Peter Vu's Ironman Blog - Vineman 7/31/10

BTW - Weather up in Sonoma looks perfect for racing so far. I'm probably jinxing myself - 100 degrees would be painful. See here.

Gordie has been getting a lot of love on this blog lately, but deservedly so. Read his latest post that he sent today and thank you again for your support and donations to this cause!

Gordie's Email:

As I walk out of the door each day, I've been tapping that sign taped to my door that reads VINEMAN that's written in orange, kinda chicken-scratch-like...(yup, I got balls...LOL).  I say good-bye to my wife and kids and head to my car on my way to work thinking about everything that's gotten me to this point.  Waves of gratitude hit me as I think of the countless number of people (many who don't even know me) that have contributed funds to our fundraising accounts for us to do this Ironman, for us to train, and for ME to LIVE...

In a world without these types of people, without their families and friends, and without their kind-hearted donations, I should be DEAD.  The monies donated have funded research that has literally saved my life!  But instead of death, I prepare myself for the most challenging physical event that most people wouldn't even consider doing, an Ironman - 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running...all in one day...all within 17 hours...all while living with CANCER.

It's not a fate that I wanted or even asked for.  But it's a fate I'm willing to accept, especially at this moment in time, knowing that the HOPE for a little more time has been given to me.  YOU are a big part of that hope, for the future of me and for millions of other cancer patients...

So "when" I cross the Finish Line (Coach - note the positive mental attitude), I hope you know that the VICTORY will not only be MINE.  It will be YOURS, YOUR DONORS', TNT'S, LLS', and EVERYONE who's ever contributed time or money to this cause!!! 

Thank you, IronTeam!  You are the BEST!!!!

Honored to be your Teammate,

Gordie

Last coached pool workout tonight and then I'm off to SF tomorrow morning.

Week of the race - constantly sipping on a sports drink (surprisingly, my drink of choice has been tons of Gatorade). I let go of the HFCS worries. Stay hydrated.