{{59582}}

Make the Impossible...POSSIBLE!

I am training for an IRONMAN TRIATHLON PEOPLE!!!

2.4 mile swim - 112 mile bike - 26.2 mile run

In early 2003, I was living in Chicago and picked up the newspaper to read that the Chicago Marathon was only 4 short months away. At that time in my life I was not very active at all, spending most of my time on my career. I was working long hours and had not run longer than 6 miles in my life. I remember running those 6 miles and being SORE for a week--boy was I out of shape back then. At that time the challenge of a marathon seemed like an impossible and daunting task. I trained hard for 4 months and on October 13, 2002--I completed the Chicago Marathon! It was one of the best feelings of my life. What I knew for certain on that October afternoon is that I could now call myself a MARATHONER forever==a title nobody could ever take away from me. What I did not anticipate however is how much of a passion running and endurance events would become for me from that day forward.

Fast forward to 2008 and that passion is still burning strong. Since then I have completed 12 marathons across the United States. I have always been a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason. That everything that happens today, whether good or bad, happens for a purpose to make you stronger, learn and grow. Well, I believe the past 6 years of running and pushing my limits have prepared me for this moment. They have prepared me to take on THE IRONMAN Triathlon!

I am now a proud member of the Team In Training IronTeam. On August 1, 2009 I'll be racing the Full Vineman Triathlon - an Ironman distance race. That means I will be:

-Swimming 2.4 Miles

-Biking 112 Miles

-Running 26.2 Miles

One right after the other. To put those 140.6 miles in perspective, that's the driving distance from Pasadena to Mexico. To post an official finish time, I have to complete this event in under 16 hours. And I'll be training just about every day for the next 9 months to not only cross the finish line but to help find a cure for cancer, with a personal goal to raise at least $6500.

I know exactly what you all are wondering right now...WHY CARLOS? Have you finally lost it???? YOU ARE CRAZY!

I am doing this because I CAN. I am blessed with health and a fun-filled life and many others not as fortunate out there would trade places with me in a minute. I am doing this for those who can't...those that can't swim, bike or run because of a blood related cancer that they have been diagnosed with. I joined Team In Training's The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in February 2007. Since then I have completed 3 marathons with them and raised over $6,800 with your support! Being part of the TNT family, I have learned so much about how cancer really affects the lives of patients and their families. I have met so many inspiring people along the way who are battling the disease or have BEAT cancer. These are the people that have inspired me to make this decision to take on the most difficult challenge of my life. These are the people who have taught me to push myself, enjoy life and spread awareness of this horrible disease so we can find a CURE! They have inspired me to give back in whatever small way I am capable of.

Some of you might not be aware of what Team in Training is so I will take the time to let you know. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk marathons and half marathons or participate in triathlons and century (100-mile) bike rides. Team in Training's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families through a range of emotional and practical services that give support from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Since 1988, more than 380,000 volunteer participants have helped raise more than $950 million for this cause.

As I mentioned earlier, I have made a personal commitment to raise at least $6500. This will put me well over the $10,000 mark in almost two years of fundraising. This is the part where I NEED YOUR HELP. All Donations are 100% tax deductible. I know this is a rough economic time for many, but know that every dollar counts.

http://ironmancarlitos.blogspot.com/

Be sure to check my blog for updates. Here you can read more about TNT, learn more about the specific people that I am training in honor of, and keep up with my training over the next 9 months. I am going to try and update it weekly and have some fun with it hopefully.

If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact me at carlitospineda@gmail.com

I would LOVE to hear from as many of you as possible. I will not be able to do this alone.

Thank you for your support.

I WILL NOT FAIL!