Storming the Castle Iron Man

On February 29, 2020, David Conner will complete a full ironman distance triathlon at the  YMCA  of South Boston/Halifax to raise  $20,000 needed to purchase a wireless timing system for their competition pool. Adding this system is a "game changer" for all of our local swim teams. This cost includes the large electronic timing board, wireless plungers, wireless stopwatches, installation of all these items, as well as a back up electrical system in case of wireless failure. We set a goal of $10,000 on here and hopefully the difference can be covered by  grants. 

It is not a small feat. Completing the ironman distance takes months/years of training. He will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, then run 26.2 miles! David pushes his body to the limits, spending many hours a week training and it is amazing that he has decided to put forth his efforts to benefit our community.

Please consider donating--all funds will go directly towards David's fundraiser.

From David:
Up until this past year, the Y has been primarily a place to swim laps, take a shower, and staging area to park for my long rides/runs.
But after messed myself up with what was eventually diagnosed as a cardiac infection that apparently reared its ugly head when I overtrained for IMChatt, which I had to punt a week before the race because of a blood clot. And then screwed myself up even more when I jacked up my hip, the Y became so much more.
Between their weight/HIIT classes, yoga and just general support, I slowly began to crawl back to what for me is normal. Anyone else, a wee bit loony.
Swimming hundreds and thousands of laps, you tend think a lot, and I began wondering what I could do to thank the Y for their support.
The entire facility has undergone, and is still going through major renovations that have brought improvements that a small town Y can only dream about. These included the first comprehensive renovation of the pool and its mechanics since forever ... and I have been swimming laps since I joined in 1984. I thought the icing on the pool renovation cake would be a swim team timing scoreboard on the wall where athletes on the HCHS swim team, the Y Sea Serpents, and the Special Olympics athletes could see their time immediately after finishing their race.
So out of the blue one morning I approached the Y executive director about maybe, possibly, me trying to do an indoor ... ish Ironman distance race. 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run, to raise money for the timing system.
This was back in late summer and she was on board with it, so in late October I began a 20-week training regimen for the adventure.
Our HCHS swim team year after year has more than 50 athletes and all compete in the meets. Their meets are always full with parents and supporters and I think the timing system would enhance the atmosphere.
So on Feb. 29 at 0-dark-30 I will slip into the pool and begin my quest, 80 laps first, 2.4 miles, and then jump on my bike and trainer for several hours and 112 miles, ending it with loops outside - only because I still have not figured out how to run on a treadmill without killing my feet - for 26.2 miles. Ending with the last couple of miles inside on the trainer.
The Y is hoping to turn it into an all day event, with relay teams, with no limit on the number on each team, working to complete the distance, or whatever distance they can ratchet out.
Think about it, four or five people on a team can tag-team the swim, maybe roll an hour or two on the bike before rotating off and doing the same thing with the run.
And besides, I would appreciate the company.
Please help support me. This is a major undertaking and not cheap. 

I have been working in Halifax County since 1984 and have been recording its history through my photos, and somewhere, sometime, I have probably photographed you, your children, grandchildren, family and friends. I post tons of images and never ask for anything in return.
Today I am asking for just a little help.
Sorry to be so long-winded.
Sincerely,
Animal