Being a triathlete is not glamorous. Your car always smells like a locker room (ok at least mine does). Your skin always smells like chlorine. You could be operating a professional laundromat with the amount of washing done every week. Many of us pass on late nights out in exchange for cold morning swims and long weekend workouts. And if you live in a (garage-less) condo like me, you get to eat breakfast with your bike resting up against the kitchen table.
(I’ve heard that if you’re REALLY dedicated, though, you’ll sleep with it right next to your bed. I’m not there yet.)
All whining aside . . . we are SO lucky to be able to do this. I’ve often said that my two favorite things to do are travel internationally and race triathlons. A lot of us are really lucky to be able to not only train and race, but take it on the road and see the world. About six months ago, I got to to do both at my friend, Ryan Landy’s, 11global triathlon series in Cape Town, South Africa.
After returning to the US, Ryan and I decided to enlist in YOUR help to send goggles and swim equipment back to all the kids who don’t have a shred of what we have. And I just want to sincerely thank you for your generosity.
Ryan recently traveled back to South Africa in preparation for the Sun City race in November, and hand-delivered your schwag to the head honchos at the Department of Sport and Recreation & the swim coaches for the local kids.
I’d like to share Ryan’s letter:
Dear Friends,
Last week I had the pleasure to deliver the goggles and other collected equipment to the City of Cape Town’s Sport and Recreation Department and swim coaches of the cities youth swim program. I cannot convey the surprise, joy and excitement on display so I have attached pictures instead.
On behalf of 11global I would like to thank Amy Kloner (YOU GUYS FROM THE BLOGOSPHERE!!!) for her commitment and energy dedicated to this drive and to all of you for your wonderful contributions. 11global is committed to sustaining this effort well into the future including accommodating higher level kids at our triathlon next year.
Once again, I thank you for your generosity in helping these children.
Kind Regards,
Ryan Landy
www.11global.com
Thank you to Ryan for all his effort, and for his commitment to continue drives likes these moving forward. (So be forewarned, we will ask you for your goggles in the future– hang onto ‘em!) He is so passionate about this race series and just as passionate about giving back to the local communities that host the races.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your donations and for taking the time to ship me your goggles and equipment. And to Lisa and Keith Marshall, just know that Tri-Atlanta will be well-represented on the streets of Cape Town– the visors were a HIT!! It’s pretty awesome when a bunch of people recognize how lucky they are, and are willing to share the love.
Here are a few shots . . . not even half of what we sent is shown below. You guys really had a lot of goggles! 
They’re feeling the love in Cape Town. THANK YOU. Or in Afrikaans . . . Dankie (which I liked to pronounce “donkey.”)
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It’s all about giving back!!!! We always always get so much more than we gave. I’m so very proud of you.