Things I Miss About KPF Racing; While BG Goes For a Century

It is hard to believe that our last race was nearly five months ago.  Somehow, it seems easy to believe our next event could be more than five months out.  With so many of our families falling into a higher risk category it could be some time before we can safely set up events for those we serve.  This makes one of the most enjoyable parts of our events even harder, the social interactions.  The laughs we enjoy before a race as Mike tries to remember where he put the keys, the howls we relish as we cut the lock with bolt cutters.  The giggles that flow like water as Kyle & J-dude nod at each other while we all rush around as Bentley Grace holds court with a few of her favorite pushers.  It's those moments before and after a race that sometime feel the most normal. The indelible opportunities where athletes are talking to athletes and nobody is being treated any differently based on where they might sit.  It's the jokes from Kyle as he inquires about the course record, the questions from Ricardo about whether or not it will be a gun start or a bull frog [bull horn].  Whatever it is we long to enjoy those moments again. 

We are doing our best to remain safe and we ask that you please do the same.  While many of you may not get sick or be at risk for the worst of it, we are your community and we all want to be together again.  We want to chase down PR's, miles and loads of smiles.  Think of those around you as you make decisions and know that together we wheel....again.

Speaking of, our own Bentley Grace decided on July 3rd to run to Alabama...yes, the state.  She set out in the wee hours of the morning on July 3rd to experience 100 kilometres of fun.  With a small group, including some of her favorite pushers, she took on her first ultra-challenge.  Guessing by the upcoming bike fit we have scheduled, this might not be the last.  Eric, Chris and Anthony, flanked by family, helped push BG from Atlanta to Alabama.  We have checked and this is the longest anyone from KPF has run before! Make that another record for BG!!! She has an incredible smile and we cannot wait to share the racecourse with her again soon.  When we spoke to BG she said, "The event was hard and rewarding" taking nearly nine hours to complete the 100 km distance run. BG told us "I cannot wait for Boston in 2021!!!." Great work BG!!! BG qualified for Boston 2021 back on March 7th so we are hopeful that due to all the delays, we might have three KPF teams in Boston next year!! Together WE Wheel! 

Kyle and I have still not run together since March 7th, but after talking with family we are going to do a virtual event on July 24th at Columns Drive in Marietta.  We hope a few of you may be able to join (at a safe distance)! What we've missed most is the casual conversations that happen when we are out riding together.  If you really want to get to know someone, spend a few hours on a bike with them. I don't know if we will be able to train or hang like this all summer but for now, we are really excited at a chance to see just how out of shape we have become.

Be safe everyone and remember your community each time you walk out of your door.  We look forward to sharing the road with you all again soon! ~ Brent

Alabama or Bust for BG and her posse!!

The Publix Half Exceeds KPeasey's Wildest Dreams

Several years ago when we wrote our first children’s book titled “Where There’s a Wheel, There’s a Way”, I started it off with the following stanza: “Never in my wildest dreams, though believing that I can. Did I think I’d hear the announcer say, Kyle Pease, You’re an Ironman.”

Well just as I thought that that was a wild dream, I am dreaming wild again because never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that the Kyle Pease Foundation would grow and grow and grow to a point that we would fill up a ball room in a major Atlanta hotel.  But it happened, when 64 athletes and over 200 volunteers came together to support inclusion and to show what is truly possible last weekend prior to the Publix Half Marathon..

What made the weekend doubly special for our home city of Atlanta was the fact that we also played host to the US Olympic marathon trials on Saturday. This brought more than 20,000 guests to our fair city allowing onlookers to have a front row seat to Olympic history while also witnessing KPeasey history the following day. Many who watched the Olympic trials then lined the streets of Atlanta and watched our athletes motoring 13.1 miles around The Big Peach.

From the large crowd that filled the banquet hall and the very Inspiring speeches by Ryan Freesemann and Bryce Wooten. to the the race itself, there was no shortage of inspirational moments. After watching all the beautiful faces I was so overwhelmed with emotions and so proud of everything that we accomplished as a foundation that the race itself was simply the icing on the cake. It goes to show you together we wheel and together we are showing the world what inclusion is all about. 

A special thank you to the Atlanta Track Club for again making our involvement in this race one of their high priorities. We feel so incredibly grateful to the ATC for helping us create such an amazing race for our athletes and volunteers. Also a huge hats of to Brent and to Shawn Gray, our new Race Operations Director, and to Kevin Enners and Lisa Switzer for their amazing work in pulling the event together.

