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
1 comments:
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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