Ready to give a hundred and ten per tent!

Thank god for cycling! After doing the BAM triathlon and the Vineman Half Ironman I had to accept the fact that I can no longer run. I finished both races with intense pain in my right knee. Back in 1993 I tore my meniscus and had a piece of it removed. After the injury, I continued to run as much as possible, but if I ran too much the bones would bruise and the pain became to severe. I finally went to see Dr. Cooley in 2009 and was diagnosed with grade three condrosis of the medial compartment. I have been running most of my life and now I had stop. My new found excitement with triathlons was quickly smothered. I was extremely disappointed.

My good friends Jason Linder and Justin Garrett introduced me to the world of triathlons and I quickly caught the bug. I purchased my first road bike the day before the 2008 BAM triathlon and my first road ride was in the race. It was exhilarating and I felt like I had been doing it forever. After accepting that I can no longer run, Jason suggested that I do the 2009 1000 Warriors race with him. This was apparently the hardest stage of the hardest stage race in America. "That sounds great! I'll do it, but I need to train this time;-)" I have always enjoyed competition and physical challenges, but I have never been serious about training. I did upgrade my training to two days a week and was surprised to finish sixth place in the civilian category. It was one of the hardest races I have ever done but it heightened my interest and desire for the sport.

It has now been several months since the 1000 Warrior race and I cannot wait to race again. I have played a lot of different sports in my life, but I have never had as much passion for one sport as I do now. I am determined to become the best rider that I can be. I am ready to give 110% or a hundred and ten per tent (if your name if Candypants and had one too many!!).