On October 3rd I will be competing in my second
Ironman distance race. This year I will
be running to raise awareness and funds for the Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski
Foundation. Chase was a first grader at
Sandy Hook Elementary School who lost his life on December 14, 2012.
Living in Newtown it is impossible not to think about the
SEHS tragedy every day. As I run through the very neighborhoods that were so
effected by the tragedy I often find myself in prayerful reflection for the
victims and their families, their names and faces forever a part of who we are
as a community.
I first read about Chase Kowalski last October when I met
his family and learned about his foundation at a community event. I was
immediately drawn to the foundation because Chase and I share a similar passion
for competition and for triathlon.
As I spoke with the family it struck me that Chase would
have grown in his love for triathlon as he got older (all triathletes become
obsessed with the sport eventually) and like most triathletes he would have
started to think about doing the Ironman. His questions would have been no
different than my own when I first started out in triathlon…..
Could I really do
this for 17 hours?
What does it feel
like to take on a challenge that big?
Does body hair
really slow me down that much?
It’s heartbreaking to know that he will never get to
accomplish his goals. His family will never get to go through the experience of
waiting, cheering, worrying, and celebrating with him. He will never get to answer
questions about being an Ironman (one of my favorite things to do). Questions
like….
Did it hurt?
What if you need to
go to the bathroom?
How much did you
get paid to do this?
Why would you want
to do that?
And of course my favorite,
So, you really
wanted to spend an entire day exercising in extreme pain, peeing in your pants,
and not even getting anything in return, why would you want to do that?
It didn’t take me long to realize that even though Chase
never got the chance to be an Ironman, I could do it for him.
As I prepare to embark on the challenge of completing Ironman
Maryland, and all the emotional, mental, and physical struggles that go with
it, I am excited to have Chase with me. I am going to carry him not only for
140.6 miles but for 9 months of training, suffering, and triumph.
The CMAK foundation is committed to providing programs
and initiatives that encourage personal improvement, healthy lifestyles and
strong family and communities. All in the spirit of Chase Kowalski. They are
working to “turn tragedy into triumph”. I encourage you to read more about this
great organization on their website: http://www.cmakfoundation.org/
I am working toward the goal of raising $5,000.00 for the
foundation this year. This will not be easy, but just like the Ironman the
struggle makes the triumph even greater.
So I ask that you please help me in remembering this
amazing child and helping his foundation do great work in many communities.
Please click on this link: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/DavidPrudhomme/race4chase
and support my efforts this year. Any amount which you can donate is greatly
appreciated.
Please visit the site often for updates on my training
and races throughout the year.
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