Deep Thoughts with RBR

There has been an idea rolling around in my head since I signed up for Coeur d'Alene, but I have too scared/lazy/worried about other's opinions to do anything about it. Then I was reading this (TriBoommer post "Who Do you Race For?")

And realized that this is a very important question for me to think about:

Who do I Race for?

Well, I think it is pretty obvious from the race times on the side bar that it is not for Nike or Trek, so I guess that leaves just little ol' me.

But the me I race for is bigger than just the ego of me.

(I know, it is difficult to believe from the layout of this blog that there is anything bigger than the 'ego of me', but I digress...)

I race for the me that finally, after years of self destructive and self centered abuse and neglect, realizes that how I move through this world matters. I am watched by children, peers, friends, loved ones, and even strangers, and my actions, reactions, and interactions, whether good or bad, make a difference in the world. A difference that is also, good or bad. Only I can make the choice of what I leave in my wake. I often choose poorly. I often choose wisely.

So today, I race for who I was. I race for who I am. I race for who I want to be.

In some ways, they are the same person, in some ways they are very different, but they all represent everything I love and cherish and everything I want to make different as a result of my time here.

With that said, I have decided that as a part of my Ironman commitment and training I will raise money to benefit the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. There are MANY worthy causes. I have raised money twice for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a part of Team in Training. I believe in their cause and am forever grateful for the training they gave me, but I have spent most of my life being made whole by animals (dramatic I know, but it seems like that kind of day here on Run Bitch Run) and I owe a debt of gratitude to the HSSV for saving the lives of both my dog Lucy (picture left) and Mary's dog Cassie.

It is a local shelter that relies entirely on private donations. They do not receive any government funding. Therefore, the money raised is not a drop in the bucket, so to speak. It will directly save and improve the quality of animals' lives.

I don't mean this as a DONATE NOW post (ok, maybe I do), but sometimes I like reminders of worthy causes that could use my help. If you have had your life changed by an animal and are so moved please feel free to visit the link.


http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/cda09/fortheloveoflucy

Donation amount ideas:

• Cost of a Spay surgery for females to reduce unwanted puppies and kittens $100.00
• Cost of Neuter surgery for males to reduce number of unwanted puppies and kittens $50.00
• Cost of 15 lb bag of dog or cat food $35.00
• Cost of 50 pk of Puppy Wee Wee pads. $15.00
• Cost of Kong dog toys for hours of doggie enjoyment $10.00
• Cost of cat toys to keep kitties happy and entertained while awaiting new homes $5.00

I am raising the money through the Janus Charity Challenge (I got this idea from Trigreyhound who has done some amazing fundraising for MS, another very worthy cause, for his Ironman races) they offer additional donations to your cause as incentives for top fundraisers for the various Ironman races.

Now, I can't make the top 50% in the actual race, but give me the opportunity to save some puppies and kittens? I am racing 'Elite' in that category! It is ON baby!