The Timberman – For Make a Wish!

I like to post charity fundraising blog updates on the Wednesdays before races.  No, don’t get excited.  I am not doing the Timberman 70.3 Triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 36 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run) – but my friend from college Elizabeth is, and she is doing it for the Make-a-Wish foundation of New Hampshire.I met Elizabeth in 1989, when I went through sorority rush.  She was one of the reasons I chose to be a Sigma Kappa – showing me that in sororities you can find all sorts of people with such diverse backgrounds and interests.  We probably got to know each other best when she gave me a lift to Long Island one year as I went to my aunt’s house for Thanksgiving.  We had a little problem on the Long Island Expressway, and needless to say I still smile when I think about that ride!Elizabeth lives on Long Island, and has been doing triathlons for a while (she is one of my inspirations!) and I think (correct me if I am wrong) that this is her first 70.3 Half Ironman.  She is doing the TImberman this coming weekend in New Hampshire.  New Hampshire means hills!  A challenge for someone from sea level on a pretty flat island!I know from doing my own charity fundraising that when you have donations behind your efforts, it makes the tough moments just a bit easier – you know you are doing something for a cause, and that your small efforts at something physical will enable bigger things to happen for other people.In the case of the Timberman, to quote Elizabeth:I was sent an email about Make-A-Wish to become a Wish-Racer for this race and thought it was a great idea so I sent my donation and signed up.  I feel so fortunate that I am physically able to do any kind of triathlon and it breaks my heart that so many kids are ill and will probably never get the chance to do anything like this.I am racing in honor of my dad, J.J. McCourt, who was the best coach I know and a champion for all the kids he taught and coached.  I have the same philosophy as he did: do your best and you can walk away proud. Any little amount will help to Make-a-Wish for a child.  And it could also help Elizabeth to meet Chrissie Wellington, Women’s record holder in the Ironman triathlon distance, who will meet the top ten charity fundraisers at the Timberman.You can donate by going to:www.justgive.orgAnd make sure to enter ELIZABETH MCCOURT in the “Designate your Donation” box, so that she can thank you for your contribution!Good luck to everyone racing this weekend.  And have fun!UPDATE:  Guess what?!  Elizabeth did great at the Timberman – and she got to meet Chrissie Wellington too! Thanks to everyone for all you support!

2 responses to “The Timberman – For Make a Wish!”

  1. Donna-You are one of MY inspirations!  Thank you for the wonderful blog in honor of Make-A-Wish. I am truely touched and will be thinking of you while I am trying to power up those hills!Love-Elizabeth

  2. Ha ha!  We will totally have to do a tri together!  Maybe NYC 2010?  Oh – and I forgot that you already did your first HIM – in October 2008…  My mistake!  Good luck on those hills!  The only saving grace for up is down!

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