Pease Foundation, as the fall is one our busiest times of the year. But, before I dive into the upcoming happenings surrounding the foundation, I want to start on a personal note. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_75hlTENC-VgfD2sdc2QU6J4sZrRBN0EPTsJFgxKuq-0AVGdjRECjMFUffUFkixFS62c3jCrotKWNE3dWJgNoSPdoJvE0iEEqnRgQK0PzTNVyGTI3THoNYtWPyrYpTcKXAwDfBz7X0gp/s1600/WordPress-FeatureImage-publx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_75hlTENC-VgfD2sdc2QU6J4sZrRBN0EPTsJFgxKuq-0AVGdjRECjMFUffUFkixFS62c3jCrotKWNE3dWJgNoSPdoJvE0iEEqnRgQK0PzTNVyGTI3THoNYtWPyrYpTcKXAwDfBz7X0gp/s320/WordPress-FeatureImage-publx.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago, I decided to step away from Publix, so that I could help the foundation grow, while continuing my work at Piedmont Hospital. Publix will always hold a very special place in my heart, because it was the first job that I held. They gave me a platform as I was welcomed into the work force and got to know and serve some very special customers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Peachtree Battle Publix was more than a place to go to work. It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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was a community. It was family. In a way, the Kyle Pease Foundation is just like that. It embodies many of these same qualities. So, thank you, Publix for letting me be a part of your family for 14 years. You have helped me grow in more ways than I can express, and I will forever be grateful for that experience. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our teams are ready for the Marine Corps Marathon. They have completed two warm up races in the past two weeks. It is not too late to donate. If you would like to make a donation, <a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/MCMKPF16" target="_blank">click here</a>. Our very own Justin Knight is getting ready to tackle Augusta, as well as, three teams that are competing in the Savannah Rock and Roll Marathon. Finally, Brent and I will be competing in the New York City Marathon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A couple key dates to remember:</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Camp Wheel Away: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1633441255" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 9-11</span></span> at Camp Twin Lakes</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bowling with KPeasey on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1633441256" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">November 13th</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We just want to thank everyone for their continued support of KPF. We are grateful for each and every one of you. And don't forget, together we wheel!</span></div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-78179606193869535212016-08-31T09:41:00.001-04:002016-08-31T09:41:35.825-04:00KPF Athlete Ryan Whitley Experiences His Aha Moment at John Tanner Tri<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzpmaOA6oP9itxFjcHwzrhmLfSNfT7uXnq3siOurS7M0ca3kXBQ65hBKmFg4UnDFBOHoJVzXTF-W6f92iBXgoTLzy6sLDF0e-jlb5GVuwXR4_QJtN6ofGlV52dDZG61rOJRxXSLvNki4E/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzpmaOA6oP9itxFjcHwzrhmLfSNfT7uXnq3siOurS7M0ca3kXBQ65hBKmFg4UnDFBOHoJVzXTF-W6f92iBXgoTLzy6sLDF0e-jlb5GVuwXR4_QJtN6ofGlV52dDZG61rOJRxXSLvNki4E/s400/IMG_1355.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hello Kpeasey Nation,</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">As we get ready to run into our busiest season of the year, we can't help but look back at some of our incredible summer events. We kicked off the summer with the Virginia Highlands Summerfest in June, followed by the iconic Peachtree Road Race. At Peachtree our involvement grew by leaps and bounds and was only exceeded by our The Lekotek 4-miler, which became our largest team event race ever. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One would think that that would be the pinnacle, but it just keeps on getting better at </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">our favorite local triathlon The John Tanner Tri the Parks Triathlon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If I may, the whole reason why we started this foundation was to let every person have their moment, whatever that might be. Their moment to shine or experience life at it's very finest. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This past Saturday, at the John Tanner, Ryan Whitley had his aha </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">moment where he realized just what it meant to be a triathlete by finishing the race on his own two feet. It was his first triathlon and after walking across the finish line surrounded by cheers and tears of joy, Ryan's smile traveled from ear to ear. This is my personal mission; for the foundation to help provide every athlete with the opportunity to smile and to enjoy their race day to the fullest. Ryan certainly filled that bill for me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Please take a minute and relive Ryan's incredible finish line experience below. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we get ready for the fall events, </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">which will culminate with Bowling with Kpeasey in November, we cannot wait until the Marine Corps Marathon in the Nation's capital in October. They don't call it the People's Marathon for nothing. The MCM will challenge our athletes, but will give them a purpose and personal achievement that no one can take ever away from them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you are interested in making a donation to support one of our Marine Corps Marathon team pages please visit, <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/support/" target="_blank">our website support page</a> and select the KPF team of your choice. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are so excited about being a co-sponsors to Golf with Jake as Jake Vinson and his family will always have a special place in our hearts. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of this special family, it's not too late to sign up for the Jake Vinson Family Grant. The deadline is 9/15. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Applications are on our website. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Camp Wheel a Way which is always a fun time is approaching on October 9-11. Do not miss out on this incredible weekend. For more information visit our website as well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thanks always for all the support. W</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">e can't wait to kick off the fall and for all of the Kpeasey family to have a great time. Until then, </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Together We Wheel...Kyle</span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-5324154126181332272016-07-25T19:46:00.001-04:002016-07-26T13:28:05.118-04:00And the Winner of the Inaugural Assisted Division of the Peachtree Road Race is...INCLUSION!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsElJ1icn2xAU3-CjyLUqyZEQVN3BnAA1jah4ghVp49pdviw6QsGVWC8GfsxNipb2Sj7IXshPAHSwSCGXvvp6yMBc78u_AxVzQxR-u81Fq05kTG61Vt3fBM001D2lvtYhNb-58o2qXky4N/s1600/IMG_3788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsElJ1icn2xAU3-CjyLUqyZEQVN3BnAA1jah4ghVp49pdviw6QsGVWC8GfsxNipb2Sj7IXshPAHSwSCGXvvp6yMBc78u_AxVzQxR-u81Fq05kTG61Vt3fBM001D2lvtYhNb-58o2qXky4N/s320/IMG_3788.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ricardo and Matt win the Inaugural Assisted Division Peachtree Road Race. <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 15.7143px; text-align: left;">PHOTO BY JORDAN D. HILL/JORDAN.HILL@AJC.COM</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hello K Peasey Nation...If you think the weather has been hot during the month of July, the Foundation schedule has been scalding. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">KPF started off the month on America's birthday with Atlanta's iconic race, The Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10k in the entire country with </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">over 60,000 participants. That's a lot of athletes!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Peachtree even has a wheel chair division which was made up of 62 athletes this year. B</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">rent and I have been working very hard along with the Atlanta Track Club and The Shepherd Center to create the first assisted division in the race's long and historic history. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The inaugural assisted division was made up of five teams with the winners being Ricardo Aranda and Matt Shechtman who finished in a blistering time of just over 38 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In an article published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Matt thanked Ricardo for his reassurance as "Schectman’s endurance weakened over time".</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Ricardo is an amazing lead and he keeps pushing me the whole way. He talked me off the ledge and kept me going. He’s an awesome puller.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He continued, “The Peachtree is all about inclusion,” Schectman said. “Sixty thousand different people out here with 60,000 stories.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was a very historic Fourth of July with fire works all through the day and a perfect day to celebrate both independence and inclusion. What a perfect pair as in many ways the two travel hand in hand. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two days after Peachtree, Brent and I packed our suitcases and hit the road in the KPF RV with a final destination of Muncie, IN for the Muncie </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">70.3 1/2 Ironman.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was great to see some familiar faces on the course each of which inspired us to a personal best of 33 minutes for the 1.2 mile swim. We followed that up with a g</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">reat bike portion of 3:56 for the 56 miles ride and followed that up with </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">a very solid 1/2 marathon for a personal record of 6:28:00. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We can't thank KPF athletes Tina and Naomi Hicks enough as they made their way to IN to support us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Brent is participating in his own full Ironman race this weekend in Sonoma Valley, CA at Vineman. We will be rooting him on and encourage him to spend more time on the course than in the vineyards. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are getting ready for a very busy schedule with the Lekotek Fun Run on August 13, a local triathlon on August 27 and then the People's Marathon aka the Marine Corp Marathon on October 30th in the Nation's capitol just a few days before the presidential election. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to check out our site for information about Bowling with Kpeasey, The Jake Vinson Family Grant and of course, Camp Wheel a Way!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As always, Together We Wheel!</span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-3934665352605281682016-06-17T18:53:00.000-04:002016-06-17T19:02:07.858-04:00KPF Schedule Is As Pretty as a Peach (Tree)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDBOVqzGBWzTUQZm5wSsvNSBZcof7yWAZcFYgLfU5rPbGWTm2UozvIQeAiI2nzni1_W1WwBpC0af4qsnwimwEBkX4GHQiJRK_2GItOxioMjbgcB0vEi9JEZolcDJABu0qrmt5Dgu4ywji/s1600/11143491_1159982014027688_784335701225849056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDBOVqzGBWzTUQZm5wSsvNSBZcof7yWAZcFYgLfU5rPbGWTm2UozvIQeAiI2nzni1_W1WwBpC0af4qsnwimwEBkX4GHQiJRK_2GItOxioMjbgcB0vEi9JEZolcDJABu0qrmt5Dgu4ywji/s400/11143491_1159982014027688_784335701225849056_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueg-j9SkQlR_VA3gKwi70KB9Ynrfji_Fd-79p2Y5N_M5R_AyWJcQr_2Syc6hCqya8p-5o-vmYw-xgWt8v0BQT2XfhI_93xd4llKR1SOT4YddmexN1nAAxq_v8FJhU72ovQmc_4YRUP6N7/s1600/11707536_1160450397314183_5456524384234652957_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">It seems as though I start off each blog post with the
same general sentiment and that is to say, "It's a busy time of year for
the Kyle Pease Foundation and our calendar is filling up by the week."
That's because it's a busy time of year for the Kyle Pease Foundation
and our calendar is filling up by the week.<br /><br />We had a record
breaking turnout for the Virginia Highlands 5k and everybody seemed to
have a great time including new and veteran athletes alike. Now we turn
our attention to the largest 10K in the United States; The Peachtree
Road Race which just happens to be in our back yard of good ol' Atlanta,
GA. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGf1wQ7wEvvtxO1J0O5y0zlzrKjaOktAUWd-nH4En6ihwTOqUE8Ymcc6EDr8BjB5dIEK_6LTzvW9SgrAu5BBLE59U6tR2VWZUzlO3lNIP-lwn4jcSz_oKQQRc4qel8m7YbAtqkaWOhltr/s1600/11262110_1159265664099323_2207269755570105249_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGf1wQ7wEvvtxO1J0O5y0zlzrKjaOktAUWd-nH4En6ihwTOqUE8Ymcc6EDr8BjB5dIEK_6LTzvW9SgrAu5BBLE59U6tR2VWZUzlO3lNIP-lwn4jcSz_oKQQRc4qel8m7YbAtqkaWOhltr/s320/11262110_1159265664099323_2207269755570105249_n.jpg" width="180" /></a>We
so excited that the Atlanta Track Club and the Shepard Center has
allowed us to compete in the race with bibs for five teams. Just a
couple years ago, Brent and I were dubbed as pioneers as the first
assisted team to run this race and now thanks to these two organizations
we have grown five-fold. <br /><br />We have a whole weekend of happenings
and this is one of our biggest fund raisers of the year. Greg and
Christy Smith have graciously opened their home for an evening of fun
that will highlight the Peachtree Road Race and The Kyle Pease
Foundation. We are so grateful and excited to share the gift of
inclusion with some amazing people. Thank you to the Smiths for opening
their home to our foundation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueg-j9SkQlR_VA3gKwi70KB9Ynrfji_Fd-79p2Y5N_M5R_AyWJcQr_2Syc6hCqya8p-5o-vmYw-xgWt8v0BQT2XfhI_93xd4llKR1SOT4YddmexN1nAAxq_v8FJhU72ovQmc_4YRUP6N7/s1600/11707536_1160450397314183_5456524384234652957_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueg-j9SkQlR_VA3gKwi70KB9Ynrfji_Fd-79p2Y5N_M5R_AyWJcQr_2Syc6hCqya8p-5o-vmYw-xgWt8v0BQT2XfhI_93xd4llKR1SOT4YddmexN1nAAxq_v8FJhU72ovQmc_4YRUP6N7/s400/11707536_1160450397314183_5456524384234652957_n.jpg" width="266" /></a>Join us in our friendly bet where KPF Fans can wager to support their KPF favorite team <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/peachtree" target="_blank">at our website. </a>This is a fun way to support KPF while cheering for your favorite KPF team. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Monday following the race, Brent and Kyle will hit the road for the
70.3 mile Half Ironman in Muncie, IN on Saturday, July 9. <br /><br />So as stated earlier, it is a busy few weeks. As always don't forget to apply for the Jake Vincent Family Grant and to sign up for Camp Wheel Away.<br /><br />And do not forget, Together We Wheel. </span></span>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-63276482392140608292016-05-19T20:28:00.000-04:002016-05-19T20:50:28.393-04:00Spreading the Message of the Kyle Pease Foundation from Coast to Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKoymsXKNNmlNBFRRF16TU68xngnMdTguFkZLzBiqdIi7iTcOxKh5uSY4IKZLKfQvY50a_BkX_0yeirBBvAIeBxmpvKw_yDMYUf7Swf8K589GkI39d8RnBfNtZBsA3_bmf8hNB3WgfvrM/s1600/13254326_1393237287368825_2018910217338170776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKoymsXKNNmlNBFRRF16TU68xngnMdTguFkZLzBiqdIi7iTcOxKh5uSY4IKZLKfQvY50a_BkX_0yeirBBvAIeBxmpvKw_yDMYUf7Swf8K589GkI39d8RnBfNtZBsA3_bmf8hNB3WgfvrM/s320/13254326_1393237287368825_2018910217338170776_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's been quite a stretch for the Kyle Pease Foundation as we have done everything from s</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">peaking at SAP Financial in the City of Brotherly of Love to traveling to Montgomery, AL for another speaking engagement. We then flew to the west coast for the Bay to Breakers Race with our main man, Curtis Ward to cap off an incredible two weeks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Curtis and I have had a very special relationship for the longest time as we played adaptive sports together several years ago and now he shares the road with me as a member of Walking with KPeasey. It is a true honor that our paths crossed again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Curtis shared his thoughts about our trip together following the race, "My experience in San Francisco was perhaps the best race I have competed in so far. The Bay to Breakers was an interesting event as the racers threw soft shell tacos into the crowd along with marshmallows. Though that was interesting the highlight of the race was running with my friends."</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There were two fundraisers held in CA for us. One was put on by </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bbtdzhrfW4Hrwrf2ruDtzK4LHaHzdful-hKev9quJvPdH9ffzj2Mks4ZITCBqaxhz5TmdMMNBSPPYDn5lYQBHh8EChnoCAm3djF8hjal0KEsKKcmJpnCBHm8IbOcDPnLuM2sh6cXh5-1/s1600/13256281_1393237384035482_6979366694117299370_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bbtdzhrfW4Hrwrf2ruDtzK4LHaHzdful-hKev9quJvPdH9ffzj2Mks4ZITCBqaxhz5TmdMMNBSPPYDn5lYQBHh8EChnoCAm3djF8hjal0KEsKKcmJpnCBHm8IbOcDPnLuM2sh6cXh5-1/s320/13256281_1393237384035482_6979366694117299370_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Brent's very good friend, Jeremy Carter, who also pushed Curtis. Jeremy works in Napa in wine country. The event was a Low Country Boil where they served <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">sausage, corn, shrimp and wine. It was a great event and a wonderful time was had by all. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of my very first caretakers from Emory University was Suzanne Becker. She threw a fundraiser for us at a local bar. It was great to see her and her husband, as well as, seeing my former caregiver Anna Shields. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was great to spread the mission and to make more people aware of what we do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As always it was great to hang out with my brother, Brent and to spend some quality bro-time. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget about submitting your application for the Jake Vinson Family Grant and u</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ntil next time, Together We Wheel. </span></span></div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-64254644354244407082016-04-29T10:50:00.000-04:002016-04-29T11:00:27.564-04:00Kyle Pease Foundation: We're On The Road Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Though Willie made it famous, Kpeasey is putting it into practice over the next couple weeks, taking the Kyle Pease Foundation on the road. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">As I'm writing this, we are in the midst of the "Boston Sweet Tea Pahty", with our own Atlanta Hawks tossing the Celtics into Boston "Hahbah", while the Braves scalped the "Sahx" in the final game of their four game set. How good it feels to rub it in the face of our social media director "Tahd" who makes the "Bahston" area his home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Now that that's out of the way, we have a busy couple weeks on both the speaking and the racing circuit that will take us from coast to coast. At the end of April, Kpeasey was all over the state of Georgia, enjoying races in Augusta and Atlanta.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Little Miss Naomi has been on a roll, racing every weekend throughout the month of April. We are so proud of her and thrilled that fans think of the Kyle Pease Foundation whenever they see her race. She is becoming one of the many familiar faces of KPF. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcPQYp-ng8hLwmGvOV_sCF3x1k4M2R5dHUSeQZEbc0AIBa2PuYF3Dw8Yl5P39RM2AbP87pYk881U4VHj77hEv1cmyn4r6uLJh1zzchhg9i33C-dSebtunPYKMjV9gfEJbIcXCwDcyyzOh/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcPQYp-ng8hLwmGvOV_sCF3x1k4M2R5dHUSeQZEbc0AIBa2PuYF3Dw8Yl5P39RM2AbP87pYk881U4VHj77hEv1cmyn4r6uLJh1zzchhg9i33C-dSebtunPYKMjV9gfEJbIcXCwDcyyzOh/s320/IMG_1171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Brent and I, along with Michael Ragan and Naomi, joined Greg Smith and Marin, at the Pace Academy 5K (Marin's school) last week. We were also joined by Jim Balckburn, Tina Marie Hicks, Cary Liner and Joltin' John Pulliam. Well represented team of KPF blue. </div>
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We are so excited and honored to be speaking next week at SAP Financial in Philadelphia. How fitting that Brent and I get to speak in the "City of Brotherly Love". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaIgKYheEveaft48cYXBacM9pgUBlLtV0ir7bLcBmqMRHVLvB5Mez1loi-O5deTZZKPL30uTbuThJLRADDsDGqgY2EnSKzLZQ8rhX_I6KWB8x-6zrUzmHiLr9eVr_00zQWCJhDFNJw-wB/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaIgKYheEveaft48cYXBacM9pgUBlLtV0ir7bLcBmqMRHVLvB5Mez1loi-O5deTZZKPL30uTbuThJLRADDsDGqgY2EnSKzLZQ8rhX_I6KWB8x-6zrUzmHiLr9eVr_00zQWCJhDFNJw-wB/s320/Capture.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
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We will be following that up with a trip to the left coast where <a href="http://www.zapposbaytobreakers.com/" target="_blank">Zappos.com Bay to Breakers 12K</a> on May 15th. Curtis Ward will be joining us in San Francisco and enjoying the beautiful sites the city has to offer. We will also be speaking at two locations in "The Golden Gate City" while raising funds for KPF. </div>
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Don't forget to sign up for the Jake Vinson Family Grant. You can visit <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/" target="_blank">our website to apply</a>. </div>