See our full photo album of the Publix Race

Kyle and Brent "Love That Dirty Water" in Boston

Hey KPeasey Nation….Though I hate to push the summer away faster than I should, I’m really looking forward to our fall racing season. Somehow the heat of an Atlanta summer is not as conducive for racing as the crisp morning air of September and October.

 While Brent and I were traveling around Boston last weekend, Kevin Enners and several other KPF athletes were enjoying one of our favorite races, the 27h Annual Lekotek Run.  Kevin shared his race report in the paragraphs below.

 “The last Lekotek race I did resulted in the three letters no competitive athlete wants to hear – DNF. One of the pullies that kept my recumbent cycle chain taut was smashed as I rode over a speedbump. The speedbump was unavoidable as were all the ones spanning the entire width of the first stretch. Luckily, the damage to the bike was fixable, but it was devastating to my soul.

I thought that would be my last attempt at Lekotek, until recently, finding out that they had a new course, which turned the four-miler into a 5k and10k – without speedbumps! Instead, it had hills! Lots of hills. Grinding away up one steep sucker, cresting the top breathless, I found myself reconciling some life decisions. What had I expected? Maybe that the course would be friendly? Maybe it would seem manageable as I’ve gotten stronger? Wrong-o!

A fellow crank athlete, Jackson, accompanied me and suffered with me through massive, thigh-burning undulations. Drill the hills, I urged myself...just drill the hills. Jackson was a crank athlete who had raced with ConnectAbility in Dahlonega. He is aspiring to qualify for the Paralympics in a push-rim chair.

His racing tactics were the typical full-speed-downhill-grind-uphill method. Mine were just the opposite, as I consider myself a “climber” and a “careful-not-to-flip-over descender”.

With four-percent climb to ascend (according to Strava), I tried to hold my watts slightly below my FTP (Functional Threshold Power)– which is 100 watts – but had to go above FTP just to average a seven-minute-per-mile pace. It was a challenging course and one that makes you appreciate the finish!”

Everyone seemed to have a great time and this was felt in the power of Kevin’s words. Kevin is a hard worker, a published author and a gifted writer and teaches us all that a mere disability can’t hold you back.

 We had an equally great time in Boston due to the planning, connections and great hospitality of none other than our friend and co-author, Todd Civin. Todd’s itinerary for us included a visit to a wonderful adaptive gym owned by new friend Brendan Aylward, a TV interview with Worcester TV3, and two book signings.  The absolute highlights however were throwing out the first pitch for the Pawtucket Red Sox, the AAA affiliate for Boston, bringing out the game ball and the resin bag for the starting pitcher at historic Fenway Park. These are childhood dreams of every little boy and girl and were absolutely incredible experiences. We met Red Sox pitcher Andrew Cashner, who was so down to earth.

We also visited the bronze statue of the founders of our sport Dick and Rick Hoyt which sits overlooking the starting line of the  historic Boston Marathon. This was dwarfed only by meeting the Babe Ruth of our sport, Dick Hoyt, in human form. Rick was ill so couldn’t join Dick at the Expo for the Falmouth Road Race but meeting Dick was surreal. He is so supportive of what we are doing and without the efforts of he and Rick, our sport may have never existed and the opportunities to compete for so many would likely remain a fantasy.  We shared war stories with Mr. Hoyt and show absolute love and appreciation to the founder of our sport.

After competing in the Falmouth Road Race, we returned home as our athletes competed in one of our staple races, the John Tanner Tri. Several athletes competed with the help of some amazing volunteers. As always smiles were abundant and everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and the comradery experienced by our athletes and their families.

Don’t forget that our book, Beyond the Finish is now available in Kindle form which we are super thrilled about.

Until next time,

Kyle

If You Think 2018 Was Incredible... Just Wait

Even though we are two weeks in, it is not too late to wish a Happy New Year to all of you. We enter the new year with one very difficult to answer question in mind. How do we possibly build upon 2018 and make 2019 even more unforgettable?

It would be so easy to look behind us in the rear view mirror and get stuck traveling down Memory Lane. It’s difficult not to get lost in the many highlights that made 2018 on for the ages. From Publix to Peachtree. From another successful Camp Wheel Away to an extremely successful bowling fundraiser. From The Marine Corps Marathon in our nation’s capitol to a very unforgettable journey down Alii Drive in Kona, 2018 will be a difficult one to top. All of these spectacular moments will help to drive us towards our next big goal of making 2019 the best year ever for the Kyle Pease Foundation.

