The Kona Inspired Results...

After a little bit of confusion, the winners of round 3 were announced early this morning.  Unfortunately, my name was not one of those names.  There is still a glimmer of hope, however, because the remaining 39 that did not win any of the three rounds still has a chance to get an invitation through 2 wildcard entries.  As far as I know, they have not announced who those winners are at this time, and the rumor is they will announce the winners on Friday, 7/20/2012.  Please continue to pray!

I could not believe the huge surge that we had of voters and support yesterday right before voting closed.  It was amazing to say the least.  There were a lot of contributing factors, including more and more people were sharing and voting for the video, people were talking it up on Facebook and twitter, and most importantly our exposure to the Houston media via NewsFix 39:

Unfortunately the surge came a little late, and we were not able to get enough attention or votes to obtain one of the top 2 spots in round 3.  I want to congratulate the 6 winners of each round:

Round 1
Annee Deering-Triathlon Is My Triumph: Overcoming Childhood Sexual Abuse
Brady Murray-Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome
Round 2
Mike Thompson-Love For Life-My Own Finish Line
Heather Wajer-Transformation through Triathlon
Round 3
BethAnn Telford-Survivor
Shay Eskew-Burning Desire

Each one of their stories are so inspiring.  If it were up to me, I think all of the top 45 stories should eventually be told.  I can't wait to see more about the winners in the television coverage of the event that is usually released in December.

Now, it would be really easy to hang my head and feel like we lost, but in reality, WE DID NOT LOSE!  Thousands of people from all over world found out about the mission Shawn's Anomaly, Shawn's Journey, Liam's Journey, and what we are trying to do to help other families.  That, my friends, is a HUGE WIN!  Thank you all that helped spread the word.  I could not have done this without you!

When I first started this journey 2 years ago to finish the Ironman World Championship, I was a little naive on how hard it is to get there.  Of course with hard work, hard training, and your support, I was able to become an Ironman on May 19th.  I felt at the time that was going to be the final chapter of this whole "Shawn's Ironman" journey, but God had bigger plans.  If I would have made it to the Ironman World Championship in the first year that I attempted this, then there would not be the exposure that we have today.  Obviously God knows what he is doing, and His hand is in the planning and decision of me not winning the invitation this year.  It has been a hard, but fun, ride so far, and I have faith that I will eventually make it to Kona!

Recently I received a message from someone who said, "I can't imagine going through what you did and what you continue to do for others."  The best way I can answer that is that I was inspired to find the phrase "I DO"!

"I DO" is such a simple phrase but it is so powerful.  Powerful enough that it is used to confirm the bondage & commitment to marriage.  We live in a world of I Can't and I Don't.  You would not believe the excuses that I have heard from people of why they Can't or Don't do something.  I don't blame them though,  90% of the world has that mantra.  Some of us get inspired enough to go from the "I Can't" to "I Can", but never get around to doing anything to make that phrase "I DO!".   The 1% of the world that has finished an Ironman triathlon, understands the phrase better than most.  They just not say there were going to do something, they did it.    You don't have to finish an Ironman to use this phrase.  I challenge you to change your life mantra to "I DO!"

I DO better those around me

I DO better myself

I DO encourage others that say I DO

I DO help those that are less fortunate

I DO test my boundaries

Are you ready?  Where do you start your journey of:

For me: I DO commit to continue to honor my son's recovery.  I DO commit to helping other families that are dealing with congenital birth abnormalities like Liam Lyon's family.  I DO commit to encourage and inspire others to get healthy.  I DO commit to spreading the word about the Shawn's Anomaly mission.


KONA 2013 campaign starts TODAY!