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Getting ready to pack the suitcase, blast some Willie and get on the road....again. Remember, Where there's a wheel there's a way.</div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-71054293907895367492016-04-07T09:09:00.002-04:002016-04-07T09:13:20.695-04:00Doorways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xq3JmC1Qu8l2ZwSpEoO7RunXFd5dNo_zeF5-ze3NNf0fPIWpec08W8okR5ZigNS7EDq-xRGjkFbo6y4Mcy3zJbJTM2Z83-BuNVGQywCMDRSzjY7ChX3o0VP9yUkj_M_e3g6_btFIt4KI/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xq3JmC1Qu8l2ZwSpEoO7RunXFd5dNo_zeF5-ze3NNf0fPIWpec08W8okR5ZigNS7EDq-xRGjkFbo6y4Mcy3zJbJTM2Z83-BuNVGQywCMDRSzjY7ChX3o0VP9yUkj_M_e3g6_btFIt4KI/s400/door.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Open a door for Kyle, and it has a tremendously positive impact on his day. Without people opening doors for Kyle, for us, we'd still be sitting outside with our metaphorical nose "pressed against the window" hoping to be invited inside. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday, names were drawn for entry into the Ironman World Championships and our name was excluded. That door has not yet been opened. We both badly want to race Kona. It's been a personal goal of ours since our first triathlon together, but there is an added goal of helping to open more doors for the athletes we serve. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA1a-l_AGHrjQfNuJYVZLOVhfDeUsmaygcOLNl6M_2X5bm28dt8rt0cZPcqKuQG4thR5iX4adJeNHhFInqmY_RdxPxHUtVxW8imhe2SNiXiCDZlz7wgOt7nkhzl203IepuiMoqV5pETkn/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA1a-l_AGHrjQfNuJYVZLOVhfDeUsmaygcOLNl6M_2X5bm28dt8rt0cZPcqKuQG4thR5iX4adJeNHhFInqmY_RdxPxHUtVxW8imhe2SNiXiCDZlz7wgOt7nkhzl203IepuiMoqV5pETkn/s400/IMG_1997.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They say when one door closes another opens, so we are now searching for another opportunity for a door to swing ajar. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Racing brings us great joy, a thrill of competition we both yearn for and we hope that many doors remain open for that. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To those that have opened doors for us, we thank you. For those that remain closed, we simply ask that you hold one open and help us roll through. For as Kyle says, "where there's a wheel, there's a way".<br /><br /> Together we wheel<br /> #kpeasey2kona</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">~~~~~~~</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://teamorder.serviziocorse.com/index.aspx?pc=1710B1A2-9C17-4289-AFE5-0C591D1889DC" target="_blank">Time to Order Your KPF Cycling and Triathlon Gear</a></span></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: red;">New Season...New Styles...New Designs</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://teamorder.serviziocorse.com/index.aspx?pc=1710B1A2-9C17-4289-AFE5-0C591D1889DC" style="color: #3d6776; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">THIS IS THE PROJECT LINK </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://teamorder.serviziocorse.com/index.aspx?pc=1710B1A2-9C17-4289-AFE5-0C591D1889DC" target="_blank"><img alt="https://teamorder.serviziocorse.com/index.aspx?pc=1710B1A2-9C17-4289-AFE5-0C591D1889DC" border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnXRIC0gRfixVmyLYUX94w9f_pbrzc0ljbT_EYJ9oJWG5VjX5o7qqNskvLK8UAdEWzEwbispPqgMgpxzZ10biEelQCGyjq8EBsN-goKUZDOzMkAbRtLwwucewFuLlhfvO3YtAXy01v57t/s400/21a95035-20f0-46ed-8687-221302d629e1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-8533029272845367632016-03-23T21:50:00.003-04:002016-03-31T18:28:22.982-04:00KPeasey Turns Over The Microphone to the Other KPF Athletes<div style="text-align: justified;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOuCY1u3KPZp1P2ytcszx-BSjbbf8nKtIeGosWsQ1Zi3JG6S33B0rmzuXYrKZBZ2osxFfXiR0vAPfAc1pXU73bTJAlIpM3QVCehwhAxQx9cVMikWAc4x34zSfQBNgwo1r4zT92zpeX9Up/s1600/12189961_1341822795843608_2435513584108516156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOuCY1u3KPZp1P2ytcszx-BSjbbf8nKtIeGosWsQ1Zi3JG6S33B0rmzuXYrKZBZ2osxFfXiR0vAPfAc1pXU73bTJAlIpM3QVCehwhAxQx9cVMikWAc4x34zSfQBNgwo1r4zT92zpeX9Up/s320/12189961_1341822795843608_2435513584108516156_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite parts when watching a
concert is when the lead singer refrains from singing, holds his microphone out over
the adoring crowd and lets the audience shout out the words to the band's hit
song. There is something magically exciting and refreshing when the fans shout out the lyrics
to a familiar hit song. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So following last weekend's incredible
Publix Georgia Half Marathon, where we were blessed to have 28 athletes and over
100 volunteers cruising the streets of Atlanta wearing KPeasey blue, it seems
equally exciting and refreshing to turn the blog over to the athletes and their families and revel in
the words and feelings of their personal experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before I turn it over completely, however, Brent and I, along with the Kyle Pease Foundation Board want to thank everyone who participated in making this the high water mark to date of the Kyle Pease Foundation brief history. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As is always the case after a big weekend like this it takes me a few days to finally come down from the high we all rode. And what a special weekend this was. The growth of this event and the growth of our crew at the starting line is a testament to each of you. Whether this was your first Publix with us or your fourth, we thank you all for joining us!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What we saw in the starting corral at 6:40 on Sunday morning was built by all of you. Your trust, your courage and your faith in proving that where there is a wheel there is a way was seen in a sea of blue!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We cannot thank each of you enough for your dedication to our mission and we look forward to sharing the road with you again soon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> -</span><b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: right;">Brent and Kyle </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each and every one of you. Today. Was. PERFECT. And you guys made that happen!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I can't thank Brent & Kyle enough for allowing me to be a part of today. Gotta say, looking back at a sea of blue at 6:50 this morning had to have been one of the most joyful moments of my life! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- </span><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until Next Time...</span></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right;">Helen Gardner</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today was my husband and
my first time as push assists. We had the honor of being a part of Team Destiny
and Team Sherry. This experience has forever changed the way we run. Being a
part of something so much bigger than ourselves and helping athlete's and family's
dreams come true was, to say the least, life changing for us. We are so
grateful for organizations like Children's and The Kyle Pease Foundation that
make it all possible. #togetherwewheel. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: right;">-Thank You! Emily Stoniecki</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There was a moment during the race when I asked myself the question so many runners have asked themselves. Why am I doing this? Yes, I know running these races is for my daughter but there are plenty of fantastic volunteers who would love to push her. I don't have to be the one to run behind her. Than I looked up and saw a street sign: Hudson. Hudson is a little boy who is no longer with us. He was the first child I knew with the same condition as my Rebecca and seeing his name reminded me that every moment with Rebecca is a special one. It's been almost five years since Hudson passed away. Time does not heal all wounds, but we can choose to keep running, have fun, and finish the race. This morning I packed up the Publix half medal, shirt, and Kyle's book and mailed to Hudson's mom. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #073763;">- Marjan Holbrook</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Today, I rode my bike in the Georgia half marathon with the Kyle</span></span><br />
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Pease Foundation. The Kyle Pease foundation is a group that helps people with disabilities. We got put up in a hotel by them yesterday afternoon. It was so awesome. They also provided dinner for all of the runners and I met my runners at dinner. I had four girls who ran with me. Kyle and Brent (his brother) talked at the dinner. There were 28 wheelchair athletes who were being pushed. There were a lot of runners. There were a lot of people cheering me on the way. It made me feel awesome, normal and good about myself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">-</span><b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: right;">Hank Poore</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thought for the day: </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where do I start? </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">hearing Rebecca cheer for her mom to run faster</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">stopping in the highlands so Sara and Bill could cheer and hug Rebecca and Marjan, awww</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">the five of us crossing the finish line together smiling, laughing and ready for more.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">struggling at miles 10-11 and realizing that my struggles are nothing compared to what the Holbrooks deal with daily. </span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nothing can describe how wonderful it is to see what the Pease Foundation does for children like Rebecca. I can say wholeheartedly that throughout the years, I've seen Rebecca at her best and her worst. Rebecca's at her best during these events; when we're pushing her at these races and she's smiling and cheering and yelling "runner/wheelchair back" in her own special Rebecca way, and at her worst when I'm caring for her in the hospital and watching the KP joyful paradox is indescribably wonderful. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bless the Pease Brothers/family and all those who are involved that help make these special moments and dreams come true. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Sincerely, </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gary </span></b><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harris, RN, BSN</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I knew this was a worthy cause, but being a part of the actual race will change the way I look at racing as well as those with disabilities. We met some amazing people that have battled the odds to cross that finish line.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A special thank you to our Captain, Matthew and his mom, Karen. They made the long trip from Rome, GA away from the comforts of home on Saturday to be ready for the race on Sunday. With a 4:45 AM time for departure from the hotel, it was a long day for all. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matthew did great. He loved the crowd, the sun (at the end), the cheering, the music and especially the speed bumps and potholes. At first we tried to avoid them, but then saw him laugh and smile when we did hit them, so we kept on hitting them. His laughter lit up the course and was infectious to those who ran near us. The picture I have included shows just a taste of his amazing smile. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We finished strong as a team, got our medals and have already discussed plans for next year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I can't thank you enough again for your donations. Please contact me if you would like to hear more about the race or the KPF. </span></div>
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<b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Thanks, </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matt Harrison</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Dear Helen, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I was able to catch up with Brent at the finish line, but didn't see you to tell you thanks personally. I cannot thank you and Brent and Kyle enough...the entire experience - pre-race communication, fundraising, the race (both Saturday's pre-race events and Sunday) was absolutely perfect. For me, this was by far the most fulfilling race experience I've ever been a part of...truly life changing to push Matthew with Larry and Matt and watch him grinning. I tear up and get chills just thinking about the joy that was on his face the entire time. We already asked Karen if we could push him for next year's race. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cannot wait to participate in more events with you guys! </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"> Tony Berwald</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">I've heard Brent say that "I loan Kyle my legs, and I use his spirit." -and I truly understood that yesterday, pushing Hank Poore in his chair. No matter if it became windy at times, or a little cold or hot, Hank never let up-pedaling the entire way (making our jobs easier with his constant work!), sharing with us the sheer joy he felt to be out there, and inspiring us to keep going. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had worried that it would be much more difficult to run a half-marathon, while pushing a wheelchair. In fact, although I may have done the physical pushing, Hank was the one who pulled us through, all the way to the finish line, with his indomitable will. </span></div>
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<b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Darria Long Gillespie</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Yesterday was so awesome. My favorite part was when, en masse, our whole group started making our way to the start line and a large group of runners waiting in the port-a-john line spontaneously started applauding as we passed. That made me so happy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Standing at the starting line, I felt like I was part of something big. Part of a movement that is going to grow and grow. I've done over a hundred races that were all about me, but it's way more rewarding to run for a cause like KPF and I look forward many more. Kyle is a hero of mine and I am so lucky to know him. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">-</span><b style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cordially, </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Scott Stafford</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Thank you all for one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The smile on Matthew's face during the race was something I will never forget and the other athletes I met along the way will be in my thoughts every time I go out for a run. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help in the future! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">-</span><b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: right;">Larry Lindberg</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I first learned about the opportunity to participate in the Georgia Half Marathon as a pusher, I immediately thought of my cousin Trevor. Trevor spent all nine years of his life between his bed and his wheelchair, with his view of the world largely confined to what he could see from his bedroom or out the car window. To think of what this opportunity could have meant to him, not to mention his parents, made the opportunity to push Sherry that much more special for me. In my nearly eight years at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, I’ve been fortunate to play witness to some intensely humbling and emotionally charged moments. Sunday’s race afforded me a unique opportunity to be a part of such a moment, and it’s a feeling that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am grateful to Sherry and her family for trusting in our team to get her across the finish line, and I am in awe of the people who give tirelessly of themselves to make such experiences possible for both the in-chair athletes and those of us blessed enough to be among the pushers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I submitted the survey but I also wanted to personally thank you for </span><br />
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letting me run with you guys this weekend. It was an amazing race and an amazing experience. I loved running with Curtis and my team. I know everyone is still coming down from the craziness of the weekend but I wanted to let you guys know that I'd love to run with y'all again at the Peachtree Road Race if there's a spot on a team available. I'd much rather run with someone again and have a blast than hope to get selected in the lottery to run by myself. Also, I've been talking you guys up here in Augusta trying to get some other runners interested in joining the team. Take care and I hope see and run with y'all again soon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> the race </b></span><b style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif;">from Team Naomi's chair...</b></span></div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-26154906356788422292016-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:002016-03-17T08:17:35.605-04:00A Wave of KPF Blue To Take Over Publix Half This Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcCZWeat0bSpS7P0vPWGr92NSc0ghzPQ0cfnp5qtm0Zc6TFClDiJ7GFe3vt1P0DdSeY-ouzvtB4he0qP4lCmm34PPWM5Bul8xnxSaymVtnaQHTnU40TwfmsuiAfiu0-kp2yXSym1bBZit/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcCZWeat0bSpS7P0vPWGr92NSc0ghzPQ0cfnp5qtm0Zc6TFClDiJ7GFe3vt1P0DdSeY-ouzvtB4he0qP4lCmm34PPWM5Bul8xnxSaymVtnaQHTnU40TwfmsuiAfiu0-kp2yXSym1bBZit/s400/Capture.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Among the hundreds of unforgettable moments we have experienced since the birth of the Kyle Pease Foundation, in a mere 48 hours we will be in the midst of experiencing the Grand Daddy of them all. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">When the starter's pistol sounds on Sunday morning, Publix Georgia Half Marathon, 28 KPF athletes and their volunteer will be crossing the starting line, representing the largest contingent of half marathoners to ever don KPF blue. That's right, over two dozen athletes and nearly 100 volunteers will be rolling through the streets of downtown Atlanta for 13.1 incredible miles. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am absolutely overwhelmed at the number of people who will be participating and envision a wall of blue traveling through the city. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is our biggest year to date and every year we continue to grow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Personally, Publix is my favorite local race, not only because it is in our back yard, but also because I am of course a long time Publix employee. It gives me great pride working for an organization that sponsors this incredible hometown race. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The crowds will be amazing especially around the Rally Corner at Virginia Highlands and I can't wait for the wheels to hit the pavement.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We would like to thank all of our sponsors. Children's Hospital of Atlanta has come forward to be a supporter for this race as well as a special thanks to all of our other wonderful sponsors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you're in the Atlanta area, this weekend, please come out and cheer on our athletes, as well as, meeting the athletes on Saturday, March 19 at Gordon Biersch Restaurant in Buckhead where we will be hosting an event to thank our volunteers, rev up our athletes and meet our friends and fans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If that isn't enough exciting news, we will be joined by two incredibly special guests who will be running with us this weekend. Brent and I are so excited be joined by Amy Downes and Kamran Zokai, the incredible duo who helped Brent and I complete the NYC Marathon when our running chair disintegrated. We are thrilled to be hosting them for the race and help that the KPeasey faithful will thank them for their willingness to help us last November. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Together We Wheel ~</span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-85755761588587519362016-02-25T11:07:00.000-05:002016-02-25T15:43:01.994-05:00KPF is Hitting the Pavement Running in 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Before we begin our regularly scheduled blog post, Brent and I, as well as the rest of the Kyle Pease Foundation, would like to take a moment to offer our sincerest sympathies to Major Kim "Rooster" Rossiter, his family and the entire Ainsley's Angels of America family following the loss of their daughter and inspiration to so many, Ainsley. Ainsley left us all earlier this week and will be forever missed. Please take a moment and think of this incredible little girl and then go hug your child and all those close to you. Life is fleeting and we need to experience the joy brought to us at every possible moment. RIP, Little Angel.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last week Brent and I kicked off our 2016 season in Augusta, GA at the Dr. Seuss is on the Loose 5 and 10 K. This of course makes me want to do the next part of the blog in Dr. Seuss type rhyming. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;"><em>But did not eat Green Eggs or Ham.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;"><em>They participated in the Seuss 10K</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;"><em>We'll save this rhyme for another day.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our Augusta family really loved the fact that we traveled down there and they were absolutely the hostess with the mostest. It was great to get our wheels back on the pavement after a couple winter months of hibernation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next, we are gearing up for Charles Harris 10K this weekend in Atlanta, followed by one of my favorites, The Publix Half Marathon. We have more than twenty athletes signed up so far and there is still time to get involved both either as an athlete or as a pusher. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the five year anniversary of the Kyle Pease Foundation so we have a lot of things planned for the foundation, personally and for all KPeasey athletes. We are VERY excited about everything that is going on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Please let us know about races in tour area as the foundation can travel and support races around Georgia and the southern region. Where There's a Wheel; There's a Way, I've been know to say. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This helps us to involve athletes from all over and to share our message with a wider audience. We are also able to speak to schools, businesses and civic organizations, so please let us know if you have a contact we can connect with. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Earlier this month, Brent and I were honored at the Georgia House of Representatives by Representative Pat Gardner. The House gave us a resolution for all of our hard work with the disabled in the Atlanta area. Representative Gardner purchased a book for every member of the house. We received a standing ovation from members of the House. Quite a moment.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp4CSAi6SalQZqgx2PDtRIqI05FpVkWWYQ8FACIv05N4nh4wAi2uaFmLpyQz4Ruvb0QrnU0o76DSBqsfS_unZoQ84ow1LtqWONaAaIWusQRazTX15GyBj0Z7RnUlh3N-MKEZ8yYHNOCjf/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp4CSAi6SalQZqgx2PDtRIqI05FpVkWWYQ8FACIv05N4nh4wAi2uaFmLpyQz4Ruvb0QrnU0o76DSBqsfS_unZoQ84ow1LtqWONaAaIWusQRazTX15GyBj0Z7RnUlh3N-MKEZ8yYHNOCjf/s320/IMG_1043.JPG" width="180" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">March is Disability Awareness month so many local schools are doing programs in March surrounding the event. As I said earlier, if your school is planning something, please let's discuss bringing Brent and I to the school. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times"; font-size: large;">Lastly, don't wait to sign up for the Jake Vinson Family Grant. The application can be found on our newly designed website at <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/">www.kylepeasefoundation.org</a>.</span>Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-44082578743425388332016-01-27T14:15:00.000-05:002016-01-27T14:17:07.853-05:00KPF Hitting the Ground Running in 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVSKNGVTwHoYMqCdhX0UoNM9OB3wTq-ipSgDfuBE_gjRHCvjNj7pYQYxe1YdSsodaNkwJjnoz-HBGpnDt0XX1UelfqBNiKrJblLRzhsPnqy8JKOF1nEFzLDs7vJCDzLSGI5IE8blKjPsS/s1600/12400652_1285510064808215_7681041243689948238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVSKNGVTwHoYMqCdhX0UoNM9OB3wTq-ipSgDfuBE_gjRHCvjNj7pYQYxe1YdSsodaNkwJjnoz-HBGpnDt0XX1UelfqBNiKrJblLRzhsPnqy8JKOF1nEFzLDs7vJCDzLSGI5IE8blKjPsS/s320/12400652_1285510064808215_7681041243689948238_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year and welcome to the 2016 kickoff of the Kyle Pease blog. </span></span><span style="color: navy; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: large;">We have so many incredibly exciting things on tap this year that I'm not even sure where to begin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will be hitting the ground running this week as Brent and I will be speaking in Atlantic City, NJ and will be making a couple stops in the Philly area. Seems only fitting that the Pease Brothers speak in the City of Brotherly Love. Our speaking topic will be New Beginnings focusing on the NY City</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Marathon and how we were forced to change our game plan and execute a new plan from scratch. In sport, business or every day life this is a valuable lesson to learn from. