Greenville Triathlon

From storms to sunshine, praise God for another great race and opportunity to serve the Endurance community!

I’m almost afraid to attempt “Special thanks” because there are so many folks who contributed immensely! Thanks to Chris for helping with a very busy packet pick-up, to Jennifer for being willing to cover the event with pre-race prayer, to all those who arrived like shadows in the pre-dawn rain to serve in various capacities and to Evan, Andy and Larry who braved the sweat-caked ankles of over 600 athletes to recover their chips at the finish line. I know far more was done by FCA-E teammates and volunteers and surely the God who sees what is done in secret will reward you when you see Him face to face!

Congrats to:
Nick – 1st AG
Chris Anderson (FCA-E’s beloved national director) – 2nd to Nick
Donna – 1st AG
Ashley – 3rd AG
Randall – 3rd AG
Carolyn - 3rd Masters

A goal for your next race? We’d love to share this thrill with you, so please consider showing up early to the next Tri you do. Wander around the transition area and help out the Novices as they set up their transition areas. What a great opportunity to actually connect with folks for more than a few quick words!

Hope to see you at Hartsville or some future race!

In His grip –
The Douglasses

Here's a note from Chris Anderson about his experience visiting SC and racing in the Greenville Triathlon:

SC Team,

What can I say... this weekend was an amazing blessing! I am truly thankful to God for each of you and the ministry that Lord has blessed you with, both individually and collectively. As I saw the Team in action on Saturday and Sunday, I was humbled and impressed by your willingness to serve and sacrifice in Christ's name. While it is not about numbers, there was no denying our presence at the event... I loved seeing all of the yellow out there! I'm just sorry the trip was so short, and we didn't get more time together. I realize that for many of you, there was little more than a brief hello. God willing, there will be more opportunities in the near future to connect again.

In looking ahead, I just want to encourage you all. You've got some amazing and committed local leaders and fantastic opportunities! All you need to do is commit, show up, and let the Spirit move through you.

Lastly, a special thanks to the Douglasses and Clay for your special hospitality during my time there! And to Nick... congrats, there is no one I would rather come in second to. That said, prepare for the rematch :-)

For His Glory!

Hot Summer Night 5K

Columbia, SC

August 2, 2008

One of the more popular Columbia neighborhood races, The Hot Summer Night 5K, was run this past Saturday evening in the Shandon neighborhood. This is a flat course beginning and ending at Hand Middle School. The race lived up to it's name as temperatures (and humidity) were very high and because there were some hot times. The first male finisher was Eric Ashton in 15:24 and the first female finisher was Kathryn Cavanaugh who finished in 18:57 (24th overall).

Th FCA-Endurance team was represented by Monica Wright who finished second in her age group with a time of 25:33.

Tour de Kershaw Metric Century - August 9th

I'm hosting a metric century (actually just a tad over 100k) ride leaving from my house in Lugoff at 8:00 on Saturday, August 9th. We'll ride through the rolling countryside of the Lugoff-Elgin area, make a slight foray into Richland County, return to Kershaw County before heading up to Longtown (in Fairfield County), and ride by Colonel's Creek at Lake Wateree before returning to my house. Final distance will be around 64-65 miles. The pace will be a fairly relaxed 17-18 mph, with plenty of hills to allow for some good hill-work (everything from mile-long hills to short, 10% grade blasts). For those fast folks, they'll be opportunities to hammer up to various stop signs and landmarks before the gruppetto arrives, as this is a no-drop ride. On the ride there will be 2 stops at filling stations/convenience stores: one at about the 20 mile mark and another close to the 45 mile mark (distances approximate). Road surfaces from fair to great, traffic from lots to minimal. So far myself, my brother-in-law Robert, fellow FCA-E'er Nick, and Brad (a triathlete from down around Orangeburg) have shown interest. Feel free to come out and invite others interested in riding or FCA-E. For more info, call me at area code eight o' three, 413-6187, or email to hthomasmorganjr -at- gmail -dot- com. Hope to see y'all next Saturday!