Dow Midland Walk-Run
Good Morning fom Des Moines. I am here participating in the Hy-Vee Triathlon, today I will be at the expo in the Iron Andy Foundation booth (IAF also has a booth today at the Iron Kids Triathlon in Round Rock, Texas…it’s almost like we are a real organization :) I will get to Hy-Vee and Round Rock in next week’s BLOG, today is about Midland, MI:
The week in Midland began with a very cool, and new experience for me. I got to throw out the first pitch at a Minor League baseball game! It was for the Great Lakes “Loons” who are a LA Dodgers farm team. The pitch was good, over the plate but a little high. I also had a television interview and an ESPN radio interview. I spoke at Smitty’s Ironworks gym and at the Midland Community Center. The highlight of the week was the Dow Midland Run-Walk. I took part in the 10k run and it was nice to have some of my new friends from the Apothecary Shoppe running with me. The trip was successful and I would like to Thank Tonya, Carolyn and Dave from the Apothecary Shoppe for inviting me!
Check back next week for Hy-Vee results.
IRONANDY
Service
I was in San Antonio this past week, speaking at both Randolph and Lackland Air Force bases. This was my second visit to an AFB since doing this IRONANDY thing. I had an opportunity to speak to four different groups of airmen and women, went on two morning runs and had a round-table discussion with a NCO (non commissioned officer) young leadership group. One of the questions I was asked was - “Sir. (I heard Sir. a lot in two days) what are your feelings about the military and what we are doing?” I wasn’t expecting this question and wouldn’t have thought I was prepared…but the answer rolled of my tongue like I had been rehearsing it for weeks - I said, “I think all Americans are proud and humbled by the SERVICE these men and women are giving.” “Whether or not we agree with where we are, or why we are there…EVERYONE is thankful, proud and supportive of these young men and women.”
Of course I was in San Antonio to inspire and motivate, but for me it was a chance to thank a few hundred people who are risking their lives…not necessarily for a cause you may or may not believe in, but because that is there job. That is what SERVICE means!
Anyway, if you have a chance to thank someone in the military - DO IT! In an airport, shopping mall, wherever. It means a lot to them to know we are thankful and that we support them!
IRONANDY
El Paso
Last weekend I was back in El Paso…great trip! It began with a radio interview, then a speaking engagements at Texas State Health Department, then the Pan American Health Organization. Last but certainly not least, was the EPDA (El Paso Diabetes Association) Walk. I took place in the Walk then spoke to the crowd afterwards. There was a great turnout in this event’s 2nd year. To learn more about EPDA, check out their site at - http://www.epdiabetes.org I hope to return to the event next year!
IRONANDY
Tri-Cities
Great trip to Tri-Cities area of Tennessee - Tri-Cities is Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol (VA) I appeared on two local TV shows, spoke at Colonial Heights Middle School and kicked off the Tri-Cities JDRF Walk. For once, the travel Gods were with me as I was able to get on an earlier flight, then an earlier connection to be in my house at 3:00 pm on Saturday instead of Midnight!
I would also like to recognize two members of Team Iron Andy who finished the BRUTAL Ironman St. George (Utah) this past weekend. Jonathan Rigby - fellow type 1 diabetes Iron Athlete completed his 10th IM with a very impressive sub-13 hour time. Also, Lt. Colonel Chris De Los Santos finshed his 2nd IM. Apparantly of the 2700 competitors, nearly 1000 DNF (Did Not Finish) that is unheard of as there is usually a better than 90% finish rate. From what Jonathan told me the water was frigid, the bike had massive hills and wind…as did the run. I’m glad I skipped that one. Nice job fellas…Thanks for representing Team Iron Andy proudly!!!
Off to to El Paso this week.
IRONANDY
Paducah
Last week I returned to Paducah, KY. I was to take part in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Noble Park on Saturday, but before that I returned to the Lone Oak and Paducah School Districts for speaking engagements. I spoke at the Plex Fitness Center and I was on a morning TV and radio show where I had the opportunity to once again promote Davis Drugs. Davis is a Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Diabetes Shoppe and I would like to thank Alberta and Marshall Davis for their hospitality. I would also like to thank my new friends Ashley and Tom for dinner. A final thanks to Terry and Don for putting on a great event. On a side note - due to the Tornado watch that was in the area on Saturday morning, the JDRF Walk was re-scheduled to Sunday so unfortunately I had to miss it as I left town early…I hope to make the event next year.
Off to Tri-Cities, Tennessee today!
IRONANDY
Allcare Pharmacy
Short BLOG this week, only home for a few days then back on the road. Last week I was in Old Town Salinas, California for a great health fair at Allcare Pharmacy. What a great store, and great owners…thanks for having me to your event.
