Code 3 for a Cure Mission of Hope & Honor

Family Workout

2012-02-28T13:06:00.002-08:00

Strength training with my little guy who is 4 years old. Nothing like family fun.

Corpus Christi Race Report

2012-02-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Great event put on by the HITS Triathlon Series in Corpus Christi. Sunday at 6 am the temperature was around the high 50's with water temperature around 62 degrees. Even though it was an early morning my Mom, Lorenzo, Peggy, and members of our new Corpus Christi Code 3 family were there. Like I always say, "There is nothing like tight neoprene in the morning to brighten your day." The swim was very cold but good. Two loop and on the second loop I could watch the sun rise on each breath. Out of the water 3rd overall with a slower 1:20:10.

Into the bike transition, I always change completely into bibs and bike jersey. At this point I could still not feel my feet or hands and for some reason my tongue was slightly numb. After collecting all my stuff I was out for the bike course, thinking it was going to be warmer I didn't put on my sleeves.(mistake) The bike course was a two loop course that took us out all the way to Padre Island and the sand dunes. The way out I was averaging around 19 to 20 mph, and feeling pretty good until the turnaround and I realized that the speed was not all my effort. Turning right into 10-15 mph head wind. Nothing but fun on the way back and by that point I started to feel my feet. Picked up my sleeves at the turnaround and went out for another loop. I know that every triathlete always has a craving on the bike or run for normal food, thus at an aid station on the bike I stopped and saw the volunteer had a bag of Doritos. I asked,"Can I please have one?" That was all I needed to keep going. Finished the bike feeling good in 6:54:18.

Then onto the portion that is fun, yet very draining. After changing into my firefighter gear I headed out the shoot with Corpus Christi FF at the top of the ramp and the local union president Carlos there as well. My plan for this marathon was NO BLISTERS. This marathon had such beautiful scenery and the temperature was warm but very manageable. Through the first half of the marathon I was accompanied by the Union President, Carlos, the Corpus Christi Fire Chief, Robert, and my dad. Along the way, Peggy and Lorenzo had set up with the crew from Station 1 at the Holiday Inn along the route. Again, I cannot fully describe the emotions and feeling of family that come from these races. I felt great on the first loop, but there is always a second and that is when finding the reason and passion you have for the cause is needed. My mom and dad walked with me to the turnaround and at about 6 mi out Engine/Ladder 7 crews walked with me trailed by the rigs with lights on. At this point the goal is understood, there is no pain that will stop me, there is only an overwhelming feeling of pride in being a firefighter and the different level of family, honor and pride that they carry.

Engine 1 traded out at mile 4 and walked me into the finish with Star from HITS series as well. The finish line had a tower truck extended out and many FF and spectators there. The finish is always a sweet part yet crossing the finish line is not amazing part, it is being able to thank those who struggled with you the whole day and showing them that you can do anything if your strength is in your passion.

I finished with only two small blisters, but was greeted with Whataburgers and a shake at the finishline courtesy of the Corpus Christi Fire Department. My final time was 16:34:34.

I know I probably forgot to mention all that helped me, but I would like to thank all you offered a high five, encouraging words, a honk of your horn and your thoughts and prayers. This mission is about creating a family to help firefighters and their families who are dealing with cancer and you are helping make this a reality. Please spread the word and help us fundraise at www.code3foracure.org.

Also, I want to thank Theresa Anderson, the Manager of AirTran in San Antonio for the kind words, donation and support of this mission. Amazing.

See you in Ocala, Florida at the next HITS full distance race on March 25, 2012.

Great day in Corpus Christi HIT race

2012-02-20T10:39:00.001-08:00

Great day. HITS put on a great race and the Corpus Christi Fire Department was amazing.

Race Week...the race is the fun part

2012-02-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

Race week and the anxiety returns...the excitement of going to a new community and spreading the world about cancer in the fire service and how Code 3 for a Cure Foundation (www.code3foracure.org) is trying to help ease the burden of those families affected.

My job is simple, complete 140.6 miles with 26.2 miles in fire gear to help people remember the sacrifices of those on 9/11, show the passion that firefighters have in helping their fellow brothers and sisters and hoping to inspire others to get out there and challenge their own preconceived notions of what they are capable of.

"Your strength is in your passion." What is your passion and what are you going to do with it?

