Why I Race?

I have been confronted with a challenge. Last years Ironman 70.3 was on a Sunday morning, this years event a Saturday afternoon. So what do I do? For me I have to look at the reason I want to compete. Why I Race? One of the big reasons I want to do an Ironman is because it is something extremely hard that I can't do on my own. I am going to have to rely on God to do it. Most other endurance athletes are going to have to rely on some power bigger themselves at some point during the race and training as well. What an incredible opportunity to share God to people who may be searching for something bigger to rely on. That is the reason I want to race Ironman. Scott Rigsby a double amputee who became a famous triathlete said this "The purpose of one's life and each day that you live should be to Know God and to Make Him Know." I feel Ironman gives me an incredible opportunity to fulfill that purpose. I am going to team up with Team FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)-Endurance to better increase my chances of showing God through this journey. Here is a statement of their competitors creed.

I am a Christian first and last.
I am created in the likeness of
God Almighty to bring Him glory.
I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.
I wear the colors of the cross

I am a Competitor now and forever.
I am made to strive, to strain,
to stretch and to succeed
in the arena of competition.
I am a Christian Competitor
and as such, I face my challenger
with the face of Christ.

I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities
or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of
my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ
and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.

My attitude on and off
the field is above reproach-
my conduct beyond criticism.
Whether I am preparing,
practicing or playing;
I submit to God’s authority
and those He has put over me.
I respect my coaches, officials,
teammates and competitors
out of respect for the Lord.

My body is the temple of Jesus Christ.
I protect it from within and without.
Nothing enters my body that
does not honor the Living God.
My sweat is an offering to my Master.
My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.

I give my all – all of the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in.
I do not give out. I am the Lord’s warrior –
a competitor by conviction
and a disciple of determination.
I am confident beyond reason
because my confidence lies in Christ.
The results of my efforts
must result in His glory.

LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN.
LET THE GLORY BE GOD’S.

This is tough for me to choose to compete on the Sabbath, but I feel I am doing it for the right reasons and God will honor my decision. I hope you can honor and support my decision as well. The event is Saturday June 12, 2010 at 2pm in Boise, come chear me on or support me in my training.