Off to Paducah, KY this week.
IRONANDY
Finally!!!
This past weekend I was in Memphis and Jonesboro, Arkansas for the HMG Health and Fitness Expo. Aside from the fact that I was travleing on my birthday, this was one of the best work trips I have had since the “Living Without Limits” tour began.
First - was a very good (and longer than normal) morning show interview on WREG CBS in Memphis. Then I drove to Jonesboro, Arkansas for a radio interview on “The Mix” (part of the Jonesboro Radio Group) I was in Jonesboro to take part in the HMG Health and Fitness Expo ( http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/hmg.md?ref=ts ) This was a GREAT event. Friday night I was recognized at the Sponsor reception as being part of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy/Soo’s Pharmacy sponsorship. Then on Saturday I was to participate in the 5k Race before helping with the Kid’s Run and the Trophy Ceremony…but wait, here is where I explain the Title of this BLOG - “Finally” Finally refers to the fact that in the 5k Race I came in FIRST PLACE in my age group! OK, I know a 5k Run isn’t exactly an Ironman…but if you have been reading my BLOGS over the years you would know that my youngest son (now 5 1/2) has grilled me after every Ironman and Half Ironman as to why I never win - “Daddy, how come you never come in First Place?” Obviuosly he is too young to “get it” but nonetheless, he wants a First place medal or trophy. So you can imagine my JOY (and surprise since I was the person holding the trophy responsible for handing it to the rightful owner) when they called my name. As soon as I retruned home my son grabbed the trophy and displayed it prominently on my desk in my home office (in the shadows of the the FIVE Ironman Finisher medals and about TEN half Ironman Finisher medals.) So, I know it was only a 5k Run, but putting things in perspective (my sons perspective) “Daddy FINALLY came in First Place!”
Thanks to the folks from GNP, Soos Pharmacy, HMG, Jonesboro Radio Group, The Jonesboro Sun and WREG-CBS Memphis, for making this a terrific trip, I hope to return again next year!
IRONANDY
Hawaii
I was so busy in Hawaii last week that I forgot to write a BOLG…oops. The trip was very successful on many fronts. It began with a 6 hour delay in the Charlotte airport. I got to Honolulu late and missed my connection to the Big Island…but took a flight early the next morning.
My first work event was attending a health fair at the KTA Superstore in Hilo. KTA is a Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Diabetes Shoppe and a great partner. Then it was off to the Waikoloa Coast (Kona side of the Big Island) for the Lavaman Triathlon. I had a great race, 2:38. This was only the second Olympic Distance triathlon I have ever done but it was able to PR (personal record). That’s a tall order since races on the Big Island are generally more difficult than anywhere else - heat, wind, etc. The coolest part of the race was swimming a few feet above a Giant Turtle! I do loving swimming in Kona…the only place where swimming is my favorite leg of a race.
After the race it was back to Hilo for Monday speaking engagements. The first was at Waiakeawaena Elementary School, then the pharmacy school at the University of Hawaii - Hilo…both went very well.
Monday night I flew back to Honolulu (can you now see why I didn’t write a BLOG last Monday) for more work. Tuesday started early with a TV interview on KGMB TV-9, then another with KHON - Hawaii News Now. After the interviews I attended a diabetes training class at the Pharmacare Headquarters then went to a Doctor Luncheon at one of the Pharmacare stores.
Wednesday morning began with a return to the Bobby Curran radio show on ESPN radio (one of these days it will be with Mike and MIKE :) Then more work with the Pharmacare stores. I then had a chance to visit with Devin Retke and his Mom Lisa. Devin is 15 year old triathlete who also has type 1 diabetes. I met Devin and his Mom last year and we have kept in touch. Devin is a real inspiration!
Thursday morning began early (3:30 am) for a flight to Maui where I spoke at the Seabury School (what a beautiful place and really nice people) then I spoke at luncheon with the Maui Rotary club…and FINALLY whirlwind trip ended with a speech at the nursing school at Maui Community College. I met a great girl by the name of Shy - she has type 1 as well.
That’s it! Busy week. Next stop Arkansas this weekend.
IRONANDY
Aloha
I’m heading to Hawaii this week (I leave Friday morning) for the Lavaman Triahtlon. Lavaman is an Olympic distance race, so no real pre-race jitters…but the wind and heat on the Big Island will no doubt make for a tough morning. Good News - I should finish the race before 10:00 am, so it won’t be too hot. I will BLOG again next week from Hawaii.
Mahalo - IRONANDY
Iron Andy Foundation has a new partner!
The Iron Andy Foundation has a new partner - World Triathlon Corporation, owner of the Ironman and Iron Kids brand has announced the 2010 Iron Kids race schedule and their charity partners. Read the story:
IRONANDY