Just Showin' Some Love!

On a day when everyone is scrambling to buy chocolates and jumbo sized teddy bears to announce their feelings of affection towards loved ones, I thought I would take out the time to show some love for the people/organizations in my life and give you all a little life update.

As I begin to get revved up for the upcoming racing season, I am pleased to announce that I will continue my partnership with Sampson Sports through 2011. This is hands-down the smoothest ride I’ve ever experienced and with its seamless shifting and almost on-contact braking capabilities, I feel secure in the stop and go situations that define ITU racing. So, check them out here and look for me at the races zooming by on my pretty blue bike!

In addition, I am excited to announce that I will be a member of the Tri4Him Elite Team this year. Tri4Him is a community composed of athletes ranging from Elites to Age Groupers who may be competing in their very first triathlon this year. For more information on the Tri4Him community, click here. We are a group of athletes who strive to use our God-given talents to glorify Him on a daily basis and connect with others who believe in doing the same to grow both spiritually and physically. I’ve always loved the team component of different sports I’ve competed in growing up, and look forward to meeting the people in and around this wonderful community. Follow the Tri4Him Elite Team throughout the year as we “run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

This year during Christmastime, my church challenged us to live a COAL (Christmas On Another Level) life. It’s easy to remember volunteerism and goodwill towards men when December rolls around, the Christmas music is playing, and we are out buying gifts for friends and family, but what about the other 11 months of the year when Christmas is the furthest thing from our brain?? So, the challenge? At least one day a month (if not more) we should try to remember the December 25th birthday boy (Jesus) and make a commitment to do something that helps something or someone out. Even if it’s just a smile to a stranger or opening a door for someone in a wheelchair, the littlest things can sometimes make a huge difference. There have been so many random occurrences in my life that have opened my eyes to how much God is truly looking out for me (especially as of late) and just as he takes care of us, I feel it is our job to take care of others and give back as much as we possibly can.

At the end of the year, I was fortunate enough to join in on a foundation called Athletes for Hope. Athletes for Hope is a foundation that strives to encourage, educate and assist athletes in their efforts to contribute to the community and charitable causes. The great thing about Athletes for Hope is that it was founded by a group of admirable professional athletes including but not limited to: Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, and my fellow FSU alum Warrick Dunn. By combining my passions for working with children, Spanish, and literacy, I look forward to working in the Boulder County school system this year as a volunteer teacher.

2011 will for sure be an exciting year for me and I can’t wait for all the amazing experiences/people it will bring into my life. Time is flying faster than Usain Bolt and before I know it I will be toeing the starting line at my first race of the season in Clermont, Florida on March 5. Guess it’s time to turn off the computer and go for a swim! XO!