T-minus 12 days

2012-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

One week from Sunday marks event #2. This long break has been tough. For me it will be easier and smoother when they are more frequent. Idle time helps to train but the miles and hours will come this season.

Check out www.code3foracure.org and start a fundraising group for the season. We will be soon posting prizes for the groups that raise the most money throughout the year. The contest rules and rewards will be posted within the next week or two...until then have fun swimming, riding, and running.

Surviving the Season

2012-02-01T17:12:00.001-08:00

The key to surviving a long season of triathlon is to focus on the important aspects of it: The cause, the people who support you, the people who need you to do this and not to let yourself down. Thanks to Wayne and Steve's Liquor on University Avenue for helping support the Mission.
You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. This mission is going to be great. Hop on the bus and join us.

Great weekend at MultiSport Expo in Milwaukee

2012-01-29T15:46:00.001-08:00

Great weekend at the Multisport Expo in Milwaukee supporting Team Destination and the Code 3 for a Cure Mission. Team Destination Donation (www.destinationdonation.org) raced in the team time trial with co-founder Al Petelinsek and his wife Lisa, Todd, Jenny, Rita, Joe and my Coach Will Smith. We had a lot of fun, met a lot of individuals who inspired us with their organ donation stories, as well as, made a lot of new team members.

This Mission of Hope and Honor for 2012 has started off great and continues to amaze me. Inspiration in life is drawn from within and from those around you. I am very lucky to have the people who support and work with me, as well as, two cause that me so very much to me. Thanks and keep believing.

A review of Naples by Lorenzo of Code 3 for a Cure

2012-01-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

Our amazing Founder of Code 3 for a Cure, Lorenzo Abundiz, put together this video for our first stop, Naples, FL of our 2012 Mission. Amazing.

Training has started back up and I will post that tomorrow.

HITS Triathlon in Naples a SUCCESS

2012-01-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Great event put on by the HITS Triathlon Series in Naples, Florida. Beautiful weather, beautiful area, and people in this community were so supportive and helpful thoughout the race. My family (Parents, Code 3 for a Cure Parents and my son, Noah) were all there to enjoy and help with the experience. Along with everything else the North Naples Fire Department followed me during the last 4 miles of my walk with a Tower Truck and the lights on. Unbelieveable show of family and support.

Overall, the day was good. Was 4 out of the water on the swim and had a great bike. It is amazing how cycling with CycleOps Power changes and increases your productivity on the bike. Started the Gear walk portion in the beautiful Florida sun and did as usual just keep moving. After the 13.1 turnaround the challenge always begins. Your mind starts playing games with you and the control over whether our body and your continued effort begins.

From my Dad walking with me, to my Mom and Noah yelling from the car, to people from Naples and the HITS team walking with me in support. Our passion proved to be the strength of the race and a finish was the only way for it to end. Thank you to all who supported and cheered during the race. Body is good besides for two blisters. Ouch...

See you in Corpus Christi, Texas at the next HITS full distance race on February 19, 2012.

PS. My final time was 16:04. Thanks to my coach Will Smith who was put under the gun with a short preseason. I felt strong and had a better time than at IMMOO on 9/11/11.

1/8/12 Naples HITS Triathlon Series - Start of the Mission of Hope & Honor

2012-01-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

Great coverage for Code 3 for a Cure in Naples. Thank you Naples Daily News for supporting the cause and writing a great article. Also thanks to the North Naples Fire Department for the support and use of an SCBA for the run portion.

Thanks to my sponsors. Power Test Inc, Newton (thanks Lee Strawbridge for the new shoes), Mt. Borah for the kit, CycleOps for the wheels and Power system and Will Smith for the excellent coaching and friendship.

Code 3 for a Cure Foundation (www.code3foracure.org) History...

2012-01-04T20:18:00.001-08:00

Formed because of one person's struggles. Firefighter/ Engineer Lorenzo Abundiz (Santa Ana, California, USA), a 27-year veteran of the fire service, was first diagnosed with cancer in 1998, forced into an early medical disability retirement in 2001, and since then has been diagnosed with two other cancers.

As Abundiz lay in a hospi...tal bed at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles recovering from kidney surgery on March 12, 2006, he was inspired to do something to help other firefighters who are going through similar struggles. Out of that moment grew Code 3 for a Cure, an organization formed specifically to help firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer and their families, as well as select nonprofits who are helping fight the war on cancer.