I bet you are wondering how we could ever top the year that was. My answer is by bringing awareness and inclusion to all of our athletes and to allow them the best experience possible at every race they participate in. By creating opportunities outside of the race course and by bringing awareness to the passion in their lives. It’s our commitment to partner with other resources and to gain exposure in a positive light for the athletes of Kyle Pease Foundation.

2019 is going to be a year full of surprises. We are extremely excited to unveil new book scheduled for release in the spring. Pre-orders will begin in the coming weeks, but that’s all I'm going to share with you for now. We are looking forward to our first race of the year just over the horizon. Because as the weather gets warmer, KPF gets hotter.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and we will respond in our next blog. 

Until then,

Kyle!

KPF's J-Dude and Matt Booth Will "Never Give Up" During Ironman Wisconsin 140.6

While Kyle and Brent are busily preparing for the land of volcanoes and hula girls in Kona Hawaii, another team representing the Kyle Pease Foundation is training to cruise 140.6 miles through the land of Cheeseheads and Packer fans at Ironman Wisconsin. Justin "J-dude" Knight and Matt Booth will be heading to the great Midwest to compete in Madison, WI on September 9th. 

Matt will be completing the 2.1 mile swim with J-Dude and will be followed up by Micah Cotton, who will be completing the 112 mile bike ride and Fred Soller who will be accompanying J-dude on the 26.2 mile marathon. The quartet will need to complete the 140.6 mile event in under 17 hours (the cutoff time)  and barring a mechanical failure, should have no issue completing in that time period. 

Though not a triathlete myself, I was able to remotely "catch up" to J-dude, Matt and J-Dude's mama, Teresa, to ask about their training and preparation for the event before they head out to America's Dairyland.

Todd Civin TC: The race is Ironman Wisconsin 140.6, where Brent and Kyle really faced some challenges, why do you think you can complete this?

Matt Booth MB: We have three people as opposed to one, that's the biggest difference. Also, J-Dude likes to go fast, so we put together a team that can move quickly so he gets even more enjoyment out of the competition. 

J-Dude:  Because Brent and Kyle have shown me how to do Ironman.  The bike is the hardest.  A lot of things help me to do it.  I have got my strength up and I won't give up. 

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TC: How many races have the two of you done together and what number Ironman is this?

MB: I have done several runs with the KPeasey, but never a triathlon. I'm just doing the swim. This will be my first swim with either J-Dude or the KPeasey.

J-Dude:  I have done some training days with my team of Micah, Matt, and Fred but we have not ran races together.   This is my 2nd Full Ironman.  I did Ironman Florida in 2015.

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TC: How are you each training for this? How will your training change over the next months?

MB: I started a training plan in March and have stuck to it. Luckily, Maria Thrash is the Masters’ coach at Dynamo Multisport and she's keeping me honest. She's one of the best masters’ coaches in the nation, so I'm lucky to train with her. We have also done a "test run" at Lake Allatoona and will do an Olympic tri this weekend. Doing the Olympic is the only change between now and race day. Being a little more careful with nutrition and tapering slightly a few days before the event, but that’s it.

J-Dude:  A lot of my training is doing floor work exercises and stretches and using kettle-bells to get my arms and shoulders stronger.  I have also been riding my Freedom Concepts Bike - shout out to Cannon Cyclery for that!  I have been focusing on eating right and meal plans.

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TC: Who will be accompanying y’all to Wisconsin?

MB: Teresa, J-Dude , Micah cyclist, Fred runner, Ian Evans and I are going.

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TC: What do you see as the most challenging leg of it all and what is your strength?

MB: I lucked out and got the easiest portion; the swim.  It’s flat, cold, and hopefully an hour and 15 minutes long. The bike and run and very difficult, but I think the bike might be slightly harder. 

J-Dude:  THE BIKE!!!  The bike will be the hardest part -- 112 miles is a long way to go on that bike and by the end, my butt will be sore from sitting in the one position.  My legs kind of get stiff, too.  I am strong and tough and just like every day of my life when I face a challenge, I can do what I have to do to make it through!!!

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TC:  J-Dude -does this get old or more exciting each time?

J-Dude:  MORE EXCITING!!  It will never get old to me.  Because setting goals and reaching them makes me feel like I am living a good life!! And when people see me doing these big things, it helps them to know that anything is possible.

