We Do It For Lou

Iron Phi is an initiative put forth by my fraternity Phi Delta Theta to support ALS research while actively promoting physical endeavors of its members.  Any brother can wish to start down the path to become an iron phi by choosing an event of their choice and by raising funds in excess of 1,000.  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disorder that that rapidly reduces an individual?s physical strength.  The disease is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig?s disease after the famous baseball player who contracted the disorder.  Lou Gehrig, known as the iron horse for his longevity in the game of baseball is also a member of Phi Delta Theta hence the drive of my fraternity to help honor him and have his disease as our principal charity focus. 

When deciding what to do for my event I was truly conflicted with regards to what event I wanted to do.  In the end I decided to choose a triathlon, upon judging how much time I could spend I picked an Olympic distance.  I will swim 1.5k, cycle 40k and finally finish with a 10k run.  I wanted to pick something that with 6 months of preparation I would be able to complete but I also wanted to be able to dedicate my efforts to pay homage to the longevity shown by Lou.  The only event that I could think of that would be able to really push my limits was the triathlon.

Deciding to become an Iron Phi often involves a change of lifestyle and a degree of sacrifice, as is customary to individuals who have ALS.  People need to make drastic changes as they begin to lose motor control and require assistance with tasks that they spent years doing without much thought.  By no means, have I wished to say that my training experiences have equated to this terrifying disease but that I to have to make sacrifices?. 

Sacrifice started during reading week at Dalhousie University, as many of my peers went home or to a sunny destination I began to build up my strength in the pool.  At the time I was relatively week in most categories and had not made a firm commitment to actually completing my bid to become an Iron Phi.  I wanted to test the waters, of course no puns intended.  Post reading week training began to take on a more structured form as I included stationary bike components and track running to my work in the pool.  As my confidence grew so did my drive to add more structure and discipline to my regime.  Internet research one evening revealed a plan that I began to follow religiously.  My days began to consist of 6am wake ups to hit the bike and then move into the pool.  My training was only half the work, I began to really eat right and wanted to make sure my body was getting everything it wanted each and every day.  If I missed a meal or caved and got bad foods I began to feel guilt for cheating.  If I cheated now and didn?t put in the effort a possibility of not finishing on race day was going to become a reality.

Months later I feel that I have prepared with diligence and come August 12, 2012 I will complete the race and I will become an Iron Phi even if I have to drag myself across the line it will happen.

I've set my personal goal at 1,000. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of any sum would be appreciated!  You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. You can also send a check to Iron Phi to me at 1451 Lemarchant Street Halifax, appartment A, B3H 3P8 if you'd rather donate that way.

I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Benjamin Desborough 

** Update **

On July 7th I ran a practice triathlon.  I ran a sprint distance (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) with a time of 1:53:23.  This time being far short of the 2:15 I was hoping for.  I finished with good form and no cramping at any points.  I am really excited for race day with is less than a month away !