My RAAM Profile
How long have you known about RAAM? How long afterwards did you decide to enter the race? What triggered your decision?
I've known about RAAM for several years and it has since been on my "To Do" list. When the opportunity presented itself with a team member who has done RAAM before and is familiar with all of the logistics involved, how could I possibly pass it up.
Athletic history (cycling results & other):
I have a multi-sport endurance background and have finished 4 Ironman Triathlons, 3 50 mile runs, 5 50k runs, 5 Birkebeiner ski races, over a dozen marathons, and at least 25 centuries. I was also part of a 2 person team competing in Border To Border in 2003.
Considering all sports, what were the events or outcomes that most impacted your life in both negative and positive manners?
For me it is as much the journey as it is the destination. The friendships I have made over the years of training are truly ones to be cherished. Getting to the starting line and then to the finish line of my first Ironman made me realize how blessed I am that 'I Can'.
Who are your heroes? Why?
My heroes are athletes with physical limitations that do not give up. The Special Olympic athletes, the wheelchair racers, the biker with the prosthesis and the Rick & Dick Hoyts of the world. They motivate me to no end...if they can do it there is no reason why I cannot.
What intimidates you most about RAAM?
There is a lot of planning involved! It's easy to overlook or forget something important. Our team is lucky to have members that have competed in and crewed for RAAM in the past. Their experience is extremely valuable to the rest of the team. It helps lessen the intimidation factor, but surely it is still there.
Are you supporting an organization or Charity? Tell us why.
We are riding for Make A Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. While we are fulfilling our dreams through our athletic endeavors, it will mean twice as much to make a child's dream come true who may otherwise never have the opportunity to do so.
Favorite quote, either famous or not, that fuels your ambition
"Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can." Mary Frances Berry, Chief Educational Officer of U.S., 1977-80
What are your expectations from RAAM?
To have fun and enjoy the ride!
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When agreeing to ride RAAM members of Team Badger Bikers also agreed to raise a fairly large amount of money for Make a Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. While I'm not very experienced at fund raising, this intimidated me almost as much as RAAM itself.
I am happy to say that I have now surpassed my goal and continue to received donations for Make a Wish. And I would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who have supported me by making donations to Make a Wish.
Also A special thank you to the following for there especially generous support for this tremendous organization.
Dennis & Sue Webb, Urban Laundry & Blue Lapin, Wauwatosa, WI
www.urban-laundry.com
Innovative Health & Fitness, Franklin, WI and Ken & Jane Edwards for offering to host a fund raising spinning class.
www.myinnovativehealth.com
Kalmbach Publishing Co.
www.kalmbach.com