Spotlight Profile “Racing to cure Multiple Sclerosis”

On Sept 17-18 I will be racing in an ultra distance triathlon to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research.

After much consideration, I came to the conclusion that I could help fundraise for those that can find a cure. I plan to race in a double ironman in Virginia on September 17-18, 2010 to raise money for the CCSVI MS research. Yup, you read that right. It is a race that spans 2 days. A double ironman is a 4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike, and 52.4 mile run.

Interview with Chuck

• As a coach for triathletes, what personal training advice would you give to individuals interested in using sports (like running the triathlon) to raise money for a cause (like MS)?

-> First, I would advise them to pick a cause that is personal to them. I would also tell them to be prepared to dedicate at least 5 hours a week to the fundraising initiative. For me, it was more than just raising money, it was to raise awareness… Fundraising is/was much harder than I thought it would be. I also advise them to pick and event or goal that challenges them. I completed 2 ironman races last year so using an ironman race or any race shorter did not feel right to use as a fundraiser.

• What made you decide to run the Iron Man for MS, why not something less taxing? An four point eight mile swim, 224 mile bike, and 52.4 mile run is a lot of leg work. Pun intended.

-> MS is such a challenging disease that I felt I had to find an event that was going to challenge me on all levels (mentally, physically, and spiritually), I completed 2 ironman races last year so I was quite confident that I could complete an ironman. When I found the ultra triathlon I knew it was perfect for my fundraising efforts. I can tell you that I have learned more about myself training for this event than I ever thought possible.

• To date, you’ve raised nearly 5k! How did you promote your fundraiser?!

-> I spent 1-2 hours a day on the fundraiser. I emailed friends, family, businesses, newspapers, and TV stations. At least 95% of the people did not respond to my emails or make a donation. It was very hard knowing that people were reading my emails and/or discarding them without donating. The people who I thought would donate did not. The people I did not expect to donate did… The local city newspaper ran two articles for me. The neighborhood newsletter ran a piece as well. Some of my friends posted info on their blogs and facebook pages. I created and sent our fliers. My wife and I presented information about the fundraiser to the Gulf Winds Triathlon Club. I still have a couple more initiatives in the works that could bring in more funds (my college newspaper and a fundraiser at a local restaurant).

• What advice would you give to other people trying to promote their cause?

-> I would tell them to be prepared to try hard and be ready for rejection. Today’s economy makes it exceptionally difficult to fund raise. They should be ready to use every avenue available to them.

You can read more about Chuck’s Racing to cure Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser by visiting his profile:  http://www.microgiving.com/profile/chuck