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are also gearing up for another speech on my birthday..February 19 speaking at a local organization. Nothing is a better birthday gift for me than sharing our message to new audiences. In fact, if you would like us to speak at your business, school or civic organization, please let us know. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFxZiKX7GYgSzHhJFWR1Btpk10a0WnUORwKi1HwPxw_s8HwGhj7UDRLAcNN1fwh5TAvQKmKXPduTgzGtjA0ZwiWjE74OvAP-ucC1B8YelgQSCn2VJHw7L4ZbZalaDUJ1jkchbtU2LP8WC/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFxZiKX7GYgSzHhJFWR1Btpk10a0WnUORwKi1HwPxw_s8HwGhj7UDRLAcNN1fwh5TAvQKmKXPduTgzGtjA0ZwiWjE74OvAP-ucC1B8YelgQSCn2VJHw7L4ZbZalaDUJ1jkchbtU2LP8WC/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We recently spoke and signed our book at TriCoach Georgia in Athens and had an incredible visit. Check out the story and more photos <a href="http://tricoachgeorgia.com/walking-with-kpeasy-visits-athens-georgia-tricoachgeorgia/" target="_blank">in this link</a>. I'm the good looking guy with my cap on crooked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the race circuit, we are gearing up for the Publix Half Marathon to be held on March 20th where our goal is to gather the largest group of KPF runners ever...to date our largest contingent of KPF athletes has been 22 in chairs being pushed by 72 volunteers. Whether or not you have competed with us before this is your opportunity to participate. The application is on our "newly designed" website. We will match you up with a three person team of your relative speed so there is nothing to stop you from joining us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTES OF KPF INTEREST</b> </span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="color: navy; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's not too early to sign up for the 2016 Jake Vinson Family Grant. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: navy; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: large;">We will be blogging consistently this year on the blog...once per month so stay tuned. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: navy; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: large;">See our new website and share on social media</span><span style="color: navy; font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1515123413?keywords=where%20there%27s%20a%20wheel&qid=1453914755&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way"</a> continues to </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCflP8bjJLb4XTYxnQSAXXvb9lg3JjOhrNUKUqVFrSI0IYdEDZHqb85D__VKoYYs7CrCDQm7XYTOds84e68bibjhFvzUdwzO4xd3TT6NmgXvyH55Pc9ic_E0YxOG1ldQCtE6JgiPF-Ij37/s1600/12208801_1014498698590056_3328951183345375786_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCflP8bjJLb4XTYxnQSAXXvb9lg3JjOhrNUKUqVFrSI0IYdEDZHqb85D__VKoYYs7CrCDQm7XYTOds84e68bibjhFvzUdwzO4xd3TT6NmgXvyH55Pc9ic_E0YxOG1ldQCtE6JgiPF-Ij37/s320/12208801_1014498698590056_3328951183345375786_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
get some superior reviews on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1515123413?keywords=where%20there%27s%20a%20wheel&qid=1453914755&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. Please take a moment and post yours there as it really helps others make a purchasing decision. We would also love your creative photos of you and the book for our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1006371002736159.1073741828.1005951892778070&type=3" target="_blank">Facebook Wall of Fame</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't purchased your copy yet, we urge you to do so. All proceeds go to help the foundation so your purchase is a Win-win. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Until next time, Together We Wheel, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Kyle</i></b></span></span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-72169847202807247122015-11-18T11:00:00.001-05:002015-11-19T20:35:49.449-05:00A Final 2015 Thank You from Brent at The Kyle Pease Foundation<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYogvE4VtgN__WLD8KQwDUmdalYI5cgwstMGy8JGRDme9qvypVBxlQVFeYovYwPut8uNcNI8wNeCsW9GfAZS_IVdB2g2-h8kEEyxW44XqsTbty0YhpFaV2of76w71O2_Tq8g4TjHWyFzCb/s1600/Thank-you-banner-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYogvE4VtgN__WLD8KQwDUmdalYI5cgwstMGy8JGRDme9qvypVBxlQVFeYovYwPut8uNcNI8wNeCsW9GfAZS_IVdB2g2-h8kEEyxW44XqsTbty0YhpFaV2of76w71O2_Tq8g4TjHWyFzCb/s320/Thank-you-banner-500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">What can we say that hasn't been said already this year? First and
foremost, we want to thank all of our families who race with us. This
year 37 different families have raced completing everything from 5k's to
Marathons and Sprint triathlons to Ironman Triathlons! Our hearts are
full and it is very rewarding to see all of the hard work come to fruition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">To our volunteers who help get to the start and finish line each
and every race, we thank you. Thank you for your selfless acts and for
allowing us to share our day with you. As Mike Ragan said, "KPeasey
is a family and I am so honored that they all are so welcoming!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">To our donors, friends and supporters. Thank you for helping
fuel every mile we take on. None of this can happen without you all and
we are eternally grateful for your support!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">To our sponsors we thank you for the equipment, the support and
your generosity in helping our athletes achieve goals that they did not even know
existed. Thank you <a href="http://www.dynamomultisport.com/" target="_blank">Dynamo Multisport</a>, <a href="http://www.newtonrunning.com/" target="_blank">Newton Running</a>, <a href="http://locumtenens.com/">Locumtenens.com</a>,
<a href="http://advancedelements.com/" target="_blank">Advanced Elements</a>, <a href="http://www.freedomconcepts.com/" target="_blank">Freedom Concepts</a>, <a href="http://all3sports.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">all3sports.com</span></a>, <a href="http://www.kslaw.com/offices/Atlanta" target="_blank">King and Spalding</a>, <a href="http://www.tyr.com/?gclid=CIbnmvGct7YCFQuCnQodmjAABA" target="_blank">TYR</a>, <a href="http://www.infinityyogaatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Infinity Yoga</a>, <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/stores/us/atlanta/howellmill/ambassadors" target="_blank">Lulu Lemon</a>, <a href="http://www.stauntoninc.com/#home" target="_blank">Staunton Consulting</a>, <a href="http://spaceshopselfstorage.com/" target="_blank">Space Shop Self Storage</a> and <a href="http://www.cororealty.com/" target="_blank">CoroRealty Advisors</a>. Thank you, thank you, thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">You all give so much of yourselves and we cannot wait for the new
year to commence!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">If you were unable to attend our annual fundraiser, but would
still like to support the Kyle Pease Foundation you can donate here: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=VqBbYOFhtbibsF1WIWKC-SCrLBaFWxdlWIhUL85k7m0lbOP1CqsLBfG52rm&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d64ad11bbf4d2a5a1a0d303a50933f9b2" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">DONATE</span></a> or you can
purchase the new book, <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/" target="_blank">"Where There’s a Wheel, There’s a Way"</a> by Kyle Pease and
Todd Civin with 100% of proceeds benefiting The Kyle Pease Foundation. The book
launched on Sunday at our bowling event and got rave reviews. </span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">Thank you all for the many miles we have covered together and to
the many more we plan to cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">Together We Wheel!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">Brent</span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-18112350278095059512015-11-13T03:30:00.000-05:002015-11-13T12:45:02.657-05:002015 Ironman Florida: Relay w/ JDude... Alll Daaay Loooong!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbERTsjmg420B1bYS-WqSlFsV7W0A8cZHSI_D0o0RI_973TeMZcWxx4d7HEpA_ngMQfmyvlAHHnY4I2lTrkSmybGTlL4om85OaADDaFWW1P8uVD1cjf7tIRo_M22W4UE4ZvX3zW2PHI7K/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbERTsjmg420B1bYS-WqSlFsV7W0A8cZHSI_D0o0RI_973TeMZcWxx4d7HEpA_ngMQfmyvlAHHnY4I2lTrkSmybGTlL4om85OaADDaFWW1P8uVD1cjf7tIRo_M22W4UE4ZvX3zW2PHI7K/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><i style="font-size: 13.86px; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The following is part two in a two
part series which captures the many highs and but a very few lows that made
up Ironman Panama City. As most fans of the
Kyle Pease Foundation are aware, the foundation is intended not to
showcase Brent and I, but instead to provide opportunity for
other KPF athletes. It was an absolute joy to witness our very
own Justin Knight compete and become an Ironman with assists from
John Rutledge in the 2.4 mile swim, from Paul Lick in the 112 mile bike portion
and from Tim Myers who completed the event with a 26.2 mile run.</span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u1:p></u1:p>
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<i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I am so proud of Justin and his
family for their wonderful accomplishment and I can't wait to see the next
wheel in our journey. </span></i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
<i>In the following Race Report we will hear the sounds and experience the
sights of all those involved in this historic weekend including Justin Knight
himself, his mother Teresa and her boyfriend Willie McCoy, as well as John,
Paul and Tim (above). So sit back and experience Ironman Panama City
Through the Eyes of the Ironman.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> <b style="font-size: 13.86px; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">~~~</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u1:p></u1:p>
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<b style="font-size: 13.86px; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Back Story by Tim Myers:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> I had just come back from a
fractured hip and was running my first 13.1 race on Sunday, March 22nd at the
Publix Half Marathon. I had heard that a few teams from ATC were organized to
help the Kyle Pease Foundation assisting their athletes. John and Paul were to
assist Justin Knight (aka JDude) for this event. They had such a great
experience. Seeing all the pictures and stories made me feel a little selfish
that I didn't offer and participate. I had a few discussions with John after
the race and I told him I would be interested if ATC did more with the
Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">He mentioned that he had some
discussions with Brent Pease about doing a relay at Ironman Florida. I told
John I was most definitely in. We received verbal confirmation on May 17th at Chattanooga
70.3 that it was a go. It was hard to hold back the excitement, but knew I had
a few races beforehand I had to concentrate on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">On Saturday, September 12th we
organized the team of JDude, John (swim), Paul (bike) and I was doing the run
for a test race at the John Tanner Sprint. JDude's mom, Teresa, was there with
her boyfriend Willie, along with Brent and Kyle Pease. It started off with
Justin having a seizure and then he got a little cocky and flipped the boat and
he went under. Luckily he was fine, but this happened all before the
start of the race putting a little fear in us. Not the best way to start the
day, but we learned a lot about both Justin and Teresa's character and
confidence in us and the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">John had a great swim and Paul buried
himself on the bike. I finished the run in 24:52 (8:01/MI) and was completely
spent, as was Paul. It was a great experience and eye opener for all of us,
knowing we had to put in the practice time if we were to make the cutoff at
Ironman Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Training:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> After I finished Ironman
Chattanooga and John and Paul finished Augusta 70.3 on September 27th, it was
time for us to start our training for JDude's Ironman in Florida on November
7th. My first day of training was October 4th and it included 6 weeks of training
for IMFL. I ran 18 times for 135.19 miles and 18:17:28 with and without JDude
and the chair. It was great bonding time for the Team and JDude's family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We worked on pacing, nutrition and
most importantly communication. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything
as we became one big family. To further attest to our bonding, we all got
Mohawks to become unified. The confidence grew each and every week and we all
knew we would give it our all and help Justin become an Ironman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Pre-Race:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> I traveled down to Panama City
Beach, FL on Thursday with Paul. When we arrived the team registered together
for the race. Later that evening after dinner we all went to the Justin's hotel
room where a local news channel did an interview with JDude, Teresa and the
Team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The next day we had planned to do
some training with JDude, but only were able to get in a test run up the West
Bay Bridge with me as Paul's passenger on the bike. We were all confident that
we had the training needed for a good day for JDude. Later that night we all
met at Longhorn for our pre-race dinner. It was great to see so many there in
support of JDude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Race Day:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> I woke up at 3:45 am and had my
normal 2 packets of oatmeal and a banana. I sipped on EFS powder until the
start of the swim. John and I walked down to Transition to get body marked and
meet the Team at 4:30 am. Once we had everything setup in transition we started
down to the swim start to prep the kayak for the swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We walked through the process and had
a few last minute directions before John and JDude went off for the swim at
6:05 am. The waters looked pretty good with a few breaks closer to the shore.
The excitement of JDude becoming an Ironman was overwhelming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Swim (John):</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> I was very proud of John and
how selflessly he handled the swim when things didn't go as planned. It showed
how much character and what a class act he is. Justin was also great during
this whole process. We were all disappointed, but seeing how JDude and John
handled this situation we knew we were going to move on and still have an
awesome day for Justin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">T1:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> After a long wait, we took Justin to T1 after
the swim and changed him completely out of his swim clothes into his dry bike
clothes. Justin was then wheeled around to the bike, where Paul was waiting to
start the journey in hopes of doing a sub 8 hour ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Bike (Paul):</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> While they were out on the
bike, I waited and watched both Bethany and Rogue go out on the bike. After
they were on the course, Jen and I grabbed a late breakfast and then headed
back to the room to rest. We watched a few entertaining feeds from Periscope
that Brent was hosting on the bike course. We also were getting texts, phone
calls and Facebook updates from Brent and Teresa throughout the day on Paul's
and JDude's progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">About 12:00 pm, I headed to Pizza Hut
for some pasta and then went out for an easy ride to warm up the legs. Once I
received notice that they were at mile 100, I headed to transition to ready
myself. I had heard from Brent that Teresa was bit concerned over JDude because
of the heat of the day. I took a mental note and started to plan for the run.
As we were waiting around for Paul and JDude, I was getting anxious, nervous
and excited. Standing there with my Heart Rate monitor on, I saw that it was
reading around 85 BPM. When they started to get closer my HR started to climb.
When I finally saw them coming in to T2 it shot up to 110 BPM. I guess I was
starting to feel that excitement that is was now my turn!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg8cFzhZLOemKXqwLrtBqL4EFt-K0TD0pspeoKN4tDngrE4gl5w2zI9jC2EpzvqtGuQ-YW2YY_aVdoiArlJv8rvOUSXbggghDO21KbvaI17e1bqSEa9s9zGYbJIFdZsXyhr0IIWLywT6F/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZg8cFzhZLOemKXqwLrtBqL4EFt-K0TD0pspeoKN4tDngrE4gl5w2zI9jC2EpzvqtGuQ-YW2YY_aVdoiArlJv8rvOUSXbggghDO21KbvaI17e1bqSEa9s9zGYbJIFdZsXyhr0IIWLywT6F/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">T2</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">: We took JDude off the bike and into a chair we would
use to take him into the changing tent. Paul was spent and JDude looked tired.
We had a few special moments and laughs in the tent and at that moment we knew
Justin was ready to go. After getting JDude into his running gear, we headed
out to place him in the running chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><u1:p></u1:p>Teresa made sure he took
his medicine and was okay to continue. John sprayed him with sunscreen and then
we were off to the run course for 26.2 miles. It was my turn to take care of
the man of the day, and I was more than ready to do my part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Run:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> We started off on the run
course and had Marjan and Kyle pacing us for a few yards. The plan was to go
out easy, breaking down the course in 4 quarters. We would try to do a sub 4:00
marathon that JDude and I talked about during training. Breaking down the
course in 4 quarters is easy to do since the run course is a two loop out and
back. Ultimately, all of our goals were to get JDude to the finish line so he
could realize his dream of becoming an Ironman!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Well, my plan didn't start off well.
I was on such a high to start the run, I couldn't slow down or hold back. We
approached the ATC tent and I did a wheelie with JDude. ATC was so loud and
encouraging to JDude. It was quite a sight to see and be a part of. Justin was
smiling and laughing and I couldn’t help myself from grinning from ear to ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I was so darn excited that I ran the
first 2 miles at a 7:53 and 7:41 min/mile pace. Hardly taking it easy or a sub
4:00 hour marathon pace, but the adrenaline was very high and this was just the
beginning of the fun. As we passed all the Tri Club Tents on Thomas Drive,
JDude was given so much love and encouragement I couldn't stop smiling. The
spectators and athletes were unbelievable throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We turned onto Surf Dive and the encouragement
just kept coming. Surf Drive starts the seemingly endless succession of speed
bumps. At first JDude and I were having fun with them breaking up the flat
course, but after a while it became mundane. JDude would make me laugh as we
approach each one, saying "Oh boy, here's another one!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We approached the first aid station
on Surf Drive, and from earlier conversations with Brent I knew my priority was
to keep JDude cool and hydrated. I made sure before we started the run that he
had a hat on so I could put ice in it and keep him cool. JDude and I
communicate as we approach each aid station, so I would know if he needs any
liquids or solid food. I knew for the first half of the run we would still be
running in the sun, so I took extra precautions to make sure he had ample
liquids at every stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">When we came up on an aid station I
would call out water and a volunteer would hand me the water and I would stop
and put it into JDude's hand. I would then call out for Gatorade, GU or water
for myself as needed. Drinking and slowly walking through the aid station until
Justin was done drinking was a priority. I was in no hurry to start running,
until I knew he had enough hydration. After all, if I hurried too much and he
didn't get his hydration his body could shut down and that would be the end of his
day and that burden would be on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I was not about to let that happen,
so we took extra time at each aid station. I made sure he took in water and I
would also continue to put fresh ice in his hat and sponges on his neck. JDude
would also pour water over himself as needed. I was constantly checking in with
him to evaluate him. I even told him I would be doing this more often than
usual and he might get tired of it, but I wasn't going to stop as this heat was
a serious thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We continued that similar approach to
each aid station, changing out sponges and getting ice into his hat. We started
getting more efficient with each and every aid station. In some cases, a
volunteer would come out to us and ask what we needed. They would run back and
get everything we needed so we could keep moving. I still took my time at each
station to make sure JDude was getting the hydration that he needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">It was a challenge to get around
people, but we managed with Justin's mighty horn and me patiently waiting for
people to move over for us. We were moving well compared to the rest of the
field. I later found out from Rogue we passed over 1,000 athletes. I even
started calling "On your left!" I think JDude got a kick out of me
saying that, so with horn in hand and him yelling "On your left", how
could I not help but smile the whole time out there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I think a few people
would get a bit discouraged when we came up on them with JDude honking and
announcing we were on the move. Once they saw what was happening, not one of
them didn't acknowledge him and saying what we were doing was
"Awesome". JDude would say right back to them "You are Awesome,
too". JDude was so polite with each athlete when they would say "Good
Job", "Keep it up", "You are an inspiration", etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">It was hard not to get a bit
emotional and just keep smiling. He motivated me to continue to work hard and
get him to the finish line. The one that cracked me up was when someone would
say "Keep it up!" and JDude would respond by saying "Alll Daaaay
Loooong!" I told him that I didn't think I could keep it up all day long, but
I would keep it up to the finish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">As we continued on, we came across a
small dirt section near a bar a few miles before the St. Andrews State Park.