Preview of week...Who turned off the heat in Florida

2012-01-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

January 3, 2012...Arrived down in Florida yesterday to a cold weather system. 34 degrees today in Crystal River, Florida where my parents live and it feels like I'm training in Wisconsin. The week breaks down like this:
Tuesday - Travel Day - 1500 yard swim
Wednesday - Build up bike and ride for 2 hours, 30 minute swim
Thursday - Travel Day to Naples (4 hour drive) - Swim on course and Bike on Course
Friday - Prep for race, meet local firefighters from Naples, 30 minute jog
Saturday - Check-in, Swim 20 minute on course, Bike 30 minute on course
Sunday - RACE DAY (weather looks to be sunny and 75

The local Naples Fire Department and surrounding fire services are welcoming Code 3 for a Cure Foundation with open arms and are going above and beyond the call. This is what the Code 3 for a Cure Family is all about and I hope with the lead that the Naples FD is showing that each city we visit will follow and support Code 3 for a Cure Foundations 2012 Mission.

Stay tuned for updates. Blogging Schedule for Year:

Monday : Video Blog, Premiere of Week and Review of Race
Wednesday: Progress Status, Code 3 and cancer statistics
Friday: Preview of Race Event, special events and introducing sponsors

Thanks for your support and following.

Gear for Number 1, Naples, Florida on January 8, 2012

2012-01-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

The Game is back on.

2011-12-28T19:35:00.001-08:00

Back to the grind. Working at the firehouse today. Worked out this morning. New routine for the season.

AM Workout - 50 jumping jacks, 25 reg pushups, 25 Flutterkicks, 25 Wide pushups, 25 leg lifts, 25 diamond pushups, 25 russian situps, 30 Eight Count Body Buidlers. Cycle or Run, 20-30 minutes, high intensity. GOOD MORNING!!!

Code 3 for a Cure Foundation Rang the Opening Bell for NASDAQ

2011-12-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

Great day opening NASDAQ. Get people and definitely want to thank David and Diana for their great hospitality. Traveling back to Madison at 1700 and the training continues.

Christmas Day at the Firehouse

2011-12-25T10:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day with my second family at the Firehouse today. Stay tuned, starting Monday I will start with the 2012 Mission's daily chronicles. Enjoy the journey with us and feel free to ask any questions throughout our journey.

What is your quote?

2011-12-21T20:48:00.001-08:00

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Walt Disney. I love this quote and have it next to my bike and computer so that each day I can remember what 2012 will be.

What is your quote that drives you?

Motivation

2011-12-19T21:22:00.001-08:00

Remember this quote when you are needing a little motivation.
"Winners take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating." ~David Waitley

Take time and enjoy the challenge, enjoy the journey and enjoy your successes.

2012 Challenge

2011-12-17T17:49:00.001-08:00

Last day at Disney with son and now let the year begin. I hear I may not be the only attempting a record this year for number of ironman. All I can say is that badgers are pretty vicious when cornered.
The cause will benefit either way and Code 3 for a Cure is the meaning for the mission this year.

Training in sunny Florida

2011-12-15T22:39:00.001-08:00

Took a family weekend to Disney with my son Noah and my parents. Training in 70 degree weather is soooo much better. Naples HITS Triathlon 1/8...let's get this started.

Daily Video Blogs for Fireman Rob

2011-12-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Check out daily video blogs from Fireman Rob on youtube or via the facebook page Fireman Rob. The start of the Mission is just around the corner on January 8th in Naples, Florida. Excitement.

Newest Sponsors

2011-12-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

The newest members on board the 2012 Mission of Hope & Honor is Blue Seventy and Newton Running.

Blue Seventy has the top of the line wetsuits along with a great staff. The same goes for Newton, but the have the fastest running shoe and most effective running shoe on the market. Ran in IMMOO with them and now will run 27 in them.

Thanks to both these companies for believing in the Mission and me.

This Mission start is on Jan 8th in Naples, Florida. Let get this started...

