A Look Back - Seattle Marathon

November 28, 2009

The Seattle Marathon was an after thought. This event was added to make the challenge a little tougher, raise some additional funds and also to join the Lazarex team that was at this event.

The event ended up being a little tougher then I had hoped for. I will always remember this marathon as the event that taught me that the mind is greater then the body. A twisted ankle at the 1 foot line and 26.2 miles later crossed the finish line.

Thank you to the support group of: Mallory, Betsy, Rachael and the members of the Lazarex team.


"My uncle was recently diagnosed with cancer and watching how it has affected him and our family makes me want to help Shawn, Rachael and Lazarex to not only helping people with cancer but also for finding a cure." (Ashley)

"We think it is great that you are taking part in these marathons for such a worthy cause. Jerry and Pat Herrick."

A Look Back - The Hartford Marathon

"Shawn: Whenever my wife says that I do crazy things, I can just show her that there are others who are crazier. Good Luck. - Wayne"

October 10, 2009

The Hartford Marathon was the second event of this challenge. Although I have lived in Connecticut for approx 7 years I had never ran the Hartford marathon. The course is very flat and my time proved it. The support was amazing as the gang showed up in full force. During the race they sold raffle tickets to help raise money for Lazarex Cancer Foundation. We also took phone calls during the run and in total raised approx $500 from this race.

Great event, great race and will definitely do it again.

This Race was dedicated in memory to my Grandfather - Elmer Hammerschmidt

Thank you to the support group of: Rachael, Frank, Matt, Amy, Gary and Nazia. This is the only race I have ever done where I was greeted at the finish line with the popping of a bottle of

champagne.

A Look Back - the event that started it all!!

FIRMMAN - Rhode IslandOcean Swim 1.2 Miles Bike 56 Miles Run 13.1 Miles
September 13th 2009.

This was the event that kicked it all off, Approx 1 year ago. This was my first attempt to complete a ½ Iron Distance triathlon.

We arrived on Saturday to check in. It was overcast and as we got to the beach and walked out we noticed something I had not seen all year. Waves, big 6 foot tall waves. My training had been mainly in the pool and the long island sound (no waves). So this was something new for me to think about. How do you swim through 6 foot waves. Well I had hoped that the next day the waves would be gone but no luck.

On Sunday morning we woke up to rain pouring down. It was around 4:00 in the morning. Rain is one thing but pouring down rain is never fun on the bike. The good news is by the time we got to the event the rain had slowed down and it had stopped raining by the time we got in the water. However, those 6 foot waves were still present.

As the gun went off and my wave entered the water I waded through the waves and actually started to enjoy them crashing into my body. The swim actually was a lot of fun and when I turned the corner of the last buoy to head into the beach I realized something. Those waves that had been so hard to get through at the beginning now would carry me to the beach. I have not body surfed for a long time and I forgot how much fun it was.

The rest of the day went off without any problems. I had a solid ride and the run as always was interesting as I struggled with the conflict between my mind and body. My mind saying it is time to stop and walk and this course has won and my body saying lets go. I finished in my best time to date. To be fair the course was very flat.

The fund raising effort to kick things off was amazing as we raised close to $1000 for that event. Some of my favorite comments from the website for this event are below:

"Hi Shawn, I want to wish you luck on these amazing endeavors! You are a strong athlete with a fortitude of steel, but more importantly, a tender and compassionate heart! The Lazarex Cancer Foundation is so lucky to have you as their advocate. And I am lucky to call you my friend! Wishing you the best! Love, Laurie (a.k.a. Mittens!!)"

"I always thought you might be crazy now your proving it. I guess that push down the stairs really did do some damage. Good luck and stay healthy. Kevin Hammerschmidt"

THANK YOU - To Rachael who supported me during this event.

A View From the Kayak

What's up y'all? This is Gary, guest-blogging once again here on Shawn's Iron Man blogspot. Just a quick post today to share some pictures from this morning, as we were out on Rainbow Reservoir at 7:00 a.m. to swim/kayak. It is a gorgeous Saturday here in New England, and we spent 75 minutes in/on the water as Shawn prepares for the big event in Ohio. Only two more weeks to go!

Good luck Shawn!

Be good everybody!!

- Gary - :o)

We are only a few weeks away from the end of this year long challenge. We will reach our original goal of $5,000 for the Lazarex Cancer Foundation so it is time for the challenge to come to an end.

Over the next few weeks we will recap these past 12 months and this amazing journey. I hope you all enjoy!!!

THE BEGINNING: SHAWN HAS GONE CRAZY (but for a good cause)

In September of 2009 we announced the Lazarex Cancer Foundation Challenge. Originally was suppose to be 3 endurance events to create awareness and raise funds for the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. The goal was to raise $5,000.

The first e-mail was entitled “Shawn has gone crazy (but for a good cause)” The original first paragraph of that e-mail is below. MORE TO COME SOON!!


September 4th, 2009,
Some of you may know that Shawn has ran marathons and competed in sprint triathlons over the last several years. But this year he has decided to take on three crazy endurance events in four months; a 1/2 Iron triathlon (1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike, 13.1 mi run), the Hartford Marathon (26.2 mi run), and the Disney Goofy Run (13.1 mi run followed by full 26.2 mi run the following day). That's crazy if you ask me! But since it's all for a good cause I hope you will check out our safe and secure fundraising page to learn more about the charity we have chosen, Lazarex Cancer Foundation.

Playing In The Rain!!

I remember when I was a little kid from time to time it would rain all day or for days. During this time some yards in the neighborhood would flood creating a little pond for us to slip and slide around in. We use to play in the rain for hours in these flooded yards. I guess somethings do not change.

This past Sunday it rained all day. I waited and waited for the rain to stop. Then around 3:00 I finally gave up put on my running shoes and out into the rain I went. I have to admit the first hour or so was not fun as my shoes went from a little damp, to a little wet, to soaking wet. The second hour was miserable as my water soaked feet weighed what seemed like 5lbs a piece.

Then something happened in the third hour. As it rained even harder and the puddles along the side of the road got even deeper. I went from trying to run around them to running right into them. I actually started to look forward to the next puddle. The cool water flooding into my sneakers as I splashed through them just like when I was a little kid. The 17.5 mile run that day is a run I will not soon forget. Have you remembered what being a child was like lately?

Breathe

i need you to hear me say
breathe, just breathe
take the world off your shoulders
and put it on me
breathe, just breathe
let the life that you lead
be all that you need
let go of the fear
let go of the time
let go of the one
to try to put you down
you're gonna be fine
don't hold it inside
go ahead right now
and let it all come round
breathe, just breathe
take the world off your shoulders
and put it on me
breathe, just breathe