The Telluride Academy Inc

Hey Friends!!! I'm competing in an Iron Man this Sunday, the 24th of October in Sacramento. Halfway through training, our coach, mentor, and the symbol of adventure, Chason Russell, passed away from a tragic accident. As he would have wanted, my training continued, but it was difficult for me not to think about him every time I stepped on the bike. The man didn't teach me with the training wheels, he was more of a "let's bike up to the top of that massive mountain and see what happens." I had the privilege of doing countless adventures with this man. My body would always hurt at the end, but no matter what, I could never contain the huge smile on my face. From rafting to biking to skiing to fly-fishing and not catching a single thing, he was as true to the label of outdoorsman as I will ever meet. I'm dedicating this race to him and I know I'll be smiling at the end of it.

 

Money donated will go towards Telluride Academy, where Chason worked for 15+ years. The organization inspires children and teens through experiential education that promotes physical activity, creative learning, environmental stewardship, responsibility to others, and positive life choices. Everything Chason stood for.

 

For every dollar donated, I'll be matching personally, up to my goal of $1,000. I appreciate everyone's support here and look forward to honoring THE Chase Dogs legacy. LFG.

 

PICTURE: The shot is of Chason, my brother Sammy, and I at the beginning of a ride in Utah. I know this because (A) Sammy back then wouldn't ride more than five miles without calling it quits *cough cough pussy*, & (B) I tried to race Chason this day. I had just turned 21 and felt like my engines we're flowing with pure raw strength. He let me ride in front for a bit, out of no where came shooting by waving his hand and laughing. I remember thinking vividly, "how the hell does a man that skinny move that fast." I still don't know the answer there.