Schedule for 2012 Mision of Hope and Honor

2011-12-11T00:43:00.001-08:00

2012 Mission - BELIEVE

2011-12-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Mission of Hope & Honor will be chronicled daily with a video blog on www.firemanrob.com and facebook to show you the journey filled with struggles, perseverance, elation, stress, but in the end the passion will drive us through each race to the finish. All the while carrying the message of Code 3 for a Cure Foundation and raising funds to help the firefighters and their families stricken by cancer. BELIEVE.

Sponsor Exemplifies Passion of Mission - Power Test Inc.

2011-12-09T23:04:00.000-08:00

Cannot tell you how much my major sponsor, PowerTest Inc. (www.pwrtst.com) and the CEO Alan Petelinsek, exemplify the truest meaning of the passion needed to complete this 2012 Mission of Hope and Honor. This year will be driven by people like this and their passion the bring to the team and mission. Thank you.

Thoughts and Prayers to Brother Davies Family

2011-12-08T19:46:00.001-08:00

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Fallen Worcester Firefighter Jon Davies who gave the ultimate sacrifice today.

http://www.firefighternation.com/article/news-2/worcester-firefighter-killed-others-injured-collapse-during-fire

The Challenge for 2012-13 Mission of Hope and Honor

2011-12-06T22:50:00.001-08:00

2012-13 will be a great year with a Guinness World Record being attempted and achieved. For our Code 3 for a Cure Mission, I will be doing 25 Ironman distance triathlons over a one year span of time to beat the previous Guinness World Record of 20. Stay tuned over the year for updates and gear.

2012 Mission& new challenge.

2011-12-05T13:52:00.001-08:00

New day. Feels like 20 degrees. #camprandall stairs here I come. New challenge for 2012 mission. Stay tuned

Proud of Kyle Hamilton

2011-12-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

Kyle Hamilton, brother firefighter, finished the California International Marathon today in full turnout gear, helmet, and SCBA to support Team Firefighter, www.teamfirefighter.com. Nice Work!!

Stairs at Camp Randall

2011-12-02T05:46:00.001-08:00

28 degrees. Bunker pants & air pack. 1.2 miles of stairs in 34 min. Nothing but fun.

Chances in Life

2011-11-28T19:14:00.001-08:00

Life is about chances so don't sit back and wait for them. Make your own luck by stepping outside the norm and taking a chance.

Happy Turkey Day!!!

2011-11-24T10:40:00.001-08:00

Enjoying good food, family, friends and a nap is what it's about.

Time and Training

2011-11-14T09:16:00.001-08:00

Training is only as good as the effort that is put out and I know that triathlon training is very time consuming, but think about this quote by John Wooden and get back on the saddle.

"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"

Great Article written by xtri.com

2011-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511713429.html

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans day to all who are serving or have served who made this country what it is and provide the safety and security we often take for granted. "So that others may live. Hoo Yah."

Make today yours

2011-11-08T07:11:00.001-08:00

Too often in life we float by not taking in all the wonderful things and how lucky we truly are. Life is not always easy but that is why everyday you have to get up and prove to yourself that you have what it takes and nobody or nothing can change that.

"Your strength is in your passion"

Turkey Trot 5 mile trail course

2011-11-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

Entered last minute for the Turkey Trot in Madison, Wisconsin sponsored by Madison College. The course was a great 5 mile trail run at Wingra Park in Madison, Wisconsin. (http://matcturkeytrot.matcmadison.edu/) Finished in 40:01 with 8:49 pace. Enjoy your training.

PS. My 4 year old Noah did great in the kids run as well.

Ironman Wisconsin on Universal Sports. WOW!

2011-11-01T21:45:00.001-07:00

Got to watch the coverage of Wisconsin Ironman from Universal Sports thanks to Larry Durland. I guess it is true that you don't know how an event truly effects you until you can see it as a spectator. What a day, what support and what a great opportunity to help others see the importance not only of 9/11 but of what is capable with some passion guiding your strength. Thanks to all who helped in that journey and all who will help with the next.

Winter Cycling Training made easier

2011-10-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Winter Training made easier thanks to the CycleOps Super Magneto Pro Trainer. This trainer makes riding indoors more effective since it assimilates outdoor riding so closely.

Check out www.cycleops.com and find the trainer that fits you best for your winter training.

Strength Conditioning as promised

2011-10-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

This is a progressive program, yet you will see strength results and have a better sense of understanding your true body strength.

