COURAGE

One of my mantras in the past has been “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” While I was still on the run/walk/crawl/carry me course at the CB&I Triathlon last Saturday, it was announced that I received the Dr. Phelan Courage Award. What a tremendous honor. I have always said that I am just a weak man made strong and courageous by the amazing people around me. I believe that more than ever now given the Herculean efforts of Team Inspiration and every volunteer and person involved with the CB&I who helped me to achieve my goals. They all gave me the courage to finish when it would have been very easy to say enough.

Courage can be encouraged, even created, by anyone who helps another. Isn’t that how we should all live? Give the people around you courage. You might be surprised at the courage that is in turn imparted to you.

Thank you again to everyone involved in one of the best days of my life.

Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

From a mom's perspective...

While many were excited about last Saturday being ‘Kentucky Derby’ day, I witnessed a bunch of “thoroughbreds” participate in the CB&I triathlon. Team Inspiration were all winners in my book. Young and old trained for this event for months, even years, and all were champions when they crossed the finish line.

But the most memorable moment for me was to find myself in the midst of a group of people that were so filled with genuine and unwavering support for my son, Trace Sherer.

The authentic, positive, encouraging, and awesome attitudes from his teammates, no doubt, helped him to achieve his goal to cross that finish line on Saturday. I’m so very proud of him for having risen to the challenge, but I am equally proud of each of you for helping him on his journey.

My love and appreciation to you all for making this such a special day…

Barbara Sherer (Trace’s proud mom)

STILL ANY DOUBTERS?!

IF ANYONE HAS ANY DOUBT ABOUT HOW MUCH I LOVE MY TEAM ... NUF SAID!

ARE WE THERE YET?

Well, the CB&I is past us. I do want to thank EVERYONE and I do mean everyone that made this happen. This would never have been possible without each and every member of Team Inspiration. I want to especially thank my heros. Trisha, you made me strong. Lynn, well, you are my Sunshine. Jim, you are an Iron Man for a reason and are an amazing man and friend. And, enter Nathan Beedle. Dude. You have gotten up and walked, rode and swam with me for 50 of the last 52 weeks. You have done it at 5:30 am. You have done it in the rain. You have done it in freezing cold temperatures. You have done it in freezing cold rain! You gave me this challenge and like it or not that sea of yellow at Northshore Park yesterday was because of you. I did this because of you! I love you all so very much.

I will never be able to adequately thank every member of Team Inspiration and all of those involved in the event. Kimi, mark this down. I actually stopped traffic yesterday!!!! Thank you Angel and your incredible team of volunteers. The Demerets. Holy cow! If you ever need a family to back you, look them up! Eric. What can I say. I have not seen you for 30 years and you were with me all of the way yesterday. You are truly amazing. And I am not sure if I answered your question yesterday. NO. 30 years ago sitting in chemistry I did NOT think this would happen! And I am so proud of the men my super jocks have become. YOU ROCK!

Eric pointed out the saying on the sport bag given to each participant of the CB&I. “Success isn’t how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” – author unknown. How true. How very true.

So where shall we go now? Stay tuned and find out!

Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

Enter Trace Sherer, triathlete!

For those of you following the blog and have not heard the news, Trace completed his first triathlon yesterday! The man was amazing yesterday and I am almost afraid to say it but he is moving into the legend category with his exploits.

I am sure that the many people that walked with Trace for the last 3.1 miles yesterday would share the opinion that a greater show of heart and determination to finish something has rarely been seen with our own eyes.

I know that Trace will thank everyone soon but I want to express my thanks to everyone for all the support provided from yesterday to the very early beginnings of Trace's athletic career.

Particularly yesterday, Ana Demaret found Trace and I on the bike leg at around mile 12. I don't think we would have been able to continue as strongly without her help, encourage, and care. And the full Demaret family on the walk was greatly helpful!

Of course Lynn and Jim were the steel support around Trace from the beginning and throughout the 3.1 mile walk, both amazing people and great friends.

Ms. Lee, sorry I am not best with first names, you were amazing yesterday with all your support for everything thing that Trace needed yesterday. It was a pleasure meeting you and you helped soooooo much, we thank you.

The volunteers!!!!! We would not have made it without them! Race officials, keeping portions of the course open was so amazing.

There are so many more folks your efforts are so appreciated and will be remembered by me forever.

To those who finished your first triathlon yesterday, congratulations! When is the next one?

Again thank you all.

Nathan

What inspires YOU?

Yesterday, I met 56 year old Chris Arthey who lost his leg in a motor cycle accident less than two years ago. Chris and I have a great deal in common. The CB&I will be the first triathlon for both of us. Nathan and I have seen Chris either riding his bike or running every Sunday for a while when we are out on our ride or walk. Since the first time that I saw Chris, I have said that if he could work that hard then so could I. When I met Chris yesterday, I told him that. He smiled and said "That is funny. When I see you struggling with the walk and your walking sticks every week, I say the same thing to myself!"

The lesson boys and girls is that we never know when our actions, thoughts or deeds might inspire someone to keep trying to do something that is spectacular. So make everything you do inspiring!

If you would like to see my amazing new friend check out http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/sports/article_6910585f-f862-5258-a1e0-c6a380bb9468.html.

Good luck, KEEP TRYING, and my best,

Trace