Tri - 4- Paul

First off I would like to thank all who helped with this years fundraiser, we could not have done what we did without you. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of donations and help. God Bless all of you.

Unfortunatley the Ironman on my end did not go as planned. A week before the race I picked up what I thought was a chest cold. As race day got closer my symptoms progressed and I was experiencing exhaustion, muscle cramps and coughing.

I tried my best to keep up my spirits and rested as much as possible prior to race day. To make a long story as short as possible on race day I made the swim and got 60 mile into the bike. I was experiencing symptoms at the 60 mile mark that were completey different that I had experienced during the bike a year prior at the Great Floridian.

I knew something was wrong so I pulled off the track and rested. I made a decision not to continue which was to say the least heart breaking. The following day I went to my doctor and she sent me to the hospital for x-rays, It was found there that I had pneumonia. I feel fortunate to have made it as far as I did and have since recovered after a six week rest.

Since I left Louisville with unfinished buisness it means that I must return to finish what I started. After some discussion with my family it was decided that I would do some shorter distance races in 2009 and take a break from the training involved to participate in an Ironman.

2010 will be my return year so I will do my best to keep everyone updated on 2009 races and my prep for 2010. I may even have two more guys joining me for their first Ironman race ever. This will keep me and them busy this next year preping for that.

I hope all of you keep in touch and I hope you will continue to spread the word about what we are doing to help keep our fellow Public Saety Divers safe. As always donations can be made on our How You Can Help page.

Again God Bless everyone and thank you for your help!

Sincerely 

Jerry