Welcome

Dear Fellow Triathletes,

Thank you first off for taking the time to visit the web site. I can not say that it surprises me. I have been involved in triathlon for 12 years and it has been just this sort encouragement, support and spirit I have always loved about the triathlon community.

During my years of triathlon many things have taken place that have led me to being either more or less involved in triathlon. The induction into family life did bring a hiatus to my race participation. That was ok. I had eagerly anticipated having a family and becoming a dad. I consider it time well spent. During my hiatus I always had every intention of returning to triathlon. It didn't matter to me the number of races entered; after finishing my first sprint I have always considered myself a triathlete.

My kids, Emma (7) and Lukie (4) are a bit older now. They like to hear about races. They like being in the pool, riding the tag-along and seeing Dad run. My wife Kim has always been supportive of my involvement in triathlon, understanding that it provides me a unique outlet of expression. For these reasons I feel a little more free to jump in the pool, hop on the bike or go for a run. I am extremely grateful for this.

I like to say I am a Julie-Moss-inspired triathlete. I remember watching the race televised and wondering in amazement how a person could possibly accomplish such a feat of endurance. How does a person dig that deep inside? What could possibly keep them moving forward? It was unreal. I wanted that. I wanted to find that piece of me that tested my self imposed limits, to question the boundaries of what I thought I might accomplish and then keep pushing on. I wanted to see beyond the fears and struggles. I wanted to see the other side. I think people do this in many different ways, but triathlon was a good fit for me.

After a couple years of a few sprint and olympic distance triathlons I decided to commit to the Ironman. I trained with honesty and with dedication and in September, 2005, I finished my first Ironman distance triathlon in Montreal, Canada. Throughout the day I remember thinking to myself “This is it, this is the day I do my Ironman.”

There was a wonderful feeling of peace that came over me. I carried that feeling with me throughout the day. It was a peaceful feeling that allowed me to simply let the day unfold as it may. I had done all that I could to be successful on that day, the rest was out of my control. As I crossed the finish line the feeling of peace blossomed.

I have found the lessons of triathlon applicable in all areas of my life: That with commitment, patience, and a willingness to push oneself just a bit beyond comfort, the seemingly impossible is possible. And furthermore, the only thing certain is that it is impossible to finish anything you don't start.

I have applied these lessons to this fundraiser for Drew and Kelley. I remember initially feeling lost and overwhelmed by the enormity of Drew's accident. I sat and wondered what could I possibly do to be of help. With time and much thought, triathlon came to mind. With the same apprehension I experienced when swimming the first two lengths in preparation for my very first sprint distance triathlon, I set my sights on this fundraising effort. Day by day, taking one task at a time to work myself through it. And little by little has taken shape. It is happening.

Fran (my Peace Corps friend), Drew (my godson) and Kelley (a member of my community) are all wonderful people who are pacing themselves a long and challenging series of life events. It is my hope that as a part of the triathlon community you will consider taking part in the effort to support them when they need it most.

Thank you again for visiting,

Sincerely,

George Piers (email me)

How you can help

I am asking people to join my effort by buying a TRI-FOR wrist band. My family and friends have donated the cost of the bands so that all the proceeds from every sale will go to Drew and Kelley.

I hope you'll join me in this cause and thank you.

Sincerely,

George Piers (email me)