Each time we went by it, the people erupted for JDude. That was really
exhilarating and timely, giving us a lift. As we approached the park, it became
a little more difficult to maneuver around people. We ended up taking out 4-6
smaller cones in one section to get around people and JDude thought that was
fun, but definitely unavoidable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We made our way into the Park and saw
Angela Nelms at the Base Salt station and she ran with us shouting
encouragement to JDude. It was a little bit of an uphill there so it helped me
get up that section a little faster. We made it to the turnaround and headed
back to the start where I told JDude he would see his Mom and the rest of the
Pease and ATC families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">On the way back, the sun started to
set and JDude told me he was getting cold. I quickly made sure he didn't have
any ice in his hat and removed all of his sponges. I didn't want him to go from
hot to cold, as that could have been just as bad as being overheated. I would
continuously check in with him and ask if he was hot or cold. He would say
"No" to either one and I would then ask if he was "perfect"
and he would say "yes". So that became our word when I would check in
with him. Are you hot or cold or just perfect?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLLWQ3kI7ux4q2kZNxIK4ok-Uf3TQXhWjYU0AXxIpYj-bG4P0vq4551vEUDJh_HVZNGhjRcXsZExOxgaKS3KTyHl2CaMuRmwitOPeoaz9LTRdR-YugRMOCGX-A4WBTPjtxZ5kpX8V1BEb/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLLWQ3kI7ux4q2kZNxIK4ok-Uf3TQXhWjYU0AXxIpYj-bG4P0vq4551vEUDJh_HVZNGhjRcXsZExOxgaKS3KTyHl2CaMuRmwitOPeoaz9LTRdR-YugRMOCGX-A4WBTPjtxZ5kpX8V1BEb/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">As we made our way back to Surf Drive
and all the speed bumps, we started to bottom out on some of them. I would not
have been concerned, except knowing what happened the previous weekend to Kyle
and Brent at the NYC Marathon left me a little concerned. I wasn't about to
stop and I knew we had a backup plan, if something were to happen. So we
continued and just had fun with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Making our way back to Thomas Drive
and the Tri Club tents, it was getting loud again and we started looking for
the ATC tent. I planned to give my sunglasses to Jen and get my headlamp from
her for the second loop. I told Justin about the swap and that he would be
wearing it. I think he was excited about it wearing it. We passed the ATC tent
doing another wheelie and they went nuts for JDude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We continued on and Brent was
Periscoping and talking to us about our first</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><u1:p></u1:p>loop. We did the turn to
head back by the ATC tent and our second loop shortly after. This time we
stopped and Jerome assisted with putting the headlamp on Justin. Everyone was
so excited for JDude at this point. We were in good shape to meet our goal of
sub 4:00 marathon after running the first half at 1 hr:46 min and both of us
still feeling good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We headed out on our second loop and
JDude did a great job of shining the light on the course ahead of us. Athletes
could see us coming and would politely move to the side and Justin would thank
them. We made our way over the speed bumps again and made our way out 1 mile at
a time. The 3rd quarter was the hardest for me. I could see our splits getting
slower, but just tried to push through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Justin could hear me sighing and he
would tell me to take my time. How could you not love this kid? I made it out
to the dirt/gravel area and we were again greeted with a much needed roar from
the bar. Continuing into the park, I took out a few more cones as we made it to
the Base Salt station where Susie Kelly ran up the hill with us, shouting
encouragement. After that I kept telling JDude we were getting close to the
turnaround and then we would be heading home and he would become an
"Ironman!" He would say <b><i><u>We</u></i></b> will become
and Ironman....all of us!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We made the turn and I started to get
excited. I didn't have much left to push the pace, but knew I could maintain
and possibly run a faster split then the 3rd quarter. We saw Susie again as we
passed by the Base Salt Station. She ran ahead of us and yelling "fast
runners coming!" to get people to move aside. I think JDude got a kick out
of that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58ZLZA1RJZc&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Take a moment to watch JDude live and in
person</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">On our way back, we continued to get
encouragement from everyone. I continued to check in with Justin and asked if
we was doing okay and he said "Perfect". I asked him about halfway
back if he was able to pee. He said with a smile "3 times". I knew we
had done a good job with hydration at that point. If you know Justin, he will
never say he is tired, but he confided in me that he was tired heading back in;
saying it was a long day. I told him I was tired too, but we were going to make
you an Ironman. He again corrected me by saying "We"!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Along the way back we came across a
gentlemen at an aid station that had pushed an athlete for the Team Hoyt in the
past. I think everyone knows the story of Dick and Ricky Hoyt that paved the
way for so many. He was doing the race solo today, but was extremely gracious
as he grabbed the chair for me and started pushing as I was assisting Justin.
Although only brief, he told his story and that touch me and I got that second
wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We also came across Caryn and Kerry,
the other assisted group that John helped out in the water, and we spoke a
brief word to each other giving encouragement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">After that it was all downhill. I was
pushing as hard as I could breaking the course down from a 10K to a 5K and then
to 2 miles. I kept telling JDude we were heading home so he could become an
Ironman. At about 1.5 miles I started yelling out loud to him saying "You
are going to be an Ironman!" over and over again. As we approached Thomas
Drive again it felt like we were flying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I was so pumped up and he was so
excited. I told him we would stop by the tent and take off the headlamp so he didn't
have it on for the finisher pictures. As we approached the ATC tent I could
hear JDude and a song I requested from John, The Final Countdown by Europe. We
had listened to this song during a training run capturing a moment we had
together as we were getting closer to the big day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We quickly stopped and removed the
headlamp. Jerome filled me in that John was going to meet us at the beginning
of the finisher's chute and run across with us. I was so excited for him,
especially after the swim. I had hoped all four of us could cross the line
together, but understood it wasn't possible under the WTC rules.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><u1:p></u1:p>We left the ATC tent and
continued onto the Finisher's chute. I was getting so pumped up and continued
yelling for JDude. I came across some slower runners, but hung back to give us
all some room. I saw John and we were both so jacked up for JDude. Together we
pushed JDude down the Finisher's chute until we saw the Pease group, along with
his Grandma and Grandpa. We stopped so that everyone could get a piece of
JDude. They were all going nuts and John and I were walking on air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I did a few wheelies and a spin that
Justin and I had practiced and talked about. For a few weeks before, we had
discussed him walking over the line with assistance. I told him to think about
it and let me know during the run in case he was too tired from the long day.
About halfway through he told me he didn't want to walk over the line. I told
him that was fine, but I asked again before we approached to make sure. I asked
him what he wanted to do for the finish and he said it was up to me, hence the
spin and wheelies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">After the spin, we waited to give him
some space to cross the line alone. With fist pumped in the air and yelling
JDude became an Ironman and his Mom Teresa was there to put the medal around
his neck. It was great to see Paul and his brother Jim at the finish. It was an
exciting and emotional ending to a magical day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Nutrition:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> Gatorade at every aid station
except when taking a GU w/water at mile 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">3 Salt Sticks approximately every 5
miles. Total calories: 600+ Gatorade<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Run Time: 3hr: 46m:
09s Pace: 8:37/mile</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><u1:p></u1:p>Post-Race:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> After the race we had a few
pictures taken together, champagne was popped and we walked on air for the rest
of the night and a few days after.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Talked with Paul and his brother Jim
about the bike experience and discussed my run with JDude to everyone. Received
a lot of hugs from friends and family. Couldn't thank my wife Jennifer enough
for her love and support through this whole process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">What would you do differently:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> Not one thing!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOXMjUB97iHRzidCippMVkpj4DFzST83QehEjft8eEn2KsRp2g4fWQkZD0by4nKR71QI10oodb0z5BKWnSVTdT0ybceHX2DIakoIvqdlPnqRPkXJclXUVcfjIEchvQpvLvfbQgWQzivkO/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOXMjUB97iHRzidCippMVkpj4DFzST83QehEjft8eEn2KsRp2g4fWQkZD0by4nKR71QI10oodb0z5BKWnSVTdT0ybceHX2DIakoIvqdlPnqRPkXJclXUVcfjIEchvQpvLvfbQgWQzivkO/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Rate your overall experience with
this race:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> 5
out of 5. This was by far the best race experience of my life thus far. I was
thankful for this opportunity to assist JDude to complete his first Ironman.
Teresa and Willie were awesome through this whole process and we forever bonded
with them. Also thankful for the Pease Foundation and Kyle and Brent for all
they do for athletes like JDude. You guys are an inspiration and I truly hold
you in a class by yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">John and Paul and now my brothers and
we feel like together we can achieve anything that we set our minds to it.
JDude is the best! We could not have had the memorable experience in the race
had he not been such a great person, athlete and friend. I was honored that he
allowed us and trusted us to help him become an IRONMAN!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><u1:p></u1:p>JDude's Race Report</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">When did you know that you would like
to do an Ironman? Last year when Kyle and Brent showed me how it is
done. When I watched them, I learned about how they trained for it and I
watched them work hard and get it done. I knew that they believed in me
and I knew that if they could do it, I could too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">During training with your team, did
you ever consider changing your mind and not going for it? Nope, I never
even thought about giving up on what my dream was. This year I met, Paul,
John, and Tim and they are my team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">How has becoming an Ironman changed
your life? I think it has made my life really, really better. I
feel I am stronger and it makes me feel like I can do anything. Don't
give up, and don't quit on anything. Paul, Tim, and John are so much
fun. We worked hard together. Each one of them is strong. I
feel like we all fit together and we are special. I am happy that I have
new friends now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">How did you feel when you got to
Ironman Village to actually register? I was calm, but I was excited
too. I was excited because I knew that it was for real and I was really
there and I was really going to get to do this race. Everything was
coming together. I felt like we were going to do really well because we
had worked so hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">When you woke up on race day what
came to mind? 3 am sucks! That's what I was thinking... but besides
that I was ready to get my swim gear on and head over to meet my team at the
start. It was dark and a little cool out there but we made our way over
to where the boat was. I wasn't nervous, I was thinking everything was
going to go smooth. So my team and supporters got me settled into the
boat and got me onto the water. John and I were getting over the breaks
in the water. Some of the waves were crashing kinda hard onto the boat
but John was able to get me over them. He started to swim and then the
lady next to me flipped over in her boat and yelled for help. John swam
over there and helped her. A big wave rolled right on top of my head, as
I saw it coming I yelled a couple of words that I can't repeat here, held on
tight to the boat, turned my head and closed my eyes. The wave hit really hard
and made my boat come apart. I still wasn't scared, I knew I was
safe. I was just trying to get all of the salt water out of my mouth so I
could breathe again. Everyone got me to shore and we were going to start
again, but the race people said no way so we just started to get ready to go to
the bike. I was still having fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">What was your favorite
thing about the bike ride? I was comfortable on the bike but man that was
a long bike ride I was excited about the next step in the race. It was
pretty cool to be the first team leaving out on the bike. Paul was
awesome in helping me get food and drink all day long. It was pretty cool
passing other bikers on the street and cheering them on. I could tell
that Paul was having a hard time at the end so I kept cheering him on to push,
push, push up over the bridge. I told him that he could do it. It
was hot out there too. When I knew Paul was having a hard time and it was
hot out there, I said "let's pray for rain"... and you know what...
it rained just enough to cool us off some! My favorite part was coming
down the bridge faster than 30 mph. When we made that last turn on the
bike, I was so excited that I was about to be getting off of the bike and ready
to move on to the next challenge in spite of sore hips, legs, feet, and
fingers. I loved hearing all of the people cheering for us when we came in from
the bike. I couldn't stop smiling and it was awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u1:p></u1:p>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Tim was ready and waiting for us to
head off on the last part of this race. He was nervous and excited.
We were all smiles as went ran into to the run out area. Everybody was
cheering so loud. Kyle was screaming so loud for us and he even ran right
beside us for a minute. Tim was so fast! We were passing everybody.
Tim took great care of me, keeping me cooled off with ice and making sure I had
something to drink. We were yelling "On Your Left", so many
times to all of the people we were passing. When we were feeling tired,
Tim would say to me: "we are gonna keep pushing, because you’re
gonna be an Ironman soon JDude. I kept telling him "You can do
it"... On the second loop we stopped by the ATC tent and got a head lamp
so that I could keep a watch out for people and holes in the street. I
helped Tim get around anything that was in the way. It was cool to see
people we knew who were on the course cheering us on. That really pumped me up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">When we came down the home stretch to
the finish line, it was so loud. Everybody was screaming, I was screaming
and throwing my arms up in the air. My whole body was sore, but I didn't
care. All I could do was scream and pump my arms in the air. My heart
was beating so fast and Tim yelled "You are about to be an Ironman".
The lights at the finish were so bright it was hard to see, but I
managed to see my grandparents, Kyle, Brent and so many of my other friends.
That was the most awesome feeling. After I came over the finish
line, there was my mom and she put the Ironman medal on me along with a kiss on
the cheek. That made me happy and pumped me up. When I thought it
was over, not so much.... there was Kyle with a bottle of champagne and gave me
my very first champagne shower! I felt so much love from everybody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I think that other people with
disabilities will see what I did and they will know that they can do
anything. I want to help others to make their dreams come true. We
are all Champions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b style="font-size: 13.86px; line-height: 150%;">And Mom's
report:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Wow! Where do I begin? This
weekend was an experience of a lifetime for me as J-Dude's mom. I
always knew he was a strong soul, but that really radiated through him during
this whole Ironman experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AUJ3kPnwnafHhPfcArO_c_n3Qky2XURK-E0GR-5_140ht8bR4uB97ETSCKFc-5R8jK6ExoQ9HE6bXB4SALpiKgd8eXLJh2uiPiPzSyzLXelTiiXhegBAeynSf95WpYABPZFqDxFyDqc8/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AUJ3kPnwnafHhPfcArO_c_n3Qky2XURK-E0GR-5_140ht8bR4uB97ETSCKFc-5R8jK6ExoQ9HE6bXB4SALpiKgd8eXLJh2uiPiPzSyzLXelTiiXhegBAeynSf95WpYABPZFqDxFyDqc8/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">As I woke at 3 a.m. on
Saturday, November 7, 2015, I knew that this day would be like no other since
Justin's birth 27 years ago. In part, I had an idea of what to expect but
another part of me was filled with excitement, fear, and butterflies in my
tummy. I knew that Justin and his team had trained hard and that he would
be in the best of hands out there on the Ironman course. I believe I was
subconsciously in constant prayer for his safety, for no seizures, and for him
to have the time of his life spreading his love, light and infectious
smile. My prayers were also with his team: John, Paul, and Tim, as well
as all of the many supporters that made the trip to PCB - that they would be
safe and healthy and love every moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">It was 6:05 a.m. and time
to head out into the waters of the gulf for the 2.4 mile swim. I admit
that this was the only part of the course that I was somewhat nervous
about. After getting settled into the boat, John Rutledge came over and
prayed with Justin and me and prayed for all of the athlete’s safety. A few
minutes later, Willie McCoy came and prayed over Justin as well. I knew
all was going to be okay and we were set to head out into the crashing waves.
I was so excited all I could do was smile and yell for the guys as they
headed out. They made it through that first set of breaks and we all
stood in silence for a few minutes as the waves started breaking again and the
neighboring athlete needed help after she capsized. John immediately went
to her rescue while simultaneously another HUGE breaking wave came crashing
down on top of Justin. Your first thought might be that I would totally
freak out. I stood there watching, with my eyes fixated on Justin.
I saw that he had held onto his boat, he was still sitting upright at that
moment, and he was still IN the boat. Just knowing that he stayed in the
boat was instant relief and I just knew that he was okay. Many people
rushed out to help get him...Much love and thanks goes to Brent for being one
of the first ones to drop everything and leap over waves to get out there to
make sure he was okay. I know that was very calming for Justin just
knowing you were right there. Once on shore and catching his breath,
Justin yells to me: "Hey Mom.... I'm still having so much fun!"
John, you kept my guy safe and helped a fellow athlete. You were
exactly where you were supposed to me in that moment and did exactly what
needed to be done. Happy times!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">
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<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">What a team effort in T1 getting
ready for that 112 mile trek on the bike with Paul "The Beast" Linck.
It was the coolest sight to see these two (and Jim) riding through the bike
course. Every time we saw them, they were smiling and focused. Even after
mile 98 in the heat and knowing they were about to take on "the
bridge", they were still looking great and strong. They zipped by us
so fast that we almost didn't even see them! Justin was all about
cheering on the other athletes. The stories that Paul came back telling
me about how Justin really helped him through some tough moments out there just
made my heart smile. I filled with pride as Paul told me how Justin was
so encouraging, positive and engaging throughout the 112 miles. I am so
happy that he is learning how to let his inner light and strength shine
through. Being a part of KPF and his Ironman team has really taught him
more about himself and how to reach in and pull out strength that he didn't
even know he had. Coming in to T2, it was evident that the guys were
really feeling that 112, but you know they just kept those smiles going.