"Your strength is in your passion"

Old School Strength Training for Triathletes

2011-10-28T14:32:00.001-07:00

Strength training in the off season is a crucial component and I think that body resistance training is most benefical for triathletes since the more you know your body the better you can adjust during the race. Going old school with pushups, pullups, flutter kicks and situps. Will post strength training tomorrow.

Sponsorship of Code 3 for a Cure 2012 Mission of Hope and Honor

2011-10-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

If you or anyone you know would be interested in being a sponsor for the 2012 Mission of Hope and Honor, please have them contact Rob Verhelst at firerobv@gmail.com and I will send them a sponsorship packet. We are looking for companies or individuals that would like to be part of our mission to help firefighter's and their families who are struggling with the diagnose of cancer or the death of their loved one from cancer. Thank you for your support through this 2012 Mission and we look forward to a great year.

Offseason

2011-10-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

What is off season to you? Is it time for you to recuperate from the past year's races or is it the start of your preseason? Never let your training interrupt your life, since in the end you are racing to improve your health and life. Life is meant to be lived, not passed by.

Wisconsin is officially in Winter

2011-10-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Cold weather triathlon training tests your mental ability to workout indoors and with no visual of progression. The treadmill is always in the same place and the bike does move either. To get past this you must look at the goal, focus on what you want instead of what you are doing. Remember your strength is in your passion.

Running...Not my favorite part

2011-10-18T15:26:00.001-07:00

Just like you...I don't like run training. Did my longest training run today that I have done in 2 years, 7 miles. Getting back into it is tough, but as the SEALS say, "Your only easy day was yesterday." Enjoy your training.

What do you do to make your long runs easier on the mind?

Hard Work

2011-10-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is the best definition I could find that would correlate to the hard work put in by people training for an Ironman, "Hard work is about risk. It begins when you deal with the things you would rather not deal with: fear of failure, fear of standing out, fear of rejection. Hard work is about training yourself to leap over this barrier, tunnel under that barrier, drive through the other barrier and after you’ve done that, to do it again the next day." (anonymous).

Cheers to all Ironman triathletes and remember your strength is in your passion.

Starting up

2011-10-12T05:30:00.001-07:00

It's the eternal mind Vs. Body conflict when you start back working out. The mind says "get it done" and the body says "you are done". Don't give in you always have more than your body tells you. Get there and enjoy the day.

Thus it begins...

2011-10-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Training to develop the base for next year has begun. Cycling and Running today and swimming and cycling tomorrow. Thanks to Will Smith Triathlon Coaching. http://triwillsmith.com/.

Starting next week I will start posting key workouts and update you on the progress. Today, I was also voted onto the Board for Code 3 for a Cure Foundation. Very grateful to be part of an organization that focuses on the humanside of treating cancer. Check out the foundation at http://www.code3foracure.com/.

Congrats Craig Alexander on the sweep

2011-10-08T18:59:00.001-07:00

Posting a new course record in Kona World Championships today, Crowie finished the sweep of both the 70.3 and Ironman World Championships. Could not have happened to a better person.

Kona is Here

2011-10-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

2.4 miles of swimming in the beautiful aqua blue water of Kona, 112 miles of the wind driven Kona coastline, and 26.2 miles among the lava fields = a great day in the life of a Kona Ironman. Enjoy your day tomorrow athletes and remember that your strength is in your passion.

Follow Kona Ironman tomorrow at http://www.ironman.com/.

Good Luck Crowie!!!

2011-10-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

Wishing Craig Alexander success like he had in Vegas, but this time in Kona. You are the ambassador of triathlon and you will show your strength on Oct 8. Go get'em Crowie!!! www.craigalexander.net .

2012 Mission of Hope and Honor 140.6 at a time

2011-10-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

My name is Rob Verhelst or Fireman Rob, and I am an ambassador for a great foundation called Code 3 for a Cure. Many of you may have seen me do either Ironman Racine or Ironman Wisconsin in my full firefighter turnout gear in 2011.

Well, this year I will be competing in a 9 United States Ironman events in the same fashion to raise awareness and funds for Code 3 for a Cure Foundation. Please follow my training and progress via facebook, twitter, or go to www.firemanrob.com. I hope to see you out there this year and remember your strength is your passion.