I've found people intend to donate but they forget. If you send several emails they have more chances to remember. But if you're like me you don't want to bug them for money all the time. So I don't, I give them updates on my training progress.

Hi, Most of you remember that I participated in the Challenged Athletes Foundation's (CAF) San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) last year and it was quite an inspiring event. Here's my blog on it from last year: http://nanandjeff.blogspot.com/2009/10/challenged-athletes-foundation.html

In 2008 a good friend Betty got 2 friends and participated in the SDTC. CAF is close to her heart as her daughter Samantha was born with a partially formed arm. They raced as Sammy's Super Friends that first year. Last year myself and others joined in to form 3 teams of 3 and raised $7,700. Your generosity helped me raise $1200 last year. This year we spread the work and have 43 participants, 15 relay teams and 3 people who are doing the entire Triathlon all under the team Sammy's Super Friends. Last year I ran 13.1 miles, this year I'm biking 56 miles. My goal this year is to raise $2,500 we have a Sammy Super Friends combine team goal of $50,000. It will be a lot of work but I think we can do it.

I know you are asked to give money all the time. Check out the organization http://www.challengedathletes.org see the work they do. If it's an organization you would like to make a tax deductable charitable donation towards, I would truly appreciate it. If you choose to donate you can do so on my donation web site: http://sdtc10.kintera.org/nancymartin

I hope this finds you well. I wanted to keep you updated on my training for the Challenged Athletes Foundation's (CAF) San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC). The event is October 24th which is coming up fast! A little less than 2 months ago I bought my first bike. I was about 15 when I had my last bike. Being a gadget girl it's a dangerous spot because there are so many toys to buy.

My training is going well. I recently changed my pedals to the clips that lock you in to your bike. That is a VERY uncomfortable experience. I'm still not fond of this but everyone says I'll get used to it and never want to go back... we'll see. So far my max distance is 42 miles, the race is 56 miles. Yesterday I made it up 3 big hills without getting off my bike and walking it. This is big for me, I've been walking a lot of hills in those silly biking shoes - it's embarrassing.

Jeff generously donated his time and created a web site for our team - Sammy's Super Friends (Sammy's Super Friends). It's a great site you should check it out.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated so for, I and CAF really appreciate it. And share with you the sorty of Scout who I've met at a few events so far. This is what your donations are going to this link.

Insurance doesn't cover these types of prosthetics, insurance may help with the basics but CAF helps people live and kids play. This is also a link to an view of the CAF event.

Looking for another way to help? If you are in San Diego 9/17 we are having a team fund raising event at the Marriott Del Mar, Join us. We are looking for raffle and silent auction items for this event so if you or your company can donate an item, service, etc we'd love to have it. Let me know.

If you are still thinking of donating there is still time to visit and donate on my donation web site.

More info on CAF: Check out the organization web site to see the work they do.

Hi Friends and Family,

The event is coming up on the 24th of October. I'm not sure that I trained enough yet but I'm sure I'll finish, I'm too stubborn not to. I'm just praying for no flat tire.

I'm finally getting comfortable being clipped into my bike, although they are very loose, it does seem to help. I've done enough hills now to know that I can get up them even though it might feel like I can't. I use the advice of a good friend, breathe deeply and think positively.

Through your generous donations and the fund raising events I've hosted with friends, I've personally raised $2,500 so far. If you add all of our Sammy's Super Friends teams together we are just under our goal of $50,000. We are doing great! I really appreciate your support, especially in these tough economic times.

The donation deadline is Monday the 4th, I'm trying to get to $3,000. So if you were thinking of donating and putting it off, please take a few minutes to make a donation. If you don't want to donate on line, you can enter you donation on line and then mail in a check. If you get this email after the 4th, yes you can still donate - they are a charity after all, they will always be happy for your money. It just might not count towards my fund raising goal (but it might if I can work my charm).

Donation page

Thanks for your support!

Nancy Martin

HI,

I wanted to give you my final update before the event tomorrow. 2 weeks ago I rode the course took me 4hrs and 45 minutes, I think tomorrow I will do it faster but not by much. I'm glad I rode the entire course as it gives me the confidence that I can do the entire event.

Last night was the Celebration of Abilities dinner which was inspiring. We got to meet a lot of inspiring athletes. Including Paul Fejtek who was born with brachial plexus palsy so he has very limited use of his right hand and has climbed the highest peaks on all 7 continents - including Everest. Read his story here and here.

I want to thank you all for helping me raise OVER $3,000! See the picture - I made the top donator list and am a gold team member.

I was at $2500 and over one weekend raised an amazing $500! Thanks so much for kicking in at the end.

I'll give you an update after the event.

Thanks again,

Nancy Martin

There is no more thanking you anymore.... I now blame all of you for being the support behind this crazy event.

Kidding of course, I finished and I'm happy with my time. I did it in 4 1/2 hours took 15 minutes off my training ride so this is good. Around mile 40 I was wishing I didn't know Sammy (of sammy's super friends) but then I remember how wonder she is and so many other challenged athletes and that kept me going and kicked my butt. Although I thought about and joked about stopping in for a drink at the bar and hanging there for 3 hours, I actually did ride the entire route.

Aside from being very tired and sore I feel pretty darn good for riding a bike for 4 1/2 hours! I think the bike is a lot harder than the run I did last year, mostly just because it takes so long. It is a beautiful course but I'm too busy looking for cars and pot holes to enjoy much of it.

What will I do next year... it won't be the swim but will see either the bike or the run. Probably the bike, I did just buy a new bike after all; I have to get my moneys worth.

Thank you all very much. I truly appreciate it. This is a moving event and if you are ever in San Diego near the end of October, I'd love for any of you to join me. Either on the course or at the finish - it will change you. Zack, Britt - what do you think, want to swim 1.2 in the ocean? Who else - Kathy, Brent? I know some of you are itchin to do a race or another one. You have a year to think about it.

I think Jeff is doing the run next year.

Love to you all.

Nancy Martin