Bandits Challenge

In a little under two weeks I will race what is arguably the hardest olympic distance triathlon around. (At least that is what the race's website says) It's called Bandits Challenge, and it should be pretty hard. Both the bike and the run will have their moments, and I'll get through them. Racing sure is fun and it can be quite challenging at times to manage training and other commitments. It can be hard to keep the hammer down and swim, bike, and run when you really do not want too. I am willing to bet though that no matter how hard racing "is" it is never as hard as cancer really "is". Running is probably never as hard as hearing a doctor tell you you have cancer, and I would be willing to bet that pedaling a bike feels pretty nice compared to the feelings cancer might bring on.

With that in mind I'd like to take a second to remind folks why P-11 is important and means something more than a tee shirt or another race number to hang on the wall.

Project 11 is dedicated to raising funds and increasing awareness for the fight against cancer. The effort honors my father Thomas John Smith, a long time cyclist and endurance athlete. Dad battled Metastatic Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer for 11 years and inspired many first time riders, and more experienced riders to pedal a little harder. Please take a moment to read the Our Story section of the web page to learn more about Dad's fight.

Thanks Dad. Fight on.

-E