This past year through my work with NCHPAD I had the honor of meeting a few elite athletes that compete in various triathlon events who are well deserving of a highlight.

Joe Stone - I met Joe while out in Missoula, MT, for a NCHPAD training workshop and was immediately impressed by his contagious passion and determination. Joe is an IRONMAN Athlete who is less than a month away from competing in IRONMAN Florida on November 2, 2013. If he completes the race, he will be the first known wheelchair-using quadriplegic to complete a full IRONMAN Triathlon.  Joe was injured in 2010 from a speed flying crash, leaving him an incomplete C7 quadriplegic, but this injury has not stopped him from living a limitless life. Joe continuously inspires many people, disabled and able-bodied, through his public speaking, engaging award-winning videos, volunteering, and one-on-one peer mentoring of others who have experienced similar injuries. Check out An IRONMAN’S JOURNEY-The Film at http://ironmansjourney.com/ to learn more about Joe, and follow his journey on Twitter via @Ironmansjourney.

Conner and Cayden Long with Team Long Brothers - I had the pleasure of meeting the Long family at 5k for the Cause, hosted by Brock’s Gap Intermediate School in Hoover, AL.  Conner and Cayden Long were recognized as 2012 Sports Illustrated SportsKids of the Year and compete in triathlons as Team Long Brothers. Cayden was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at age 5, but his brother Conner has not let any physical challenges get in the way of them racing in triathlons together. Conner tows Cayden in a raft while swimming, pulls him in a trailer for cycling and pushes the trailer during the run. They are simply “two brothers who share a love for each other and for racing and showing the world a little bit about what inclusion is all about.” Check out NCHPAD’s footage from the 5k for a Cause with Team Long Brothers and learn more about them at http://www.teamlongbrothers.org/.

I hope you are inspired to “Tri It Your Way” this fall by incorporating some triathlon components into your physical activity routine. As always, we love reader engagement!  Comment below about how you have Tried It Your Way or tweet me @Allison_NCHPAD for a mention/retweet.

Adaptive Triathlon Resources:

• San Diego Triathlon Challenge from CAF http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6449147/k.2719/San_Diego_Triathlon_Challenge.htm
• Dare 2 Tri: http://www.dare2tri.org/
• USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Region Paratriathlete Program: http://www.usatriathlon.org/regions/mid-atlantic/paratriathlete-program.aspx
• Paratriathlon inclusive race course design: http://www.usatriathlon.org/audience/race-directors/race-director-toolbox/paratriathlon-inclusive-race-course-design.aspx