About Me
I am competing in my first Ironman race on June 27th in Coeur d'Alene, ID. For those that don't know, an Ironman is 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking, and 26.2 miles running for a grand total of 140.6 miles! I have been training over the past year with the help of a great coach (http://www.fast-tri.com/), local bike shop (http://allanti.com/), local running/tri store (http://www.teamnashvillesports.com/) and medical staff -- as I recovered from shoulder surgery (http://www.eliteorthopaedic.com) .....as well as the awesome support of family and friends. I have completed 2 Half-Ironman races in preparation for the big day....and now feel ready and excited to tackle this great challenge!
To make this event even more meaningful, I am representing destinations: unknown (http://destinationsunknown.org/) in the race and raising money for First Descents (http://www.firstdescents.org/). destinations: unknown is a non-profit organization rooted in the notion of empowerment. Their mission is to help us empower ourselves by stretching the boundaries created by our own fears, in order to effect change on a larger scale. They provide a platform to team members to raise funds and/or awareness for various causes. By breaking through our own personal barriers we hope to inspire others to achieve what they never dared to dream.
First Descents is committed to curing young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and empowering them to regain control of their lives by experiencing whitewater kayaking and other challenging adventure sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
First Descents combines two things that are very important and close to me -- fighting cancer and being active/challenging yourself physically. Having watched my father fight back multiple forms of cancer over the past few years and knowing of many others close to me that have witnessed or experienced similar fights, I am a firm believer in the power of physical activity and positive thinking as someone fights cancer (or any affliction). Furthermore, I believe that this combination goes a long way toward helping you stay healthy (mentally and physically).
Specifically, First Descents tries to improve the lives of young adults with cancer by offering whitewater kayaking and other outdoor adventure sports. These experiences significantly increase self confidence, which, in turn, empowers people affected by cancer to regain control of their lives. First Descents is not just giving young adults with cancer their self confidence back; they’re also connecting a largely disconnected population. First Descents helps shatter the illusion that cancer makes people fragile.
It will mean so much to me on raceday to know that I am out there pushing my body farther than I ever have (physically and mentally) for a greater cause like First Descents...and all of the amazing work this organization does and the lives that they positively impact. I greatly appreciate any and all support you can give -- in the form of donations now and positive thoughts and energy on raceday (June 27th). I have no doubt that I will need that positive energy...and feel it coming from all of you as I am out on the racecourse.
Thank you in advance for helping First Descents continue to empower those that have been impacted by cancer to fight this awful disease and take back control of their lives...and thank you for supporting me as well.
All the best,
Brett
Also, if interested, you can check out my full profile on the destinations: unknown site...
http://destinationsunknown.org/the-destinations-team-bios/brett-doyle/#more-606