Polar Bear Swim

Come join (or suffer along with) your fellow teammates as they brave the frigid waters of Lake Murray for an open water swim on Saturday 4/4 at 2:00 PM. I just looked at the temperature here and it was 54.something degrees! So, needless to say, wetsuits are MANDATORY and you must SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you do the swim you will undoubtedly be a team legend forever and known as one of the hardcoriest athletes in all the Midlands!!

On a side note this will be very near to the temperature Bob will face in the water of the San Francisco Bay in May when he competes in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon so expect him to be the very first one in the water and swim the longest.

Downtown Columbia Triathlon

FCA Endurance was well represented at the Downtown Columbia Triathlon and especially our Columbia Huddle. The day before the race some teammates volunteered at packet pickup where were able to connect with many athletes we hadn't seen since last season and meet some new athletes.

Race morning was rather chilly but thankfully by the time the race started at 1:00 PM the temperature had warmed considerably (although the pool was still nippy). Being in the downtown area made it an interesting race course with lots of turns, foot bridges, and even a set of stairs. The finish line was in a nice grassy field where we setup our booth.


While not technically in favor of child labor, the team is not completely opposed to employing kids as booth workers / team ballerinas.


Carolyn getting ready for a warm up ride with some friends:


I think I see Leslie in a sea of bikes:


This teammate wisely chose to warm up in the balmy diving pool aka "the hot tub":


Nick "warming up" with some athletes:


Janice getting ready to race:


Congratulations to Janice on her return to racing and placing 3rd in the Athena division!

Teammates getting started on the bike:






Coming down the finishing chute:




After the race was over we all enjoyed the sunshine with friends and family






It seems we had a slightly strange string of 4th place finishes with Carolyn finishing 4th in the Female 40-44 division, Randy finishing 4th in the Male 45-49 division, Lee finishing 4th in the Male 35-39 division, and Nick finishing 4th overall. So that is four 4th place finishes - weird. Here's to making it to the podium next time!

Congratulations to all who completed the race and a special thanks to all who volunteered in our efforts to serve the race directors and our fellow athletes. And thank you for your boldness in glorifying our Lord and Savior through your racing!

Teammate to compete at Alcatraz

Your teammate and Columbia resident, Bob Wright, will compete in this year's running of the world famous (or infamous) Escape from Alcatraz triathlon as part of a contingent of FCA Endurance athletes competing in the event. Here's what the site says about the triathlon:

"For one weekend each summer, 2,000 of the world's best triathletes assemble in San Francisco for one of the most infamous and extreme sporting events…the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. In its 29 years as a maximum-security prison, no one ever escaped alive from the menacing shores of Alcatraz. Every year, this popular event draws over 20,000 spectators to see who can accomplish that daunting task.

On Sunday, June 14, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon will be packed with heart-pounding action featuring a 1.5 mile swim through frigid waters from Alcatraz Island to shore, a grueling 18-mile bike race, and a demanding 8-mile run through the rugged trails of Golden Gate Recreation Area. Set against the natural beauty of San Francisco, this thrilling triathlon is a virtual postcard of the City by the Bay."

Represent us well Bob!!

Late Notice Group Ride

Hey team,

Sorry for the late notice but we have a group riding at the Fort tomorrow afternoon meeting at Brennan Elementary at 5:00 PM. We hope the be rolling by 5:30 PM. Come join us if you can!! Shoot us an email if you plan to come. We'll also have a brief discussion afterward regarding our role in the upcoming triathlons (Downtown and Langley) which is totally optional.

This ride will also serve as the kick-off of the weekly Tuesday evening rides on Fort Jackson so mark your calendars!

Tri Season 2009

Teammates!

The triathlon season is almost upon us and I, for one, am totally stoked!!! As most of you may know, Setup Events has launched another local triathlon (Downtown Columbia Triathlon) giving us three here in Columbia. The team will have a booth at the expo spreading the awesome news of the gospel and encouraging our fellow athletes and their families as well as the unique opportunity to interact with the USC college students that are sure to be gawking at all the tri-geeks in spandex :-) We'll also be volunteering at packet pickup / novice table. If anyone (teammates or family) is interested in helping out, please leave a comment or send an email (nbrunson@sc.rr.com).

With the time change and season upon us, we'll be working to post some regular training sessions to the calendar. If you would like some company and fellowship during your regular training sessions, please consider posting them to the calendar. If you would like to post your sessions or events but don't have access, please leave a comment or send an email and we'll get you setup.

So what's everyone's race calendar look like this year? Post a comment with your schedule if you don't mind sharing.

FCA-E Winter Training Retreat

Did you know that the off-season may be one of the best times of the year to reach your endurance athlete friends for Christ? Have you ever wondered how you could be even more effective at sharing your faith through your passion for endurance sports? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! FCA Endurance cordially invites you to gain practical knowledge and training in how to use your athletic passion to introduce your friends to Jesus Christ. This evangelism training retreat is hosted by athletes and tailored specifically for athletes, so you and your family will not only learn valuable skills, but also have plenty of time to work out and play! The Gold Medal Rate has been extended until 1 January 2009, so sign up now! Click HERE for more information and to register. You can also register on-line at active.com.

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!