JDude was ready to rock out on the 26.2 marathon just minutes after coming in
to T2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Leaving out with Tim Myers onto the
run course, he was like "alight, let's do this!" He kept Tim
pumped through the miles. The ATC crew was so supportive with their music
and cheers! These two were flying through the streets. No one
passed them! They passed over 1000 other athletes - JDude was honking his
horn the whole while. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Once they were on their second loop
it was time for us to take our places at the finish line. Brent and Kyle,
you were both so gracious with making this so special for me and Justin's
grandparents. Grandparents took their places along the finishing chute
and I took my place inside the chute just past the finish line. I was so ecstatic
when I saw them coming towards the finish. I was so excited, I could not
even cry! I remember just jumping up and down screaming "You did it
J-Dude, You did it"!! It was so heartwarming to see his HUGE smile
as everyone screamed for him and he was giving high fives and fist bumps,
yelling and smiling with his arms up in victory. There is nothing that
can ever compare to the feeling of putting that IRONMAN medal around my guy’s
neck. I am so proud of the young man that he is. I am so very grateful
and humbled to be a part of such a caring group of people. Kyle, and Brent I
will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done for Justin and
for our family. You have given us an extended family, a desire to set and
reach new goals, and a renewed confidence that "Anything is Possible"
because "Where there is a Wheel, There is a Way!" </span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-47845446772270195562015-11-12T09:21:00.000-05:002015-11-13T12:11:35.917-05:002015 Ironman Florida: Jdude's First 114.4 Miles <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM5uyoEwUK97A2FdyvLi4x57cRjeXkwYodSSVDxgAL-JEuRG_brZfxCyEST3KUTburdu7optNqylvQyeeJ9io19zlOiHkH8mtYDCjA83ZxF9pa_PqF0gchnxmgNqcUig4JgJqwMAg3L2w/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM5uyoEwUK97A2FdyvLi4x57cRjeXkwYodSSVDxgAL-JEuRG_brZfxCyEST3KUTburdu7optNqylvQyeeJ9io19zlOiHkH8mtYDCjA83ZxF9pa_PqF0gchnxmgNqcUig4JgJqwMAg3L2w/s320/1.jpg" width="215" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The following is part one in a two part series which capture the many highs and but a very few lows that made up <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> Panama City. As most fans of the Kyle <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> Foundation are aware, the foundation is intended not to showcase Brent and I, but instead to provide opportunity for other <span style="background: white;">KPF</span> athletes. It was an absolute joy to witness our very own Justin Knight compete and become an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> with assists from John Rutledge in the 2.4 mile swim, from Paul Lick in the 112 mile bike portion and from Tim Myers who completed the event with a 26.2 mile run.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: red;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">In the following Race Report we will hear the sounds and experience the sights of all those involved in this historic weekend including Justin Knight himself, his mother Teresa and her boyfriend Willie McCoy, as well as John, Paul and Tim (above). So sit back and experience <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> Panama City Through the Eyes of the <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKslHOtFGXGwN-oYnwlql09LI622AHj5gPI4KUawXAgbJ-9HZ9PkjWssU5NBp_a5yCRugZU73J9IHisJZvtQuZxM1GA6YpaznQFLpXIeYQZratLx2hlSEKi5GIf3bPL1560Olxj7ZlZJkO/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKslHOtFGXGwN-oYnwlql09LI622AHj5gPI4KUawXAgbJ-9HZ9PkjWssU5NBp_a5yCRugZU73J9IHisJZvtQuZxM1GA6YpaznQFLpXIeYQZratLx2hlSEKi5GIf3bPL1560Olxj7ZlZJkO/s320/IMG_0783.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The Swim by John Rutledge:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> As I sit down to write down my thoughts about the race, I keep coming back to what could be the working title of my report, “Short swim, long journey!” The swim with <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> was indeed short… much shorter than I had planned for (I’ll get to that later), but the journey is what I’d like to focus on.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">As a member of the local triathlon and running scene in Atlanta since 2009, I’ve come into contact with a number of standout people, but none garnering the same level of admiration held for the <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> brothers. I first heard about Kyle and Brent <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> as they took on the goal of completing <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> Wisconsin in 2013, then I had the honor of presenting an award to Kyle at a local charity event in 2014. Shortly thereafter, some Atlanta <span style="background: white;">Tri</span> Club teammates raced the <span style="background: white;">Publix</span> Half Marathon with the Kyle <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Before these events, I really had no awareness of able-bodied athletes pairing up to race with physically challenged athletes outside of the famous duo of Rick and Dick Hoyt. After hearing and seeing what the <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> brothers were doing, I made a promise to myself that I would get actively involved. I stress the word actively, because for some time it was easy for me to give a little bit of money to a cause, feel good about it, and then move on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Don’t get me wrong, giving money is absolutely essential to keep an organization going, but I felt it was important for me to give of my time and energy as well. I also started to feel at the time (still do) compelled to share about the KP Foundation with my network of friends, as I had so much respect for what they were doing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Fast forward to the beginning of 2015, I was thrilled to help put together several teams from <span style="background: white;">ATC</span> to race the <span style="background: white;">Publix</span> Half Marathon. That is where Paul and I met <span style="background: white;">JDude</span>. In a world where there is so much negativity, <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> is a breath of fresh air! I’ve never met someone who smiles so much! That race, teaming up with Paul and Justin was extremely <span style="background: white;">impactful</span> to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">To see how much fun <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> had was so rewarding…immediately after the</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KOeFpBe43-CwlYLmvo4MRqxkGEtjboE0P3xyrmBY1Kefir1EBj3qK4PfR2XsMa6zpteqjoLx6P8M-0kamadxSOwcw8R4OdKQNkxsPGNqGQRxSyv9eM3ZVJrMkA1qi_OcUGW_hngjLdWs/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KOeFpBe43-CwlYLmvo4MRqxkGEtjboE0P3xyrmBY1Kefir1EBj3qK4PfR2XsMa6zpteqjoLx6P8M-0kamadxSOwcw8R4OdKQNkxsPGNqGQRxSyv9eM3ZVJrMkA1qi_OcUGW_hngjLdWs/s320/IMG_0781.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"> race I was thinking through when we could do it again. Apparently <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> was thinking the same thing because he messaged me the next day on <span style="background: white;">Facebook</span> and asked if I would push him at the <span style="background: white;">Peachtree</span> Road Race so we could beat Kyle and Brent! Ha, ha! I had to tell him that, unfortunately, it wouldn’t work out because: 1. I was going to be out of town 2. Have you seen how fast they run!!! It worked out <span style="background: white;">ok</span> in the end, as <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> found a much faster runner, Matt <span style="background: white;">Shectman</span>, to run with him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Well, the wheels continued to turn. What about an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>? I knew that I was nowhere strong enough to complete all 3 disciplines, but how about a relay? At this point, I had no idea that <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> had been with Teresa and Willie in Panama City to watch Brent and Kyle compete at <span style="background: white;">IM</span> Florida and that <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> had said he wanted to race there next year. Conversations starting taking place with Brent and <span style="background: white;">WTC</span> and the next thing you know, green light!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">The months leading up to the race had Paul, Tim and myself all racing at least half <span style="background: white;">ironman</span> distance, so after our other races were over, we started focusing on <span style="background: white;">IMFL</span>. For me, that meant getting 3-4 swims in a week. One would be an <span style="background: white;">ATC</span> swim where I swam very hard, 2 would typically be moderately paced & the 4<sup><span style="background: white;">th</span></sup> was a continuous swim that got gradually longer each week until I was swimming close to the full 2.4 miles I would be swimming in Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">While I was swimming, especially during the long continuous swims, it was hard for me to think of anything other than the race. I, literally, had a smile on my face underwater on several occasions! I kept thinking about how amazing it was going to be to see <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> cross that finish line and hear the words, “Justin Knight, you are an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JaEv9XsW-NxVV7Egvi6f_UKkmp9HBUZVAzotCgSTOptZHjGVVIzF-kJlXKmFYve-cWpasEiKDq4lUjdwtt-CnhltUB1uGLiSdCF9exORY_7Gvc0yMrzsJ7WBGWNcZWXuPoTXAXGgePeW/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JaEv9XsW-NxVV7Egvi6f_UKkmp9HBUZVAzotCgSTOptZHjGVVIzF-kJlXKmFYve-cWpasEiKDq4lUjdwtt-CnhltUB1uGLiSdCF9exORY_7Gvc0yMrzsJ7WBGWNcZWXuPoTXAXGgePeW/s320/IMG_0784.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">We got a chance to run through all 3 disciplines, racing at the John Tanner Sprint in September. Between that, another swim with <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> at Red Top Mt and the rest of my training, I was feeling great coming into the race. I also had a chance to meet up with <span style="background: white;">JDude</span>, Paul, Tim, Teresa& amp; Willie on a regular basis as we trained the other disciplines every weekend in October. Getting to know everyone better over that time was really special. Teresa and Willie made a tremendous sacrifice of time and energy to allow us to get in the practice we needed. They were as much a part of the <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> team as any of us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">After having a successful and very fun send-off event for <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> at Monday Night Brewing, it was time to race! My wife, Bethany, and I headed down a few days before the race and got great sleep Thursday night, which was 2 nights out from the race. That one’s always important because the night before the race is always hit or miss for me as to whether I’ll get much restful sleep. Race morning, I woke up at about 1:45 am and never went back to sleep. I could hear some waves outside, but looked out at first light and thought everything looked pretty benign. After a good breakfast, headed down to get body marked and prepped for the race.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Getting everything set up happened so fast and before I knew it <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> was sitting in the raft, waiting the last few minutes until our 6:05 start. I had a chance to high five a few friends and give Bethany a quick kiss before focusing on the task ahead. About 10 minutes before the start, I had a chance to kneel down and pray with <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> and Teresa. I was thankful for the opportunity we had to race and asked for most of all safety.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Directly after the prayer, I was overcome with emotion...so incredibly excited to start the event we had trained so hard for. I looked around and really soaked in the crowd cheering for us. It was amazing the amount of people there to support the team! Thanks to everyone from Atlanta that came down to cheer us on! I asked <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> if he was ready to rock and roll and he responded with a resolute “Let’s do it!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Boom!!! The gun goes off and we are in the water starting an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>! Because the waves were pretty strong close to the shore, I decided to hold onto the side of the kayak until I got past the breakers. At this race, all physically challenged and assisted athletes were able to start 10 minutes before the first wave of age-groupers. In our wave, there were 2 other assisted teams with athletes in boats being pulled for the swim.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">As we crested what I thought was the end of the breakers, I started swimming, thinking were in the clear and we wouldn’t have to worry about large, breaking waves until we came back for the 2<sup><span style="background: white;">nd</span></sup> loop. Unfortunately, that feeling of being in the clear was a little premature. After taking a few strokes, I saw another large wave coming. <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> took a nice wave to face and we were able to get over this one, but I looked to my left and another team’s boat had flipped over.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Their swimmer began screaming “HELP, HELP!” in a way that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. As we were on a sandbar I was able to take a few steps toward them; close enough to see that their elderly PC athlete was still in the boat, upside down in the water. I grabbed the side of their boat and began flipping it back over. Just as it was almost back upright I looked up just in time to see a huge wave bearing down on <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> in the kayak. This wave hit us dead on with tremendous force, launching the padding we had in the boat and popping the inflatable sides out of the kayak shell. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk4sNJueTrpY8GZtbn_CQVgYmHvv6mnDhHB1D4kE2bHCpaqCuxBPL0AF0UxwxyByuRAnkpPVAc3L_4yEO76PJrSyBMQ9ZPD4MXLHSKeIAIBBQ0bVdOPuXAy8SmaY5ETBVFoTYjFWmSuhn/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk4sNJueTrpY8GZtbn_CQVgYmHvv6mnDhHB1D4kE2bHCpaqCuxBPL0AF0UxwxyByuRAnkpPVAc3L_4yEO76PJrSyBMQ9ZPD4MXLHSKeIAIBBQ0bVdOPuXAy8SmaY5ETBVFoTYjFWmSuhn/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="236" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Although <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> never left the kayak, he was basically sitting on top a barely submerged submarine at this point! Looking at the state of the boat, I knew there was no way to move forward. Brent, Tim Adkins and a number of others came out to help us back to shore. My thought was that we would empty out the gallons of water in the boat, re-inflate the air bladders & restart our journey. A race official came up to us and said what I thought was our day was over. What? This can’t be happening! I can’t describe how numb and shell-shocked I felt in that moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">True to the motto of “where there’s a wheel, there’s a way” Brent sprung into action looking for a pump to re-inflate the boat, absolutely not accepting that our day was over. I love that never give up attitude! A minute or two later, another official came over to us and said we would be able to continue with the bike and run, but he wouldn’t allow us back in the water. Seeing the chaos that erupted in matter of seconds and taking into consideration the stakes at risk, I understand where they were coming from. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">For a brief second, I started to have my own little pity party. I felt embarrassed that we didn’t get to swim more than about 2 minutes. I made the mistake of thinking that the race was about me. Then I heard Willie ask <span style="background: white;">JDude</span>, “What did you think when you saw that big wave?” to which <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> answered “OH SH#T!!!” followed by a big smile and a laugh! In the midst of what could’ve been a traumatic event, <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> was still having fun!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">In that moment, I made a conscious decision to follow Justin’s lead and enjoy the rest of the day…and we did! It was one of the most amazing days I’ve had the privilege to live, but I don’t want to steal the thunder from my teammates as they share their stories of how things went down after the swim. I’ll just say it was awesome! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, this is the part of my report where I come full circle. Yes, it was a short swim. Yes, it was a bit disappointing, but do I regret anything? Absolutely not! I saw someone who needed help and I would’ve had crushing regret had we continued on unscathed knowing I didn’t at least try to do something for a fellow competitor in obvious need. Watching the video of the start, I’m not sure it would have made a difference if I had been holding onto <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> and the kayak at the moment the wave hit anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">Additionally, I know not everyone believes that everything happens for a reason; in fact, I’m not sure I believe that statement holds true in all circumstances. What I do believe, though, is that something can be learned from any given situation. What I take away from this long journey is that what you focus on can greatly influence your state of mind and your perception of whether things are going well or not. I’ve raced for years and had events that made me feel proud of my effort, but I’ve NEVER felt the level of joy and satisfaction as I did racing with JDude…especially getting to cross the finish line with him!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">My experience with the Kyle <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> Foundation has been instrumental in helping me to shift focus to realize that helping someone else accomplish a goal or realize a dream can be far more gratifying than constantly chasing your own. I thank <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> and the <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> brothers for allowing me the opportunity to learn this firsthand!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;">~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="background-color: white;">And now a word from our sponsor: Kyle's new book will officially be unveiled on Sunday, November 15th during the Kyle Pease Bowling Fundraiser to be held at Stars and Stripes. If you can't make it to the event, order yours today at </span><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/"><span style="background-color: white;">www.kylepeasefoundation.org</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">. Available in regular print, LARGE PRINT, and Read-a-long DVD so that no one misses out on Kyle's story regardless of their ability. </span></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The Bike by Paul Linck</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Date of Race</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">: 11/7/2015</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Total Bike Time</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">: 7h 58m 2s</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">This past week, I participated in one of the most demanding and the most rewarding races I have ever done. We put a relay team together to help Justin Knight (aka <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> or JD) complete his first <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>. John Rutledge did the swim leg with Justin, I did the bike leg with Justin and Tim Myers did the run leg with Justin. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kyle <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> Foundation</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> (<span style="background: white;">KPF</span>) provided everything needed – equipment, transportation, housing, athletes, handlers and all the organization to make it happen. The </span><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kyle <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> Foundation</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> supports people with disabilities of all kinds to be active and participate in sports. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We all trained very hard together for this day spending our weekends riding, running and swimming together in addition to the training during the week in our specific disciplines. We spent a lot of long days together and became great friends.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Race Morning</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I was excited and nervous so I did not sleep very well. I got up at 3:13am – 2 minutes before my alarm went off, hopped out of bed and started to get ready. I bought 2 Chick <span style="background: white;">Fil</span>-a chicken biscuit w/egg meals the day before so I could have it for race day breakfast. I ate those with OJ, apple, banana, some bonk breaker bars and lots of water for a nice breakfast.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">At 4:00 AM I went down to the <span style="background: white;">Wal</span>-Mart across the street to meet Justin, Teresa, Willie, Kyle and the rest of our gang to walk down to transition. It a nice time for chatting, having fun, getting rid of the butterflies and preparing for the day. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We knew it was going to be fairly hot and humid so we discussed that we would need to take a lot more fluids than we had in training so we planned all that out. We went into transition area, got body marked and began getting everything ready. As typical with <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>, it was a hectic place at 4:30am in the morning.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">T1</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I was walking around in T1 getting our bike setup, preparing mentally for the long ride and drinking and eating to top off the fuel I needed for the big day ahead. I waited until all the athletes cleared transition to complete everything so I did not have to wait in line for the port-o-potty. Then I walked out to swim exit to watch the swim. I saw John and Justin out in the water, but I was too far away to see everything that was transpiring. Then, Jerome came running up to me asking me where the pump for Justin’s kayak was. He said Justin had tipped over and the air came out of the kayak and it need to be refilled. He said they were okay, but needed to pump up the Kayak. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I went running around transition asking everyone I could think of where it might be but just a few minutes later was told that they found it. They were coming in so I needed to get ready to start the bike a little earlier than expected. At that point, I had to go potty one more time and when I got there I noticed I had my bike bib shorts on inside out – holy crap. Luckily I had time to flip them around in the port potty and re-lube with all my chamois. Of course, there was a lot of chamois all over since I had lubed with them inside out once before … But, at least one minor crisis was averted.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Then, the fun began. After getting Justin changed, giving him his medicine, we all got together to get him on the bike and ready to roll. We got about a 40 minute head start on all the others, so we were the only ones in transition at the time and got to start the race all by ourselves. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Bike </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Time: 7:58:02</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">The bike course changed from last year. They eliminated the out and back section to Youngstown that had the 10-mile section on poor quality roads, and replaced and out a back section on highway 79 to New Hope. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">This new course was nicer, but certainly tougher for us since the new section had some hills and one fairly long climb (relative to <span style="background: white;">IMFL</span> standards). According to my <span style="background: white;">Garmin</span> files (apples to apples), the *old* course was 1,000 feet of elevation gain and this new course is 1300. On a normal <span style="background: white;">tri</span> bike, those hills and that little extra elevation gain is pretty minor in comparison to other <span style="background: white;">IM</span> courses, but with a 340 pound load, it has a pretty significant impact. If I remember correctly, that was in the mile ~75- 90 range so the legs were already dead and I wasn’t expecting any hills out there.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">My twin brother – Jim – was an official handler for us and rode the bike following behind us to keep an eye on things, help if issues occurred and keep in constant communication with Teresa on how Justin was doing. Teresa was justifiably a nervous Nellie so it was extremely helpful to have Jim help keep her informed that things were OK. By the end of the bike leg, I think Teresa was <span style="background: white;">texting</span> or calling every few minutes. Justin just laughed it off and told Jim to tell his mom “I am busy”.