My First Ironman 70.3 Triathlon-This Is For You Dad……

Never did I ever think I would do a triathlon, let alone an Ironman 70.3!

For those who don’t know what an Ironman 70.3 is, next to a full Ironman race, an Ironman is the pinnacle of triathlon. A 70.3 consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run (In my case, a fast walk). Total distance for all 3 disciplines is 70.3 miles in a single day.

I did not start triathlons until just a couple of years ago. I barely knew what a triathlon was until then! While I truly love this sport, it is the Triathlon community and the people I have met doing the crazy traing and races, that have kept me going. The triathlon community is truly that, a true community let me give you an example.....

In 2016, as most of you know, my father Norman was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I am happy to report that at almost 85 years young, he is going into his 2nd year "Cancer Free" and is determined not to let it slow him down. During that difficult year, the members of the LA Tri Club and some of its sponsors rallied around me and my family. 

I am dedicating my first Ironman 70.3 race to my father Norman, to fellow triathlete and stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer survivor, Mike Levine, to all Pancreatic Cancer Survivors battling this insidious disease and for those who may have lost their valiant fight. If they can fight this horrible disease, than I can certainly finish an Ironman 70.3 with a smile on my face as I proudly cross the finish line.

I believe that giving back is also an important part of being a Triathlete. For me, this means helping to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer. My family and I owe a great deal to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and to the incredible doctors and staff at the Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases at UCLA.   

So...Here it comes....I usually ask you to support Carabet's Crew, the team my brother, sister and I created for the LA Cancer Challenge in the fall, but I am changing it up a bit and asking for your support for my Ironman 70.3 Triathlon which I will be doing in just a few short weeks on July 28th in Santa Rosa, CA.  You can still give to Carabet's Crew in the fall if you want!!  I am excited to say, my father and Arlene will be there to cheer me on. 

Give whatever you can, no matter how big or small, every penny counts.  This is for you Dad,  Mike and the rest of the courageous Pancreatic Cancer fighters!

I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!

Cheers & Thank-You,

Deb