Mark Higgins Ironman Dream
Donation protected
By now most of you
know about fellow Wheelmen Mark Higgins and his aspirations to qualify and
compete at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI. His training and
ethics have been nothing short of remarkable. For years, Mark has been
training and refining himself as a triathlete. This year he trained
himself into the best shape of his life. Mind you, this is coming from an
athlete who trained professionally in years past. Needless to say, Mark
knows what he's doing.
Unfortunately, as with many Ironman events, a bit of bad luck fell upon Mark. You know from the Madison Ironman race recaps that he was well on his way to a 4th, if not 3rd, place finish when he crashed on the bike. The time he spent on the side of the road trying to rig a fix (20 min) was the difference between that 3rd place finish, and going to Kona and not going to Kona.
As cyclists, we have many opportunities to test our abilities and prove ourselves. We have many opportunities to climb rankings and qualify for various events. In the world of Ironman that just isn't the case. You get one shot...maybe two if your lucky. The Ironman usually makes one stop a year near your home then moves on.
Since the Madison Ironman, I have been speaking with Mark. His head is in the right place, he hasn't been deterred by the mishap in Madison, and if he can gather the funds he is contemplating competing one more time before years out.
The next event is in Cozumel, Mexico. Unfortunately, it's sold out. Mark has pulled some major strings with Ironman to gain an entry! The downside to all this is the entry fee is $1000. That's no joke folks...$1000. Not too mention Mark's cost will rocket with airfare and a hotel. I know it's a lot to ask, but if all of us chip in just a little bit Mark could close the financial gap. If all of us donated $20 or $30 on Marks behalf he could on his way to Cozumel to finish some unsettled business.
Granted, there are no guarantees in the world of Ironman. I'd sure like to see this guy take another shot. So, what do you say?
Unfortunately, as with many Ironman events, a bit of bad luck fell upon Mark. You know from the Madison Ironman race recaps that he was well on his way to a 4th, if not 3rd, place finish when he crashed on the bike. The time he spent on the side of the road trying to rig a fix (20 min) was the difference between that 3rd place finish, and going to Kona and not going to Kona.
As cyclists, we have many opportunities to test our abilities and prove ourselves. We have many opportunities to climb rankings and qualify for various events. In the world of Ironman that just isn't the case. You get one shot...maybe two if your lucky. The Ironman usually makes one stop a year near your home then moves on.
Since the Madison Ironman, I have been speaking with Mark. His head is in the right place, he hasn't been deterred by the mishap in Madison, and if he can gather the funds he is contemplating competing one more time before years out.
The next event is in Cozumel, Mexico. Unfortunately, it's sold out. Mark has pulled some major strings with Ironman to gain an entry! The downside to all this is the entry fee is $1000. That's no joke folks...$1000. Not too mention Mark's cost will rocket with airfare and a hotel. I know it's a lot to ask, but if all of us chip in just a little bit Mark could close the financial gap. If all of us donated $20 or $30 on Marks behalf he could on his way to Cozumel to finish some unsettled business.
Granted, there are no guarantees in the world of Ironman. I'd sure like to see this guy take another shot. So, what do you say?
Organizer
Joe Bippus
Organizer