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> We rode out of transition through the bike chute and the crowds were going wild. It was amazing. Justin was squeezing his dog-head plastic squeaker and pumping his arms for everyone. The adrenaline was through the roof and we were pushing 250-300 watts for the first 10 miles or so – a mistake we would later pay for – but it was impossible to hold back. We were escorted by the lead motorcycles and police car. Everyone was yelling – “You are in first!” Justin and I joined in the chanting – “We are in first”. Pretty fun while it lasted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We hit the 1st 10 mile split at about 37 minutes and had and an average speed of over 16 MPH. We knew we would not be able to maintain that speed and this was one of the easier parts of the course, but it felt good to get 10 miles behind us at a decent clip. Right about that same time, the lead male riders came through. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">They were pretty split apart and sparse – just a few of them. For the next 10-15 minutes it was like that — just a rider here and there and no bunches. Almost everyone that passed by cheered us on and gave thumbs up or other encouraging gestures. Justin would squeak his dog-head horn, and yell right back at them “You are looking good too”. If they didn’t say anything when going by he would squeak and yell “You look good”. He wanted everyone to be as happy as he was and almost everyone was smiling after seeing him.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We continued to ride along taking it all in, getting ready for the first climb over the bridge. I had practiced riding it the day before with our team runner – Tim – so knew what we had in store, but we hunkered down for it. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white;">We discussed our strategy that turned out to be the way we climbed the hills all day long. I would keep my head down staring at the stem, and <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> would give me the play by play and keep the team motivated. He constantly shouted out where we were – “We are about half-way now, good job! We are almost there! Near the top. We got it”. Then we crested the hill, pump fists for the screaming fans and took off down the backside reaching a speed of well over 30 MPH. That part was fun. </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHbqBFGyYmY&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">See video </span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> (thanks to Jim Blackburn for the <span style="background: white;">GoPro</span> setup and video).</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">At this point, it was still overcast and we were feeling very strong. At each of the mile markers, we discussed far we had gone, but we did not discuss how far we had to go until we got to mile 100. It is too defeating to think about what is ahead and it’s rewarding to think about what we had accomplished.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Up to this point our nutrition was bonk breaker bars – many flavors, water and electrolyte drinks. Every 10-15 minutes, we drank water. I would just tell <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> that we were ready to drink and he would lean his head back and I would squirt in 3-4 gulps of water from the bottle. Then, I would drink some myself and put it back. It got to the point where I didn’t say anything since each JD heard me grab the bottle he leaned his head back for a drink. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Every 30 minutes we shared a bonk breaker bar and I also added a bit of hammer cafe latte <span style="background: white;">perpetuem</span> for myself. We also squirted water on our heads and necks to keep cool as it got hot and we picked up a couple of new water bottles at each aid station. Jim also got us some extra fluids when we needed. For the second half of the race we consumed more fluids, watered our bodies down more often and ate more of a variety of foods like wraps and some of the other stuff Teresa put in SN. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I did have a towel in my Jersey pocket that JD used when we spilled too much food and liquid all over him. I have no idea how many calories or the amount of liquid we got but our goal was 400 calories/hr. for me and 200/hr. for JD with lots and lots of water but I did not keep track. We just kept to a minimum of 15 minute routine for fluid and 30 for food with more frequent watering as it warmed up.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We were still going strong at 30, 40 and 50 miles markers. Our power was still reasonable (~225 average). It was dropping more than I wanted but there wasn’t much we could do about it. (NOTE: I typically shoot for 220 in <span style="background: white;">IM</span> so we figured about 210 for this, but it was just a guess since the ride was so much longer). </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Brent had told us that if we could average 15 MPH by the time we reached Bike Special Needs, we could stop for 4 minutes to have lunch. We were at 15.2 at that point, but we had a bit more climbing to go before we hit SN so it was going to be tight. We were both sick of bonk breaker bars bars at that point and looking forward to a nice turkey and cheese wrap and other goodies that Teresa packed. We reached Bike Special Needs just in the nick of time – 15.0 MPH, but almost immediately after I stopped, it read 14.9 MPH so we decided to shorten our 4 minute break to about 3. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We stopped and grabbed my Special Needs bag and Justin’s. Mine had 2 wraps in it. Teresa packed Justin’s and it was jam packed. <span style="background: white;">OMG</span>. There was a giant baked potato, 3-4 wraps, a large bag of sun chips, pretzels, M&Ms, recess pieces, candy bars, and a whole host of other items. We had enough for us and all the volunteers helping us. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We could have fueled 10 full <span style="background: white;">Ironmans</span> with the contents of this one special needs bag. We will give Teresa some training on Special Needs packing in the future :-). I gave Justin his medicine with lots of water and then we ate lunch. By the time we started again, our average speed had dropped to 14.5 MPH so we were starting to cut it closer that I would have liked but <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> was confident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Sidebar perspective. As many of you know, I am a poor swimmer and a strong cyclist. It actually gives me an advantage on the bike with lower stress. I am far back at bike start so I typically spend almost the entire bike leg passing folks and don’t get close to most of the fast cyclists until close to T-2. I can just ride my race, not worry about the others around me and I don’t pay much attention to it. So, I don’t see what really happens on a flat course like this. Going 14-15 MPH changes that. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">By the time we hit 30-40-50 mile markers, there was a non-trivial number of packs with a non-trivial number of riders that would fly by on a pretty consistent basis. I am not going to harp on this, because I don’t care and nothing with spoil the wonderful day we had together. But, I just saw the race from a different perspective than I am used to and it was, well…, different. To be fair to all, I did not see this in the leaders (they were quite sparse) nor did I see it in the back of packers. And, <span style="background: white;">FWIW</span>, the majority of folks were doing the best they could. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Almost every single rider that went by us said something nice and gave thumbs up. If they forgot, Justin would just honk his horn and that would remind them so they did. Some of the back of the backers went by us a few times and always smiled and laughed. Those folks tend to stop and start more than the <span style="background: white;">FOPers</span>.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I can’t remember where we were on the course but one rider rode buy us and shouted “Way to go Brent and Kyle”. Justin and I had a frank discussion about this. We love Brent and Kyle but we are not Brent and Kyle. We are Justin and Paul. This happened several more times but we were ready. Justin would yell back – “We are Paul and Justin, we are NOT Brent and Kyle”. Just another great idea from Justin to keep the whole day in perspective. <span style="background: white;">Okay</span>, I don’t want to write too many words without a picture so below is a good one from the Halloween party. (<span style="background: white;">JDude</span> is obviously the one in the <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> costume).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Around the 50 mile marker the Sun started to come out more and more and it got hotter and stickier. We were hoping for rain. I got into a bit of a dark place in the 60-<span style="background: white;">ish</span> mile area after some tough, off-camber climbs — those off camber sections are very tough on that bike, constantly fighting to stay on line — Justin clearly sensed it and starting praying for rain – he kept saying – “we need some rain”. <span style="background: white;">Ok</span>, some of you are going to think I am embellishing but I am not. At about mile 60, Justin was wishing for rain and not 2 minutes later it started raining – it didn’t rain hard – but it did. We both raised our hands to the sky and cheered and laughed for the rain. It was great, got us out of that dark place and moved on. Unfortunately, the rain was short lived but it gave us the boost we need at the right time.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">We got to the new section on highway 79 a little before we hit the mile 80 marker if I remember correctly. The roads were in perfect shape but the climbing in that section put us in the hurt locker. After that section, we were riding on will power more than muscle power. Brent ran alongside us for a bit there to cheer us on. And, Teresa drove by, took some pictures and blew Justin and kiss. Of course, Justin said “I am busy” and waved the kiss off and started laughing and honking the horn. Cracked me up when I needed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">When we hit mile 110, we looked for the Waffle house on Front Beach since that was our 2nd to the last turn and about 1.5 miles to go. After we hit that, we looked for the next waffle house since that was our final turn onto S Thomas Drive and the home stretch. The adrenaline was building and so was the lactate and the burn.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Coming down the bike finish chute was surreal. The pain in the arms and legs was excruciating to the point where I was getting a little light headed and my triceps were weak to the point that it took everything we had to steer the bike. Justin provided that extra motivation and got the crowds going. We were shooting for an eight hour bike split and we knew it was in reach but it was gonna be very tight. We pushed and pushed and made it across the timing mat just in the nick of time – 7 hrs 58 minutes. We proceeded into T-2 and I got off the bike – which was an ordeal in and of itself. I was completed overcome with emotion, gave Justin a big kiss on the cheek and a bear hug and almost fell over in the process.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">From the minute we got on the bike to the minute we got off, we knew there was nothing that was going to stop us from completing this. For me, personally, it was the only time I have done an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> where I did not even consider quitting — it never crossed my mind and <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> felt the same way. We knew that we were going to finish what we started. Justin makes you feel that way. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">He knows when to provide the extra encouragement needed in the very tough times, when to make a joke to keep things in perspective, when to get low and <span style="background: white;">aero</span> for a quicker section, and when to scold me when I deserved it – like when I got mushy banana all over his face and torso (Mom and Brent thought he got sick since he had so much stuff all over him at T-2). </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">T2: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">T2 was pretty fun. I almost fell down getting off the bike and was drained. My legs and arms were dead so the <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> team with Teresa, Brent, Willie etc. took over to get Justin changed and ready for the run. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">After getting things settled. My brother and I went back to the hotel to clean up and come back down to the cheer Justin during the run and meet with him at the finish line. It was great to get the whole team together for the big finish. Justin Knight – You are an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span>.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Parting Thoughts: </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">What can I say? Hooking up with the <span style="background: white;">Pease</span> foundation, spending time and training with Justin and meeting all his family and friends has been wonderful. Completing an <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> with my great friends / “dream team” of John Rutledge, Tim Myers and Justin Knight was a culmination of a lot of hard work by many extremely dedicated, wonderful people. I am not good at all this mushy stuff so I am not going to go through the litany of great people that made this all happen since I will leave someone important out and I can’t live with that. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I expect that Brent will take care of all that for us since he makes sure everything is covered no matter what we ‘all miss (we ‘all is like y’all). It really opened my eyes and heart to see what lengths people are willing to go to do really good things. Racing with <span style="background: white;">JDude</span> to assist him in completing his first <span style="background: white;">Ironman</span> is something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was a fantastic day. Justin has become a good friend who has helped me more than he knows. He is a very special person and makes everyone around him feel special. A wonderful day that I hope to do again sometime – but not tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: red;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Words from Willie: </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Being a part of The Kyle Pease Foundation has really opened my eyes to how others live their lives and how people with different types of disabilities are able to accomplish things if they believe in themselves and are given the opportunity to compete.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Justin and Teresa Knight are true role models setting the bar high and teaching us all that we can achieve anything that we set our minds to. I enjoyed being a part of this experience and working closely with Teresa and Justin. Brent and Kyle are truly an inspiration to us all. I am so proud of Justin and the team for accomplishing something as incredible as being Ironman champions. Paul, John, and Tim, you are incredible guys that represent the name Ironman.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I was so inspired by Justin and the team, that I am considering Ironman for myself. Oh boy…</span></div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-59004351018242351252015-11-09T11:15:00.001-05:002015-11-09T11:17:57.073-05:00The Kyle Pease Foundation: What a Long Strange Trip it's Been<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What a month it has been. To say we are tired would be an understatement. But this is our "Fall tour". This is our race season. Come December it is time for the Holiday cheer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">f you have been under a rock, you probably missed<a href="http://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/39923123-story" target="_blank"> Jon Crais finish a marathon under his own power</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or perhaps you missed the news that 50,000 people ran a marathon in NYC just a week later. <a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/11/a-broken-wheelchair-didnt-stop-two-brothers-from-finishing-the-new-york-city-marathon" target="_blank">Brent and I had our own "interesting" time at that race</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And if that wasn't enough...Justin Knight went out and completed an <a href="http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Pease-Foundation-returns-to-run-another-Ironman-341516052.html" target="_blank">Ironman in Panama City the following weekend</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">To say we are proud is an understatement. To say we are overwhelmed is a bit off too. But, we still need your help. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">Please consider joining us at our bowling event this Sunday. Tickets are available in advance by <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-bowling-with-kpeasey-fundraiser-tickets-18961329848" target="_blank">clicking the bowling link</a>. If you cannot attend we kindly ask that you consider a donation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Consider this:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Marine Corps Marathon Registration fee: $151</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Typical 5k fee: $35</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jogging Chair: $850</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Race Chair: $3300</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tandem Bike: $12,000</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Boat: $800</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Race Day Transport: $100</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are many things you can support. We would love it if you select one of the items listed above and consider that to be your holiday donation to KPF. Even $10 will go a long way towards helping even more athletes reach the finish line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Please consider your continued support of The Kyle Pease Foundation and the athletes we serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Together We Wheel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Kyle and Brent</em></span><br />
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-68590314524339623112015-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:002015-11-06T08:38:56.722-05:00Pease Brothers Turn it Over to the True Heroes at Ironman Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For those of you who may not have been paying attention for the last week, Brent and my trip to the Big Apple to take on the 26.2 miles known as the <a href="http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/" target="_blank">TCS New York City Marathon</a> turned out to be quite a memorable event, when my back left wheel shattered at mile 12.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The event has been well-documented on several <a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/local-brothers-overcome-huge-obstacle-during-nyc-m/npDy9/" target="_blank">television stations </a>around the country, newspaper stories, all over social media and on <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/2015-NYC-Marathon.html" target="_blank">several blog posts</a>, as it was a real life example of our motto, "Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way". We've attached several links in the unlikely event that you missed it.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.11alive.com/story/news/local/moments/2015/11/05/marathoners-finish-race-broken-wheel-thanks-strangers/75202776/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Watch Kyle and Brent on 11 Alive</span></strong></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As Brent and I have long stated, however, the Kyle Pease Foundation is not about us, but about the many athletes that we are able to support. The attention is exciting because it ultimately brings attention to the true heroes that make up KPF but it's time to turn the spotlight onto them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This weekend marks the pinnacle of the Kyle Pease Foundation brief history as Justin "J-Dude" Knight will be participating and ultimately completing Ironman Florida in Panama City. J-Dude will be swimming, biking and marathon-ing over 140.6 miles with assistance from John Rutledge, Tim Myers and Paul Linck.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With the KPF Team busily loading up the trailer and heading to Panama City, John and J-dude's mother and biggest fan, Teresa, spent a few minutes and shared their thoughts on the upcoming, historic Ironman weekend.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Before I turn the blog over to our guest bloggers, we want to make sure that people sending well wishes and also those at the event posting to social media rooting the KPF team on, use the hash tag #imjdude or #togetherwewheel either together or separate to have their posts appear on the KPF Tag board. You can post as you normally would to any social media site and can include pictures or just well wishes from afar. Our goal is to have fans post real time using that hash tag. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And now, here's......John and Teresa!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Q: How many Ironman events have you participated in solo? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">John: I've completed 4 Full Ironman races and 9 Half Ironman races.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: Presumably this is your first as a partner athlete, how do you view the difference?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">John: This is my first Ironman as a partner athlete. I raced the Publix Half Marathon and John Tanner Sprint Triathlon with Justin earlier in the year. Both were a blast! I can honestly say that those two races were among my favorite sporting events I've ever participated in. As far as differences, an Ironman presents challenges to athletes that are much different than shorter events.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You not only have the physical demands of moving for the better part of a day, but you have to get your nutrition right and also stay mentally positive. Additionally, racing triathlon is usually a solo endeavor. I've always loved team sports; this race offers a rare opportunity in triathlon to experience the joy of competing as a team. It is going to be a rewarding experience to race with new friend Justin and my longtime friends and teammates Paul and Tim.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Q: What do you think the biggest challenge will be?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">John: One of the hardest parts, to me, of completing an IM is the mental ups and downs you face throughout the day. Overcoming the down times and getting through it also happens to be one of the most rewarding aspects of long course triathlon racing. There are times in a race that self-doubt tries to creep in and you have to keep a laser-like focus to stay positive. Justin will be experiencing the same mental struggle we face, so we will work as a team to overcome it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: How will this impact your life and how do you think it will impact Justin's?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> John: As I mentioned previously, triathlon is typically an individual endeavor. It's easy to become a little self-centered, focusing an inordinate amount of physical and mental energy looking inward. I feel like racing with the Kyle Pease Foundation this year has already opened my eyes and challenged me to look outward for more opportunities going forward to make an impact on someone else's life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of my goals for this race has always been to show my Atlanta Triathlon Club teammates how much fun this can be, to encourage them to get involved with the KP Foundation or one of the many other Atlanta-area organizations doing great things in the community.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'm hoping that Justin experiences the same feelings I did when completing the race. That feeling is an overwhelming sense of pride that you completed something that you yourself might have doubted was possible. For me, that sense of accomplishment has bled over into other areas of my life, giving me the courage to do things that I might not have otherwise. I sincerely hope that Justin feels the same way, because that self-confidence can be a springboard for great things.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: What has your training regimen consisted of?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> John: I train year-round swimming, biking & running, with changing distances and intensities of each depending on what races are coming up. For this race I've tried to consistently swim 3-4 times a week with at least one of them being an ATC group swim where I'm swimming all-out with faster swimmers and one being an increasingly longer continuous swim. We also had a chance to do an open water swim at Red Top Mt. last weekend as a team to test out the boat, harness and a new wet suit. All systems are go! We're ready...all that's left is for us to do it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: As mother of the future Ironman what thoughts will be going through your head during the event?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Teresa: I am so excited to be supporting him through this dream he has. I am sort of a nervous wreck as well. LOL. While he is out on the swim I know I will be on pins and needles because I know if he goes into the water he will be face down and can’t turn himself over. I know the guys will get to him, but I also know that it will be a struggle for them as well to get him back into the boat, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, we are going stay positive and keep fingers crossed that he stays in that boat! LOL. I am bursting with pride and can’t wait to see Justin out there on the course having the time of his life. I am hoping that I will be able to stay in a close proximity to where they are throughout the course so that I can keep an eye on him since he does have some medical issues with seizures and such. