I hope all of you are having good a summer as I have been. As you are probably aware, I was in a horrific skiing accident in March of 2007 which paralyzed my right arm. Since that time, I've had a lot of surgery and physical therapy to re-innervate the paralyzed muscles with varying degrees of success. I currently have good elbow movement, but my shoulder, wrist and hand don't work that well.
Last year I decided that I wasn't going to let my disability get in the way of being active and started to run again. In October I completed the Portland Marathon, in September I got back on my bicycle and in November back in the pool swimming with one arm. Since then I've been doing a lot of hardcore triathlon training. July 26 was the US National ParaTriathlon (like ParaOlymipcs) Championship. It was my fourth triathlon this year, and the first time I have competed against athletes with the same kind of disability that I have. It was an incredible experience, and I won my category by over 5 minutes!
My time from US Nationals qualifies me for the ParaTriathlon World Championship in Gold Coast, Australia on September 12 this year. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to compete on the world stage representing the USA. However, there is a cost of about $3500 to go. That is something I simply cannot afford, so I'm asking for some help. If you would please use the "Help Sponsor Joel" Pay Pal donation widget (on the right and it takes a little bit to load) to donate $10, $15 or whatever you can I would greatly appreciate it.
Over the next months I'll be blogging my experiences as I prepare for the World Championship, as well as periodic updates on my other adventures. Stay tuned!
Edit: The widget to the right is not working for some people so you can use this button as well
Thank you for your support,
Joel Rosinbum
Hey "coach" congrats man. Good like at worlds that is awesome. So you go to the church I have some friends at. Do you know the Pautz's? Message me on facebook. I have been working out alot and decided to train while i am over here for the portland marathon in 2010. My goal is 3:30 maybe try to push my training so i can get 3:10 and qualify for the Boston. we will see. I am thinking when i get home i might want to get into biathlons or tri(i am not that great of a swimmer techinque wise.) so do you have any pointers on training for me? well Good luck bro. God Bless. Specialist Joel Vrieze
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