Iron Pol

I'd like to take this time to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who has been through the site in the past week and a half.  The recent hit counts have been way above average, and it means a lot.  I hope there has been something helpful for everyone stopping by.  I am working at getting by the sites of those who have blogs, and will try to get everyone's links up as quickly as possible.  If there is a blog that needs to be added to the Tri Blog Community, please let me know.

I particularly want to thank those regular readers and anyone else who has thrown their support behind my effort to be the next sponsored member of Team Evotri.  As we start the final push toward the end of the voting cycle, I started thinking about the question I would put forward to any candidate for any office.  Why do you want to be in this position, and what makes you qualified to be there?

As I think about that question, lots of answers float through my head.  Some are lofty goals aimed at others.  And some are much more grounded and self-centered.  So, a sort of "Top 10" reasons being on this team means so much to me.  To keep things honest, I'll start with five personal benefits to being on the team.

1.  The "stuff" - Every single person trying to become a sponsored member has to acknowledge the promised equipment is a big factor in their decision.  For myself, everything being offered is way above what I can provide for myself.  World class coaching, world class equipment, world class support.

2.  The platform - Pay attention, because you'll see this one, again.  Being a sponsored member of the team will provide opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

3.  The people - I spent the past year getting to know Iron Wil, Stu, and Rural Girl.  I met Bolder, and look forward to getting to know him better.  Chris Sweet was moving so fast at IM Wisconsin, I was barely able to get pictures, let alone the chance to talk.  I look forward to another year of meeting bloggers, triathletes and coaches, as well as their families.

4.  Steelhead - The team race at Steelhead offers to things.  First, the chance to actually race with the entire team.  After following the team at IM Wisconsin, last year, the chance to race as part of the team is exciting.  Second, it's the chance to race a new Ironman 70.3 course.

5.  The pride - I'm only aware of a handful of the people I am sure are involved in this competition.  And the task of selecting the next sponsored member isn't something for which I envy the team.  There are a lot of great triathletes and bloggers out there.  Making the final three would be a huge source of pride.  Being selected as the next team member would probably do something many consider impossible.  Leave me speechless.

I wanted to get those up first to be completely honest with myself and with everyone reading.  There ARE purely selfish reasons for wanting to be on the team.  I hope that each is understandable.

Those reasons are not, however, the driving force behind the desire to be on the team.  Here are the top five things that led me to submit an entry.

1.  My "kids" - I put that in parantheses because I'm referring to the youth I lead instead of my own children.  I want nothing more than to be in a position to share the love of triathlon with the youth in our community.  We have a fledgling program that would benefit greatly from the opportunities presented by Evotri.  That is why I am involved, regardless of the sponsorship.  Being a sponsored member provides that little bit more exposure.

2.  The platform - Deja vu, eh?  I've used my blog to share a bit about our youth triathlon program.  Evotri has the stated goal of growing beyond that and finding ways to grow programs to which its members commit.  As stated above, being a sponsored member helps in that effort.

3.  Community programs - As part of this process, Evotri has asked candidates to consider new events or opportunities that can be developed.  This has forced me to put more than thought into future plans.  Entering the race has led to new ideas.  Becoming a sponsored member will raise the bar and push me to put these and other plans into action.

4.  Long term commitments - One big change in the development of Evotri is the acknowledgement that this is a long term committment.  They are seeking people interested in promoting life-long change and enduring programs.  Triathlon is a part of who I am, and this is an opportunity to be on a team of like-minded individuals.

5.  Role models - I strive to be a role model to my "kids" as well as my family.  I consider every member of Team Evotri as a role model.  Wil and Rural Girl are amazing moms who are also Ironman triathletes.  Stu has an amazing energy that he shares with everyone.  Despite his on-line demeanor, Bolder is an incredibly giving person who is always there for anyone travelling through his area.  And Chris is an amazing athlete who qualified for Kona while becoming a father.  I haven't met Charlie, and trust he is cut from the same cloth as that is what the others have indicated.  I would be honored to be a part of a team of this caliber.  (Note, this could also go in the first group, as well)

There you have it.  Ten reasons I want to be on this team.  As for the "qualifications," I would almost have to go to my friends and family for that.  I live for sharing the endurance lifestyle with anyone that is interested.  Those are really their stories.

Now, the request.  If you can think of anyone who hasn't heard my story, please share it with them.  Ask them if they will consider voting for me.  E-mail the link to my site to your friends and family and ask them to vote.  If you haven't voted already, know that your vote will be greatly appreciated.

And if you don't vote (or vote for someone else), know that your visit is appreciated, as well.  I value every person who stops by and checks out what I have to say.  Thank you for your support!  In a few days, we'll know the outcome of the past two weeks.

Leave a Reply