Redefining Able

Everyday I am surprised at the generosity of my friends! It seems like everyone I know has taken part in leanding a hand in my recovery, rehab and return to racing. It's just awesome and I can't express enough gratitude to go around. I feel so fortunate that you all have supported me and with I could return all the favors. Maybe someday I will be able to.

The latest effort is by my good friend Amy Thomas (aka CEO of the Trish Fan Club) who is selling T-shirts on my behalf. See her message below and if you are interested in a shirt, please let one of us know.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

REDEFINING ABLE, by Amy Thomas

I had known of Trish from bike racing. We raced against each other a handful of times before her accident. I didn't know much about her, but I had heard all abou thte accident: cyclist struck by car, paralyzed from the chest down, months in the hospital, medical bills up the wazoo...

A few years later, Trish rolled into the medical clinic where I worked. It was great to see her again and in much better condition than the last I'd heard. She told me she had gotten into wheelchair racing and was going to attempt a triathlon. We made plans to ride together later that week.

Trish qualified this past summer for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Just getting to Kona for most triathletes is an accomplishment. When you finish in Kona, the most prestigious triathlon on the planet, you are then officially recognized as an "Ironman."

She knew this was going to be the ultimate challenge. If you are not off the bike course after 10.5 hours of racing, your day is over. Period. No exceptions. Sadly, she was plucked from the bike course at 92 miles, just 20 miles shy of the bike finish. You can read the entire story on her blog.

I saw Trish the week after she got home. I think many people would have been deflated after such an event, but she just took it in stride. "I'm going back,' she said. Of course you are, I thought to myself.

Whenever I'm tired and don't want to train, I think of Trish. Whenever I'm suffering in a mountain bike race and want to curl up and die under a shady tree, I think of Trish. I think of her never giving up, never complaining abou thte hand life dealt her. I reevaluate my excuses and realize I don't have one.

I wanted to help her get back to Kona again. It's extemely costly for an athlete to get to Kona. Plus, Trish must cover the expense for her coach/swim guide as well. I've designeed a t-shirt for $20, with all the proceeds going directly to Trish's race season. Thanks to Amy Root and Becky Lee for helping with the design and concept.

The shirts are $20 each + $4 if you need it shipped. Checks can be made out to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Please email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to order.