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TC:  What is your ultimate goal in racing?

I want to make to Hawaii to do Ironman. While I am getting there I want to help other people reach goals too, and live a happy life.

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TC: Matt, have you ever done Wisconsin before with or w/o J-Dude  and how will it differ? Any other Ironman races?

MB: I've never done an Ironman. I've done five half's, but never a full. Since I'm just doing the swim, I'll be able to go all out on the swim and that will be different. Obviously I've never pulled anyone before so that will add, but I've been training for that and the run through we did at Lake Allatoona went very well. 

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TC:  Where do we find your fundraising link and how is it going?

MB:  https://kyle-pease-foundation-inc.networkforgood.com/projects/53105-J-Dude -takes-on-ironman-wisconsin. It’s going well so far. The bulk of our fundraising will come from an event this coming weekend and we are almost where we were hoping to be going into that event.

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TC:  Have Brent or Kyle given you any words of advice?

MB: They told me not to suck and embarrass the foundation. No, Brent has been very helpful in giving lots of great advice.  Having been on the course before he has shared some tips on the race itself too.

J-Dude First of all DON'T GIVE UP... and have fun!!!  Work hard, train hard, and YOU CAN DO THIS ALL DAY LONG!

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TC:  Teresa, what is it like to see your little boy traveling around the country racing?

Teresa (J-Dude ’s Mama):  Wow, where do I begin!!!  Sometimes, it is hard to find the words to aptly express the emotions that I feel watching my guy participate and conquer any race, but especially an IRONMAN!  I am his biggest fan and cheerleader.  My heart swells with pride from the moment we pray over each race and I send him out with a mom kiss!  Knowing that what he is doing is not only boosting his self-confidence, but also being a light and helping others is an answer to a prayer that I prayed over him when he was born.  I can remember when he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at age one.  As I held him and looked at him, I remember speaking over him: "This will not hold you back.  You will be great. You will do many things, you will be strong, you will accomplish your hearts' desires, and you will show the world that all things are possible".  Little did I know how these things would come to fruition! 

Through KPF, J-Dude discovered his gifts - our tasks as parents is to raise our children to be good, honest, caring people, who go out into the world and utilize their gifts to make the world a better place, and to help others.  Every time J-Dude rolls onto a race course, I get to witness yet another moment of him sharing his bright smile to touch someone's life and make it a bit better - THAT MAKES ME THE PROUDEST MAMA ON THIS PLANET! 

I would be lying if I said that I never get nervous/anxious about some races.   Example:   his first triathlon, I was a nervous wreck about him being in the boat... what if he falls out, what if he needs something, etc.?  I stood on the shore and watched anxiously as his partner pulled his boat out on the swim course and headed out......  I was a bundle of nerves until they were in the home stretch of the swim coming in and as I looked out onto the lake.... I see J-Dude laid back in the boat, one hand behind his head, with a thumbs up and a HUGE smile on his face - at that moment all those nerves went away and I knew he was on to something special!!! 

I could go on for days about how freakin' proud I am of my guy.   I am thankful for each day that I get to be his mom, and for every opportunity I can share with him in his efforts to accomplish great things and use those accomplishments to make this world a better place!  I look forward to future endeavors with my favorite guy!

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TC: How has competing with KPF changed all three of you?

MB: The old adage "You get back more than you give" is very true here. I've really enjoyed getting to know Teresa and working with J-Dude . It’s also been a spark to my training and fitness. I'm much more motivated to train for this than doing something on my own. When I think about the race, I think about getting out of the water and running to transition with all the fans screaming for J-Dude . He'll probably be giving high fives. I get fired up, I can't wait.

J-Dude:  Being with the Kyle Pease Foundation has changed my whole life!  I now have things to look forward to doing and places to go and people to see!!!  I have done so many things that I never even thought of being able to do.  I wrote a book, I get to travel, which I Love, I get to help other people when they may be struggling and they see the things that I have done.   I also have a job now.  I tried and tried to get jobs before and no one would hire me.  But now, thanks to KPF, I have a job and I love it!  It makes me feel good to have this to do.  I send out the tax letters to people who donate money to KPF.  I have run Marine Corp Marathon two times and doing it again this October.  I got to do the New York Marathon in November 2017!  I have met many new friends that will last a lifetime.  I love every one of them.   Kyle and Brent are like the brothers I never had.  They have helped me learn so much about myself, about life, about how to help others, and to NEVER GIVE UP!! 

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