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Part of me is probably overly concerned but the other part of me is over the moon with pride. Overall I think everything is going to go off without a hitch and I will be a blubbering, proud, crying mama as he comes down the finish line chute.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: You watched the Pease Brothers complete this event last year, did you think that Justin would be participating this year? </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Teresa: Yes – the whole time we were there in support of Kyle and Brent, all Justin kept saying was “I’m gonna do it next year”! I knew that it was in his heart and he had set his sights on completing this feat. As Kyle and Brent came down the finishers chute, they stopped and hugged Justin and gave him a big high five and said “Next year is your year J-Dude!”</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: Is this the biggest moment of Justin's life? </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Teresa: Without a doubt and without question, this IS the biggest moment of his life. It is the most monumental goal he has set for himself and I am just in awe of him, his courage, and spirit. I have always taught him to look past his disability and know that he can do anything he set his mind to. I have stressed to him that it doesn’t matter if he looks different than typical peers in doing something, he can still do it. I can remember the first time that he and I did the Marine Corp Marathon in 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was such a blessing to be pushing him through the streets of the Capitol. He and I had such a fun time together. I will never forget making our way up that last hill, and at the top there was a line of Marines he bent down and gave him high fives as we passed. Crossing over the finish line, he threw his arms up and jumped up in his seat in excitement. If he hadn’t had a chest strap on he would have probably come up out of the racer!!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Picturing that moment makes me truly anticipate his level of excited and pride as he and his team come down the chute and the announcer says “Justin Knight you are an IRONMAN!” </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Q: As the first KPF athlete to compete in such an event, what does it mean to the other athletes?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Teresa: This will help pave the way for other KPF athletes to overcome any fears and know that they too can take on such a challenge. After he completes this Ironman, Justin plans on helping to motivate, inspire, and encourage other athletes to keep moving forward and take on challenges and know that with a strong spirit you can do anything!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Q: What type of training has Justin done leading up to the event?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Teresa: Each weekend in October Justin has trained with his Relay Team each Saturday and Sunday. They have put in approx. 5-6 hours each of those days training on the bike (about 80 miles per weekend) with Paul Linck, swimming at Red Top Mountain with John Rutlege, and running with Tim Meyers. He has gotten stronger and his endurance has gotten stronger with each training session. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The guys all work so well together in communicating needs and what might work best for such a long day as Nov 7th will be. The care and encouragement that the guys have given is immeasurable an Justin has really gained some wonderful friends. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In addition to training with the relay team each weekend, Justin has been training on a stationary recumbent bike at home as well as doing floor exercises to keep his muscles stretched out. He can now even hold a two-minute plank!!!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-25046643357681489732015-10-30T13:55:00.000-04:002015-11-04T15:02:36.194-05:00Kyle Pease Foundation Brings Disabled Athletes to Their Feet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">We're coming down, but only slightly, after an incredible weekend as the Kyle Pease Foundation set up ship in the Nation's Capitol for the Marine Corps Marathon. Once again, we co-sponsored with The Ability Experience and it was phenomenal event. Even the uncooperative DC weather could not dampen our spirits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">We saw many of our friends including the famous Rick Hoyt, who together with his father Dick pioneered the entire ability running movement, as well as spending some Q-time with Ainsley's Angels. There were many heavy tears shed as two of our team members got to rise from their running chairs and walk across the finish line under their own power. </span><a href="http://www.fox5ny.com/news/40088707-story" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">John Crais, who was guided by Thomas Oden</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;">, and Jason Dorn ,who was pushed by Kyle Thomas, both contributed moments that onlookers will never forget. John's moment is captured in the story link above. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The highlight for me was getting to hang out with some of the KPF families before and during the race. Jessica Minton's husband Bryant and son their Grant, as well as, Naomi Williams, Noah's mom entertained me nearly all weekend. It was quite an experience being on the sidelines with all the marines and the sounding of the cannon. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I couldn't be more proud of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Hats off to all the volunteers who raised money and pushed 26.2 miles through the beautiful country that we live in. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">The fun continues this weekend as Brent and I compete in the Big Apple at the NYC Marathon, followed by a very quick turnaround and trip south as we'll join J-dude, Justin Knight and his team in Ironman Florida in Panama City. One hundred and forty point six miles separates J-Dude from history as the first KPF athlete to become an Ironman. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">As if that's not enough, We have our Bowling with Kpeasey event on November 15th from 3-6 PM at Stars and Strikes Bowling to celebrate all of our athletes, as well as, the awarding of the Jake Vinson Family Grant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Don't forget my new children's book "</span><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/Kyle-s-Book.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way"</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> will make it's debut to the public at the bowling event where I will be signing copies with my co-author Todd Civin. We will have regular and LARGE print editions as well as audio DVD versions and a limited number of </span><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/Kyle-s-Book.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">2016 "WTAWTAW" calendars</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;">. Can't wait to see everyone there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Keep your eyes open for next weeks special blog with Justin Knight's Ironman Florida preparation and comments from the team. </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Brent and I gotta go catch a plan to NY...so we'll turn the rest of the blog over to Noah William's mom, Naomi for her thoughts on the Marine Corps Marathon weekend as well as the inspiring words of Mike Ragan, our friend, teammate and all3sports colleague, who started the weekend off with his inspiring words. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>Naomi Williams:</strong> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>The weekend was A-MAZE-ING!! It's always fun to 'run' a race, yet this race was special as I got be a cheerleader, not only for my son, but for ALL of the athletes. I won't ever have the chance to be a soccer mom, but this weekend gave me the same euphoric high!! Waiting with anticipation for Noah and Kevin to come around the last corner and into eyesight, beaming with pride as they crossed the finish line - that was the equivalent of watching the winning goal. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>For Noah, it provided an opportunity to be successful and experience what it feels like to be a winner. He LOVED being around people who embraced him for him. Noah has a special connection with Kyle and it is beautiful to watch their interaction. In addition, I realized that life is a team effort just like this race. Everyone plays a vital role no matter how insignificant they think it is!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>Mike Ragan:</strong> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>I met Brent Pease a little over two years ago, when I started working at all3sports. Soon after I learned of his work with his brother's foundation. In spring of 2014, Brent invited me to consider running my first marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon with KPeasey. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>The experience of training last year was amazing; the purpose I felt every day with every run. Brent paired me with Tina and her daughter, Naomi. Since they lived almost three hours away from me, the first time we met was a month before the race, but we hit it off right away.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>We both arrived for the race in Washington, D.C. a couple of days early, and we were inseparable. We spent hours at the Expo checking out the booths, and we even met Sean Astin, who starred in Rudy and Lord of the Rings.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>Race morning found us ready to run. The assisted athletes were sent off five minutes before the rest of the field, which helped me look good. I ran the first mile in 8:45. On the official time my first mile read a scathing 3:45. I'm sure this helped my coach find several new athletes. After the first 10k, I notice that Naomi was waving with both hands in a strange way. I asked if she was okay, only to have her reply, "I'm done! Where's momma?" How did we make it through the race? Singing! We sang "Let It Go" from the movie, Frozen, The Wheels on the Bus, and Old MacDonald. Needless to say, there were tons of animals on the farm that day. </em></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>I averaged an 8-minute mile for the first twenty miles and then the wheels fell off...of my run. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>I hit the wall and struggled through the last 10k. In the last mile, two of our KPeasey teammates, Curtis and Fred, passed us. Fred smacked me on the bottom and Curtis said, "See ya!" It is okay because this year, I'm running with Fred's number and I'll be pushing Curtis. So, Curtis, get ready for a 12-hour marathon!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>In the year since the last Marine Corps Marathon, I've seen Naomi and Tina several times and I talk to them on the phone every few weeks. We ran a two more races together the following months and Naomi got to go bowling with my two middle school-aged daughters at the annual KPeasey bowling fundraiser.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><em>The greatest part of this entire process has not been getting in shape, running a marathon or raising money for the foundation. Those are all wonderful things, but to be invited into another family's life has truly been the greatest gift.</em></span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-27627981755465374142015-10-22T09:00:00.000-04:002015-11-06T08:37:45.965-05:00The Kyle Pease Foundation Continues to Be Busier Than a Moth in a Mitten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As summer fades into the rear view and the weather continues to get cooler, Kpeasey is hotter than ever. With so many events on the foundation calendar we are busier than a moth in a mitten. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We just completed </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Camp Wheel-A-Way, a</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> camp for individuals with cerebral palsy where we partner with Camp Twin Lakes to host an amazing group of enthusiastic campers. The weekend was </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">filled with biking, running, boating, Smores and a lot of smiles. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was quite a weekend filled with laughter and enough memories to last a lifetime. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kpeasey and the campers even went air born going zip-lining above the woods at Camp Twin Lakes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our very own dude, Justin "J-dude" Knight is preparing fiercely for </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNrDjbQAb8hiFHCwSh1FCKB2XA2-Ply7BHGvROCzpc2xkzA-N7XpXu5ivJEGGzzxxPXFCW1eM1FlhACgT2vGm0v7dyKGuSm2n5ce7GyR_9Xnt6M3jraPK7ZcFLPEYM5n5natNJgoZ_w72/s1600/12115915_10207811000374950_7381233542996054214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNrDjbQAb8hiFHCwSh1FCKB2XA2-Ply7BHGvROCzpc2xkzA-N7XpXu5ivJEGGzzxxPXFCW1eM1FlhACgT2vGm0v7dyKGuSm2n5ce7GyR_9Xnt6M3jraPK7ZcFLPEYM5n5natNJgoZ_w72/s320/12115915_10207811000374950_7381233542996054214_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ironman Florida. He has been eating, dreaming and breathing Ironman for the past three months. He is super excited and is in top shape for 140.6 miles of fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Along with his teammates John Rutledge, Tim Myers, and Paul Linck, they are ready to tackle any obstacle that may come their way because after all, Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't forget to come out to <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ironman-florida-send-off-for-justin-knight-tickets-18856161286?aff=efbnreg" target="_blank">Justin's send off party</a> on <a href="http://mondaynightbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Monday Night Brewing</a> in Atlanta on Wednesday, October 28th. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are super excited to see Justin compete as he is the first KPF athlete to ever attempt this prestigious feat. This is the culmination of the vision that Brent and I saw when we started the foundation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speaking of "</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/Kyle-s-Book.html" target="_blank">Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way!"</a>, KPeasey can now add the title of author to my business card as my new children's book </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">is on pre-order on our website. We are putting the finishing touches on an audio version narrated by yours truly and a big print version, so that everyone can enjoy the book. All profits from the book and the DVD are going to the Kyle Pease Foundation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you want to learn about inclusion, my life and the foundation, the book will be officially unveiled on November 15th and it will be available at the the Annual KPeasey Bowling Event. This event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for our foundation and we even have a special guest attending the event and spreading his message of Together We Wheel! We </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">will also be announcing the <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/Jake-Vinson-Family-Grant.html" target="_blank">Jake Vinson Family Grant winner. </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next week we will be taking a team of athletes to Washington DC to the Marine Corps Marathon, which is a great event taking place in our Nation's capitol. After a quick turnaround, Brent and I will be going to NY to run the NYC marathon on November 1st as Kpeasey Meets the Big Apple and the Big Apple meets Kpeasey. Hope the city is ready for us!!</span></div>
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Saturday, November 14th. This is our final race of the season and is always a great time. We may even get our social media director and co-author of my book, Todd Civin, to lace them up as he'll be down for the bowling event and book signing. </span></span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-23871649277562130082015-10-08T21:59:00.000-04:002015-10-11T18:55:31.573-04:00Jessica, Mike and Several Other KPF Athletes to Compete at Marine Corps Marathon<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Though they won't be running from the Halls of Montezuma or even to the Shores of Tripoli, several KPeasey athletes will be among "the few, the proud" as they "lace up their boots" and compete in the 40th Annual Marine Corps Marathon on October 25th in Washington, DC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There will be an enormous sense of national pride while competing in and completing the 26.2 mile course set in the nation's capitol. Envision yourself as one of 10,000 athletes participating in "The People's Marathon" with the ghosts of Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and George Washington guiding you through out the course. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What a feeling of patriotism one will experience as the huge American flag unfurls with the thirteen hands of the statue of Iwo Jima in the foreground as the canon blasts marking the start of this incredibly historic event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Two KPeasey athletes who will be making the trip to DC are </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mike Ragan and Jessica Minton, each of whom were kind enough to share their thoughts about competing in such an illustrious event. They will be among several hundred assisted athlete teams from all over the country, who will start at the front of the pack ahead of the rest of the athletes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"It’s a great feeling knowing that I will be a part of something so important for so many people. I know that I will not have a shortage of inspiration for the race," explains Mike, who works as a store manager for all3sports.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"I’m looking forward to the crowd support and amazing landmarks. It is exciting enough to be a part of KPeasey, but I think being in such a storied place will only add to this experience of serving a greater cause," he added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jessica mirrored Mike's sentiments, "</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think competing against the nation's most iconic backdrop will be, in some ways, sobering. The United States of America has sacrificed so much in our quest for freedom and liberty. At the same time, I am so thankful that this is the country I grew up to respect. I am thankful for the Americans with Disabilities Act that provide opportunity to pursue what we love."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Both athletes spoke glowingly about their experiences with the Kyle Pease Foundation, which of course is music to Brent and my ears and will give us a sense of absolute joy as we cheer our teammates on from the sidelines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"My experience working with the Kyle Pease Foundation over the past year has been quite a bit more than I was expecting. The families have been so welcoming and loving", explained Mike. "I have been so humbled by how freely the KPeasey families have opened their lives to me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Added Jessica who will be completed the course in her hand cycle, "T</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he Kyle Pease Foundation has given me a way to stay active and committed to something besides me and my family."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ragan who will be pushing KPeasey athlete, Curtis Ward has little concern of completing the 26.2 terrain. "I know the crowd support will be amazing and Curtis has always been a very vocal and encouraging teammate during the race. He will let us know if we need to work harder."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jessica shared a similar lack of intimidation, "</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have no doubt that I can finish this, just as long as I don't have another flat! (I had a flat in the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span>Publix<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">half and didn't have tubes to change the tire...)". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mike, Jessica and more than a dozen other KPF athletes are excited to be competing in such a prestigious event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"I will be flying up with Kyle and my friend Helen who has been helping to fund raise. My sister lives in D.C. and she is planning to come to the race to cheer us on" explained Mike.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kDWiLzyI3WECCODlR_K_BzunDfTo18-g-Orge201BdMKAFLjpDIZzILOW60cfMtRavMP8JWHSHvVnd2HN0KRmlAYHlOpGQpwNmgnBjHykATxvB0n_Tl_i37gXayQClAnOElAYFyY3CWf/s1600/11415596_1146506082041948_3170060038238086259_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kDWiLzyI3WECCODlR_K_BzunDfTo18-g-Orge201BdMKAFLjpDIZzILOW60cfMtRavMP8JWHSHvVnd2HN0KRmlAYHlOpGQpwNmgnBjHykATxvB0n_Tl_i37gXayQClAnOElAYFyY3CWf/s320/11415596_1146506082041948_3170060038238086259_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"My husband and my son are going with us. We've decided to go up on Thursday to explore the sights, added Jessica. "My husband is a huge history buff, and he's never been to DC!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"His dad is also retired Air Force, so he is excited to see all of the monuments. We've also decided that we would rather have Grant go with us. He'll learn more about this great country from this trip than anything they'll teach in school."</span></div>
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Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-11326335218949779452015-09-17T14:04:00.002-04:002015-09-18T09:26:36.542-04:00Not one... not two... not three, but five KPF Athletes Compete in Tanner Tri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga907wGNMsyta7d8WQIFhh35jBSxEkfZa9S5hrsIfbf9xirPzbuvp9thbEuFmjHYQhukHGvQvov4XPfMNTiFRgxE9e_qwrkJEtzPhBG2e0vn3eJBDYo0h2leUdWepRtfACsseiUeTj_8xU/s1600/Attachment-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga907wGNMsyta7d8WQIFhh35jBSxEkfZa9S5hrsIfbf9xirPzbuvp9thbEuFmjHYQhukHGvQvov4XPfMNTiFRgxE9e_qwrkJEtzPhBG2e0vn3eJBDYo0h2leUdWepRtfACsseiUeTj_8xU/s320/Attachment-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the words of Lebron, "Not one...not two...not three...not four...but five". In this case, we aren't referring to five mythical championships, as Lebron was, but instead the actual number of teams we had competing in last weekends John Tanner Tri-the Parks Triathlon. That's right, for the first time in the brief history of the Kyle Pease Foundation, a quintet of teams suited up and paddled, pedaled and pushed their athletes to the finish line.
