Wolfie Came Home!

Yesterday, Aaron opened the front door and said "There is a package on the front porch!" He picked it up and looked at it. He said "Don't get too excited. It's for Daddy." I asked him where it was from and he said "Eastland, Texas". Well, I knew immediately what it was, but Aaron did not. I opened it a little bit and said "Look in there!" He looked in and squealed "WOLFIE!!!"

Turns out, according to Wolfie (via Aaron), that he had been traveling the US instead of coming straight home! He said he went to both Washington State, and Washington D.C.! I don't care where he has been, he is home now. I have one happy little boy!

Support for a Good Cause!

Since I was a little boy, my Grandma Goforth was always a huge encourager and supporter of my dreams. A few years ago, I began dreaming of doing an Ironman race. Around the same time, my grandmother began her battle with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

On April 15, 2011, I was awarded a lottery slot to the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, which will take place on October 8. Grandma Goforth was one of the first people I called to share my exciting news with.

On May 27, Grandma lost her battle with ALS. To honor her memory, I have joined the “Blazeman Foundation”, which raises money for ALS awareness and research. I will dedicate my race in Hawaii to my much loved grandmother.

You also can help me honor my grandmother’s memory. You can do this in several ways.

1. Prayers are needed for safe training, travel and racing

2. Tax deductible donations can be made at: www.active.com/donate/teamblazeman/blazemanJGarris

It is with much love that we seek your support as we step out on faith to do this race.

Sincerely,

James, Monica, Aaron and Rylan Garris

The "Iron Nun" and the 1/2 Ironman

At 80 years old, the "Iron Nun" is trying to open up a new age bracket for females in Ironman racing. It would be the 80-84 age division. To do this, she needs to qualify for the Kona race at a half or whole Ironman race.

Unfortunately, Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake was not the place for her to qualify. After a decent swim and bike, the temperature spiked to 107 in the canyon and 111 up top where the racers were. Sister Madonna failed to make the cut-off time for the midpoint of the run. The race officials took her off the course and did not allow her to finish. It was a sad moment for those of us wanting to see her open up that new age division!

Even without finishing the race, the Iron Nun swam 1.2 miles, biked for 56 miles and ran for over 6 miles! That is still quite an accomplishment at 80 years old!

The Grace to Race

I have mentioned before my admiration for the "Iron Nun", Sister Madonna Buder. So, I was thrilled when I learned she would be speaking at the Expo for James's 1/2 Ironman in Texas! We were able to listen to a little bit of her amazing story and then we got to meet her!

We purchased a copy of Sister Madonna's book, "The Grace to Race". She autographed it to our family and then I wanted a picture with her. She said "Can I hold your baby?" and also waved Aaron over for the picture.

After her speech, I met up with her in the hallway. She asked me to pray specifically for her and the race! I was flattered that she, as a nun, asked me to pray for her!

A Few More Degrees...

For all of you in the middle of this heat wave...

Add a few more degrees, go out and swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and then run 13.1 miles. After you do all that, you will know how James felt at the Buffalo Springs Lake race!

Or, you can go out in your yard for a few hours and try to find shade to sit under. Every so often, cheer as loud as you can. After you do that, you will know how Monica felt at the same race!

Have You Seen This Wolf?

Have you seen this wolf? "Wolfie Garris" was last seen at the Holiday Inn Express in Eastland, Texas. Wolfie is a 2 year old gray and white stuffed wolf. He loves to be thrown up in the air and hugged by children. He is a good and faithful companion. Holiday Inn Express claims to have bought him a ticket home, but it has been almost a month and he has yet to arrive. If you have any information regarding Wolfie Garris, please contact us. The substantial reward of Aaron's unending gratitude is being offered upon Wolfie's return. Thank you!

After the Finish Line

Being check out to make sure he was alright after the race.

Excited to be finished!

The finisher t-shirt!

The finisher medal!