Desiree said, “Most of us are so fortunate that we can choose to train, everyday we have the option which may depend on a variety of things, but the option is there. Some are not so fortunate.”

Desiree is refering to Barry Winovich, who along with his family and his friends, founded the Bright Side of the Road Foundation soon after his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

“As part of my training I recently completed the Fools Run 50K Trail race, probably one of the hardest and enjoyable things I have ever done,” she said.  “Training through the winter has been a huge challenge, getting used to dressing and fuelling for the snow has had its ups and downs.  Nice will be hot, so hopefully Summer wont be long now.”

Desiree added, “Remember, whatever you are going through could always be worse – always look on the bright side.”

To support Desiree Cowie in Ironman France, click here.

Donating is simple, fast, and secure.

Desiree…we’ll see you in Nice, France!!!

Thank you for your support as I raced for Barry Winovich and the Bright Side of the Road Foundation in their fight against ALS!

On Nov. 23, 2008, I’ll tested myself in a punishing 140.6 mile course across the desert in the Ironman Arizona competition in Tempe, Arizona.

During my race, there were several valleys where I was ready to throw in the towel. However ,there was no way I was not rolling across that finish line. I had Barry, as well  the Blazeman Warriors, carrying me the last 10 miles of the run!

Here were the final results for each part of the course:

SWIM: 1:21:48
BIKE: 5:51:28
RUN: 4:57:26
OVERALL: 12:22:09

I’ve posted a detailed report on the entire race. Click to check it out!

A big heartfelt thank you for everyone who sponsored my efforts in the Ironman Arizona as well as to my entire training and race day support crew!

~Kevin Sypolt

On Nov. 23, 2008, Kevin will test his physical and mental limits in a punishing 140.6 mile course across the desert in the Ironman Arizona competition in Tempe, Arizona to support our group.

Whenever Kevin runs, bikes and swims in these races, he does it to raise funds for important causes.

When not in training, Kevin works as the chief operating officer for Chicago-based Padma’s Plantation, a purveyor of tropical-inspired furniture known for its use of natural materials.

This year, he will be sweating to help a brother in need (yes, a Phi Kappa Tau fraternity brother from his days at Ohio State): Barry Winovich.

CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KEVIN’S MISSION OR TO PLEDGE YOUR DONATION SYPOLT