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<span style="font-size: large;">The five teams (in no specific order) were comprised of Julia and Pascal Gouteix, Justin Knight with John Rutledge, Tim Myers and Paul Linck, Curtis Ward with Ricky Stokes, Danielle Sims with Scott Stafford and Noah Williams and Brent and I. Not that time is ever really what we are competing for but it was exciting to see that each KPF team finished the triathlon in or around the 2 hour mark. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was amazing and extremely humbling to witness the smiles on the faces of the athletes as well as the adoring fans who cheered wildly as KPF athletes whipped by them. All of seeds we have planted over the past several season is beginning to reap the harvest and though we aren't yet where we want to be we are certainly enjoying a bountiful harvest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The fall season is extremely busy for the Foundation and we are bursting with exciting news. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Justin "J-Dude" Knight will be competing in his first Ironman in November in Panama City Florida.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZZ3uO9KmVFnNUhKxD5R1a8iyPdwB4Q67rRpxNGxSXcrJH1uGLUOc1en4gQQbvn_0turiK-yXpHEMOkM6NktqRESuKyeZIb54pboR8YHeSb2TF-M0hTODr_TlSyOZBxfg8MapoR6j-Tc-/s1600/11659535_1159991314026758_2740990764179555662_n-55c40c537c46c.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZZ3uO9KmVFnNUhKxD5R1a8iyPdwB4Q67rRpxNGxSXcrJH1uGLUOc1en4gQQbvn_0turiK-yXpHEMOkM6NktqRESuKyeZIb54pboR8YHeSb2TF-M0hTODr_TlSyOZBxfg8MapoR6j-Tc-/s320/11659535_1159991314026758_2740990764179555662_n-55c40c537c46c.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Justin and his mom, Teresa, scouted out the event last November when Brent and I took on the course and despite the cold temperatures and ferocious winds that we encountered, Justin decided that he is man enough to take on the challenge. Let's hope for beautiful Florida weather. Justin is the first Foundation member to take on an Ironman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also have a big announcement in the field of Children's Literature as "yours truly" will be unveiling a children's book in the month of November entitled, what else but, <em><strong>"Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way".</strong></em> The book which is written by our social media director Todd Civin and me and is illustrated by Jason Boucher, teaches children of all ages about my life with cerebral palsy and teaches the message of perseverance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't tell you more about it because I'm liable to spill the whole story but let's just say it ends very, happily ever after. The book will be available at the KPF Bowling Event and on line at our website </span><a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.kylepeasefoundation.org</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> after November 15th. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B9VrCHzbqB1s0BikrB479NEe4w_vQF3sqaMc4LnkHdOSM-O-_aFd_MFeN0p8FIYQ2PbSnnLZuk-I-6XxuhW8fjIohnobNXVom_WS8Z0ctN5Pk5AqlK-u6w9KBuCFvLlHbEcKjkPrLJeN/s1600/Camp-Wheel-A-Way%257E%257Eelement51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B9VrCHzbqB1s0BikrB479NEe4w_vQF3sqaMc4LnkHdOSM-O-_aFd_MFeN0p8FIYQ2PbSnnLZuk-I-6XxuhW8fjIohnobNXVom_WS8Z0ctN5Pk5AqlK-u6w9KBuCFvLlHbEcKjkPrLJeN/s320/Camp-Wheel-A-Way%257E%257Eelement51.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the second consecutive year, The Kyle Pease Foundation is pleased to sponsor "Camp Wheel-A-Way". The camp is part of CampTwin Lakes and for the first time focuses on campers with cerebral palsy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Camp Wheel-A-Way is a weekend get away where friends come together to eat S'mores, sit and laugh around the campfire, play games and share stories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The camp runs from Friday October 9-Sunday October 11th and is fully staffed with counselors and a medical staff. The weekend is sponsored by The Kyle Pease Foundation with no cost to the campers and if that's not enough, I will be there all weekend. There are still a handful of openings so please visit our website and download the application for campers or staff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's all for now. Look for our next blog where we will discuss the Marine Corp Marathon, Justin Knight's training regimen and more about our upcoming KPF Bowling event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">KPF Bonus Endorsement: Congratulations to our friend Jennifer Kahnweiler on the release of her new book, <strong><em><a href="http://jenniferkahnweiler.us9.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=199a8244a9b5c2485293c83f4&id=91f5df8ad4&e=6ecff589ed" target="_blank">The Geniuses of Opposites.</a> </em></strong>This remains the # 1 new release on the Business Conflicts and Resolutions chart on Amazon.com. Check it out. </span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-25492657781446398992015-08-27T12:12:00.000-04:002015-08-27T12:14:48.253-04:00KPF's Knight in Shining Ironman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnB67YR6Ht0pSa4CBd9vbIy2pYNwVpTWzGzqz-hPE3MRAs2qjFhz9tTmPiPSM2Q6YcUikx3QmFJ-OHQ7mByrihUVf-XjifI51_W_GoV0UrpPAhQW-cUWGeaJOnHAgwsQ0jnM16eyvjAAf/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnB67YR6Ht0pSa4CBd9vbIy2pYNwVpTWzGzqz-hPE3MRAs2qjFhz9tTmPiPSM2Q6YcUikx3QmFJ-OHQ7mByrihUVf-XjifI51_W_GoV0UrpPAhQW-cUWGeaJOnHAgwsQ0jnM16eyvjAAf/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Kyle Pease Foundation is beyond excited to share the news that their first-ever KPF athlete Justin "J-Dude" Knight will be competing in his first full Ironman in Panama Beach, Florida on November 7th, 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Justin has competed in numerous races with the foundation since he joined, including two half marathons, with this being his biggest challenge to date. Justin will be competing with three athletes from the Atlanta Track Club in order to conquer the 140.6 mile event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I'm am excited for my first time", explained Knight who visited the Panama City site during last year's event completed by foundation founders, Kyle and Brent Pease. "It will be miles of fun for my first Ironman event." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Racing alongside Knight, who was born with cerebral palsy, will be John Rutledge for the 2.4 mile swim, Paul Linck on the 112 mile bike ride and Tim Myers on the 26.2 mile marathon run.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Said KPF founder, Kyle Pease, "We are so excited to have the foundation represented by an athlete like Justin Knight. He typifies what the foundation is all about. When I started the foundation this is what I imagined it would become, a way to give other disabled athletes the opportunity to experience the thrill of athletic competition among able bodied competitors. There is no bigger thrill than competing in the Ironman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Added foundation chairman, Brent Pease, "Kyle and I competed in Florida last year and completed our second Ironman despite fierce winds and dangerous ocean currents that forced the cancellation of the swim. It was among our most difficult races ever. It will be a memorable event seeing Justin complete the course under hopefully more favorable conditions." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To help support Justin please visit his </span><a href="https://www.crowdrise.com/JDudeAtIMFL/fundraiser/kylepeasefoundation" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Crowdrise page</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">The Kyle Pease Foundation creates awareness and raises funds to promote success for persons with disabilities by providing assistance to meet their individual needs through sports. KPF provides programming that includes scholarship opportunities, purchasing of medical and adaptive sports equipment in addition to participating in educational campaigns that create awareness about Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities.</span></em></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-19450312757550160102015-07-30T11:36:00.000-04:002015-07-30T11:36:13.866-04:00The Peachtree Road Race Through the Eyes of the Athletes<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu8Kh_IOs7BpFkvT97ISn27mRl7E77zfcRpGXRgZ1GnISw160vGASJZFgtJAJfXG9kRRm98Rk0aOsDYXPbLii1vMY710cxYUUJoLP4H5KnlU-5bTIJYfopIbOEcfz6OB1h8eAdPSrduP9/s1600/032315_marathon_dt02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu8Kh_IOs7BpFkvT97ISn27mRl7E77zfcRpGXRgZ1GnISw160vGASJZFgtJAJfXG9kRRm98Rk0aOsDYXPbLii1vMY710cxYUUJoLP4H5KnlU-5bTIJYfopIbOEcfz6OB1h8eAdPSrduP9/s320/032315_marathon_dt02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As Brent and I have expressed on many occasions, <a href="http://www.kylepeasefoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Kyle Pease Foundation</a> was created for a far bigger reason than for me to see my name in lights. Any of you who know Brent and me are aware that KPF was formed to allow others to experience the same feeling of joy that we feel every single time we compete. Witnessing smiles on faces is a very greater feeling than collecting personal press clippings. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">From the very first race, we experienced a feeling of accomplishment, a sense of belonging and the ability to experience what it feel like to compete after living much of life viewing from the stands. To share that feeling with other athletes is an incredible gift to be able to give. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It gives me equal pleasure to turn the blog over every once in a while to the athletes of the Kyle Pease Foundation allowing them to share their feelings with our loyal readers. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">This week, it gives me great pleasure to hand over the blogging reigns to Justin "J-Dude" Knight and Matt Shectman, who experienced the <a href="http://www.atlantatrackclub.org/2015-peachtree" target="_blank">Peachtree Road Race</a> together earlier this month. I know you'll be inspired by their words. </span></o:p><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~~~~~~~</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>Through the Eyes of J-Dude:</strong> </span></o:p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was my 2<sup>nd</sup> year running the Peachtree Road Race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so excited to have lightning speed Matt pushing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it was going to be a great race with my buddy Kyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an early morning, it was raining, but I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">After getting settled in the racer, we headed to the start line and we were all smiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I still had to talk a little smack to Kyle and Brent along the way.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The race started and it was so cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was cheering Matt on and blowing my air horn as we blazed through the streets of the ATL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so fast that the water station volunteers didn’t even have time to set up before we were flying past them.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I loved cheering Matt on and I could hear the crowds cheering us on as we flew past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an awesome feeling to be racing neck and neck with Kyle and Brent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would crack me up as we would pass them and then they would pass us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">I think the funniest part of the race was at the finish line when we were running so fast, we were drenched, the road was so wet that we actually couldn’t stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To quote Matt, we did a “Flintstone stop”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Racing with KPF gives me a feeling of happiness that no other sport does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running these races helps me to feel that I can do anything I set my mind to, and has helped to build self confidence that I had lost at one time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">I am forever thankful for everything that KPF is and will be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to race again at the upcoming triathlon and IRONMAN FLORIDA!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUZmGB15UMO2wk4rbk6tU8_BSN6Ceq47q7OYsHJgFAo9I-_rATfAW3sYZ6ll5QgzX3UbThUEgEQWmwV2OqN2tINno1xUSyPNumEYgu-pskGGIoVjrVq-Ds_T3jFgC8X_hM-CCKojlsHn7/s1600/11539666_1162095707149652_8280988829534108793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUZmGB15UMO2wk4rbk6tU8_BSN6Ceq47q7OYsHJgFAo9I-_rATfAW3sYZ6ll5QgzX3UbThUEgEQWmwV2OqN2tINno1xUSyPNumEYgu-pskGGIoVjrVq-Ds_T3jFgC8X_hM-CCKojlsHn7/s320/11539666_1162095707149652_8280988829534108793_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strong>Through the Eyes of Matt: </strong>About two months before the Peachtree Road Race we were contacted by the Kyle Pease Foundation about potentially doing another event for the Foundation (we had done some great stuff with KPF over the past year, so it was time to up the ante a bit). </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Given everyone's interest in running and what better event out there than the 4th of July, we all decided that we should do a big event for the Peachtree Road Race. It was my first experience pushing an athlete for KPF and so I was a little apprehensive, but once we got the ball rolling with Lululemon and KPF, there was no turning back! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">All of the events and fundraising leading up to the main race on July 4th were amazing. We had such great support from our students, the KPF donors, and so many more people. It was truly incredible to be part of.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">By the time a rainy July 4 morning rolled around, it almost</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbB1wmY9oOWm9dRAGFYD-DTAlT0ew1LeAHrKxaHR59A1gdwe0sUlpvYfeztUX1wcz2jz4piEiZqi9dCFeERfqOZIiymxvQluyhb0qTlIeg0uZ2woJhHgbsWLu9R8EMBIih0kWUqz1tA07/s1600/10259213_10152298019932141_695324805388034597_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbB1wmY9oOWm9dRAGFYD-DTAlT0ew1LeAHrKxaHR59A1gdwe0sUlpvYfeztUX1wcz2jz4piEiZqi9dCFeERfqOZIiymxvQluyhb0qTlIeg0uZ2woJhHgbsWLu9R8EMBIih0kWUqz1tA07/s320/10259213_10152298019932141_695324805388034597_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> seemed surreal, like the event was finally happening. We were so thrilled to be out there and I couldn't help but put a smile on my face happy to be a part of the race when it was clear that Justin and Kyle were ready to go and compete!</span><br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Even though the rain kept the crowd turnout pretty low over the early miles, we were amazed by the turnout at the <a href="https://shepherd.org/" target="_blank">Shepherd Center</a> and toward the finish. I don't think I've ever pushed so hard in a race, and I was sore for a few days afterward, but reveled in all the fun and hard work put forth by everyone involved. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBE38jBQWoks2YCsEsXIa0Fu9WzBNLr3PcEHnYW8pOfdLgbjJs6wGa-cDFn2ljK52X49gmeu3pKedDzvtGiaf4P9hRmzQkAMQ77KQjox47ScMSlD0BPZx9o5ItmfQRJ6jNI27a7gAx0sX/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBE38jBQWoks2YCsEsXIa0Fu9WzBNLr3PcEHnYW8pOfdLgbjJs6wGa-cDFn2ljK52X49gmeu3pKedDzvtGiaf4P9hRmzQkAMQ77KQjox47ScMSlD0BPZx9o5ItmfQRJ6jNI27a7gAx0sX/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It was a truly special time for me and for all of us at<strong> <a href="http://www.infinityyogaatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Infinity Yoga</a></strong>. We are truly blessed to be part of such an amazing organization! </span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-31108276991608155392015-07-11T21:11:00.000-04:002015-07-12T08:52:57.580-04:00Weekend is a Winner for KPF <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EOMWVMVR-pr25QGAI8c8DoO_bk9Vud5iopWfTwVzqOiRDYITjyS8O-KyQ_TMduZQNkbqy0PSLVuIlkLDRlT82ANXlQw74ZOfLU8zcZJYqoNx3C80YWMtuAzsfH3qEtGfbutwIWvRWM-c/s1600/11694013_1162069543818935_2672451138563658651_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EOMWVMVR-pr25QGAI8c8DoO_bk9Vud5iopWfTwVzqOiRDYITjyS8O-KyQ_TMduZQNkbqy0PSLVuIlkLDRlT82ANXlQw74ZOfLU8zcZJYqoNx3C80YWMtuAzsfH3qEtGfbutwIWvRWM-c/s320/11694013_1162069543818935_2672451138563658651_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To say it was an incredible day for the Kyle Pease Foundation would be a huge understatement. I could not be more proud of what the past few days have looked like for our Foundation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Several months ago, we came up with the idea of making the Peachtree be a friendly competition since the Atlanta Track Club was generous enough to grant us two bibs this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Team Pease was made up of none other than Brent and me, while T</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">eam Infinity was comprised of Justin Knight and Matthew Shechtman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The two teams went to head to head in the Peachtree 10K. As many remember, Brent and I blazed the trail becoming the first assisted race team to compete in the Peachtree two years ago. To now be competing with and against another KPF team is a step closer to our foundation goal of inclusion for all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All four of us were attired in our cool lululemon race gear </span><br />
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which were donated to us by lululemon, The Shops Around Lenox. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We wore red and blue and Team Infinity were attired in blue tops and maroon shorts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To my surprise, Team Pease was considered to be the underdog just prior to race time as </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Matt's previous PR was a blistering 34 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Justin's smile, prior to, during and after the race really sparked me because aside from the mission of the foundation, my personal mission is </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">to see the smile </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">of every athlete that comes through the foundation. That's what it is all about for me. Justin Knight is precisely what we envisioned when we started the KPF and for me that brings absolute joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The weather was dicey all day, but the rain did not dampen our spirits. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Justin and Matt had an amazing race and beat us fair and square.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Following the race, Matt shared his thoughts about the race and the weather. "</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a lot of fun out there running with Justin. Despite the dreary weather and early morning downpour, Justin and Kyle were in good spirits the whole time. Their enjoyment and competitive nature was infectious and it made it hard not to revel in the moment."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He continued, "As soon as the gun went off the race was on and Kyle and Brent pushed the pace hard, but soon we were coming up on other wheelchair athletes and Justin let it be known that he was ready to go faster. From there it was just about hanging on tight - I needed it too, because going up Cardiac Hill was tough, but all of the applause and cheering at the Shepherd Center was plenty of motivation to get me over the top!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Frankly, I couldn't believe how quickly the race went by, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Excited for next year!!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In addition to the race, it was overall an amazing weekend. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">With the help of lululemon and and Infinity Yoga over $10,000 was raised for KPF. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">W are so grateful to have these amazing companies behind us and we could not have done it without them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our friends at Infinity Yoga had this to say, "</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We, at Infinity</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://infinityyogaatlanta.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://infinityyogaatlanta.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqE1SGb6o3SXmRyU9FLjqVhpJjhW9j5xbhCrNBakB-STTu6sTOcy7ZJnT-JiE1vDdVaMgy3RVXykPnWw5LBaxzaW8eIeBMwBPQMuNsiK1c85-ASy3ViXiQvM6ZZ87VIQNOJy8hyNt5505/s1600/logo.png" /></a></span></div>
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Yoga, are so proud to be partnered with the Kyle Pease Foundation. Through our early beginnings we have had the opportunity to do events with KPF and every time we do they get better and better. Beyond the beneficent goals and all the great things that KPF does for athletes, we have gotten to know the organization's members and athletes in such an intimate and personal way and even our students and community have gotten involved."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"It is one thing to raise money, and another to give time, but to feel so deeply connected with an organization and its goals has really made our experiences with KPF unforgettable." </span></div>
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<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lQqrFtnwKhyTGXdD8-wIcJgcYZnGfWdIJ5tAPwlsJVS3KVN33NBvDogdRHsdqkWrfrt2wwR1PzGys1mjfhxl2TQYOQDC-uKYpp7HCn6zwBzRWo_0NnH8HFpFV1sf74uAIAh66abR5T6R/s1600/ui-logo.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Kyle Pease Foundation would like to thank lulu Lemon and Infinity Yoga, along with the Atlanta Track Club and Shepard Spinal Center for their continued support of KPF. </span></div>
Kpeaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17232453577943643152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-766064432538745702.post-37232473714875108302015-06-18T20:27:00.000-04:002015-06-18T19:01:44.030-04:00Ricardo and Matt: An inspiration to each other ... An inspiration to us all <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What's up everyone? What an unforgettable couple of weeks we have had. Before we share about our recent Ironman Triathlon Eagleman 70.3 finish, I want to introduce you to a couple of incredible people. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_ONPig5Qi9b7lWphLnWyuMZ0oWHYKH_Rq4Rbc-i9Ko-VYhSLHKkC6ti_YIzOhgdfwWdQalvJxqj0AqR-3P4QKKwi8YkcgiqPqqBxfY7ATWF9ZfqumBE51yGRBt8JCBy8H_4drghWvfu/s1600/lauren+%2526+marin+summerfesst+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple weekends ago, we had nine KPeasey athletes toe the line at the Virginia Highlands Summerfest 5k. This is another one of our favorite events and we experienced countless memorable moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Among them was witnessing our youngest pusher when Lauren pushed her sister, Marin!! This was the equivalent of experiencing the birth of the next generation of KPeasey runners and made Brent and I feel like proud papas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_ONPig5Qi9b7lWphLnWyuMZ0oWHYKH_Rq4Rbc-i9Ko-VYhSLHKkC6ti_YIzOhgdfwWdQalvJxqj0AqR-3P4QKKwi8YkcgiqPqqBxfY7ATWF9ZfqumBE51yGRBt8JCBy8H_4drghWvfu/s1600/lauren+%2526+marin+summerfesst+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_ONPig5Qi9b7lWphLnWyuMZ0oWHYKH_Rq4Rbc-i9Ko-VYhSLHKkC6ti_YIzOhgdfwWdQalvJxqj0AqR-3P4QKKwi8YkcgiqPqqBxfY7ATWF9ZfqumBE51yGRBt8JCBy8H_4drghWvfu/s320/lauren+%2526+marin+summerfesst+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">We also experienced the most athletes ever to participate in Summerfest with Kpeasey and had the pleasure of watching two of my favorites, who are rapidly forming quite a team. I actually want to turn the balance of this week's blog over to my good friends, Matt Sours and Ricardo Aranda, who ran their second race of the season together. We are honored to share the road with them and hope to see them behind us, next to us or even in front of us for many more miles!! More to come on our racing adventures soon! #togetherwewheel. <b><em>KPeasey</em> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><b>Ricardo: </b>I'm honored to be given the opportunity to share Kyle's blog space with him and with Matt. As Kyle told you, my name is Ricardo Aranda and I am now a two-time KPeasey athlete. I participated in each events with my new friend, my "brother", my inspiration, my mentor, Matt Sours. We go waaaay back as we met each other about two or three minutes before our first race in March, the Publix 5K. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't have been paired with a better running partner than Matt and I am so grateful for his friendship. He says that I inspire him, but I honestly feel that he inspires me equally. He really seems to understand me and works hard to make the running experience meaningful for both of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I am 24-years-old and, like Kyle, I have cerebral palsy, the result of a premature birth. I am also legally blind due to optic nerve atrophy. I can actually see a little bit, but don't do very well recognizing people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I refuse to let my disabilities stop me though as I attended public school for most of my academic life and attended Chattanooga Technical College, earning my associates degree in Technical Communications. I am planning to attend Kyle Pease's alma mater, Kennesaw State to earn my bachelors in Public Relations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I'm not burning up the race course with my buddy, Matt, I play goalie on a Wheelchair Team Handball team. Many have asked me how I play since I am blind and my pat answer is..."both with assistance and very carefully". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was actually introduced to Kyle by my handball coach Rick Thompson, an introduction I am very grateful for. After meeting Kyle and attending Camp Wheel Away together, I decided to start running simply so I would have another hobby. I never dreamed that I would love it as much as I do. Matt and I have set a goal of competing in the Marine Corp Marathon together in the fall of 2016. Running with my "brother" in the Nation's Capitol would be a dream come true.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb3PAMQ7rY2nPPVYZ2vZ8N5XIxKHJFZAZqjf_E-lymUZ7XnqIIA95TezOELDoM62GxN1FvwLs4-B9X_dbAa_ZlAFbX0uOsIHV8-E9hRd0eugEmMTn7ImFIaxXE0nlf4IZBjvvsnvjX_hH/s1600/ricardo+finish+summerfest+5k+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Matt: </b>I've known Kyle for a few years having run into him at a few </span><span style="font-size: large;">races. Most of the time I'd get smoked by the Peases and spend the </span><span style="font-size: large;">rest of the race thinking about what they are doing and how super cool it is. After I heard that they completed their first Ironman, I decided to give pushing a shot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a cold rainy day when Ricardo and I ran Publix. We were both soaked by the end but the triumphant bond that we shared was </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb3PAMQ7rY2nPPVYZ2vZ8N5XIxKHJFZAZqjf_E-lymUZ7XnqIIA95TezOELDoM62GxN1FvwLs4-B9X_dbAa_ZlAFbX0uOsIHV8-E9hRd0eugEmMTn7ImFIaxXE0nlf4IZBjvvsnvjX_hH/s1600/ricardo+finish+summerfest+5k+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb3PAMQ7rY2nPPVYZ2vZ8N5XIxKHJFZAZqjf_E-lymUZ7XnqIIA95TezOELDoM62GxN1FvwLs4-B9X_dbAa_ZlAFbX0uOsIHV8-E9hRd0eugEmMTn7ImFIaxXE0nlf4IZBjvvsnvjX_hH/s320/ricardo+finish+summerfest+5k+2015.jpg" width="317" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">super cool. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I got lucky finding someone who is as competitive as Ricardo. </span><span style="font-size: large;">When you meet someone like Ricardo, someone who is always positive, it keeps me positive. We participate in a little playful back and forth throughout the race and he helps push me up the hill emotionally while I'm trying to get us both up to the top physically. I'll tell you, it's hard work pushing, but with Ricardo's enthusiasm it's somehow a little easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will never forget coming down Courtland Ave and Ricardo saw the gold dome of the Capitol for first time. He shouted, "Oh my God. It's right there". At that moment, I realized running with Ricardo isn't about the finish time. Without a question it is trading up. In many ways I feel a bit selfish, knowing that I get more out of this than Ricardo does.</span><br />
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<b>Ricardo:</b> If I impact somebody, I wouldn't necessarily know it, but I'm glad I am able to lend a hand, maybe not physically but emotionally. When I see a big crowd cheering us on, I thank them because I know they are sacrificing part of their day to cheer us on. The least I can do is say thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I'll never forget the feeling when Matt and I crossed the finish line together. I screamed, "Hey man, we did it." </span></div>
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<b>Matt: </b>We sure did, buddy. We did it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ricardo: </b>You inspire me, man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Matt:</b> You inspire me too.</span><br />
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