Donate to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

To: All FRA Members
From: FRA President
Subject: Results of the Ironman New Zealand 2008 Race
Date: 2 March 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

I just wanted to thank everybody for their generous contributions to the Semper Fi Fund, generating over $21,000 for our injured Marines and sailors and their families. This was truly a team effort and wouldn't have been possible without your support. I would especially like to take this time to recognize my two corporate sponsors, Specialized Bicycles and Surefire LLC, for assisting me in my Iron Man New Zealand endeavor.

I just completed Iron Man New Zealand and will be flying back to the states tomorrow with Sarah. Lake Taupo , New Zealand is truly an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination with its crystal clear fresh water, natural hot springs , and friendly people.

For those of you not familiar with Iron Man racing, I will offer you a brief summary of my ten-hour day. The race began with the Maori tribe canoeing to shore and performing a haka, a native dance and blessing for the race participants. The 1,200 race participants eagerly awaited the cannon blast that signaled the start of the 2.4 mile swim. I felt great in the water, keeping a rhythmic pace as people swam and kicked around me. The start of an Iron Man swim is similar to being in a washing machine with fifty of your closest friends. I exited the water in about 1:01 and quickly ran the 400 meters to the transition area. The weather forecast called for heavy rains and gusty winds, and for once, the meteorologists did not disappoint.

I mounted my bike in 337 th place coming out of the water. I knew I was having a great bike leg when I caught up and passed several professional triathletes. The new Specialized Transition bicycle was like a carbon fiber rocket ship, cutting through the twenty to thirty mile per hour winds with ease. By the time I had reached the 112 mile mark, I had moved from 337 th place to 52 nd place overall. My bike split would be the highlight of my day, posting the 2 nd fastest of all amateurs and 16 th fastest overall bike time, finishing in 4:58.

I quickly transitioned to the run and tried to get my legs from pedaling to running mode. I focused on running from aid station to aid station, taking energy gels, water and coke along the way. Keep in mind that during an Iron Man event, the body burns between 8,000 and 10,000 calories. By now the rain was a full-force downpour, soaking participants to the bone. At times, the high winds caused the rain to fall horizontally rather than vertically. The rain did help to keep you cool but worked against many runners as their socks and shoes became wet, causing blisters with each passing mile.

At mile 22, my legs started to cramp. I had brought electrolyte capsules to help prevent cramping, but they had fallen out while I was on the bike. I tried to focus on the energy of the crowd and think about all of the people who have supported me and the Semper Fi Fund. With one mile to go, I entered the town of Taupo and was enveloped by roaring crowds screaming my name (printed on my race bib). When I made the final turn towards the finish chute, it all started to sink in. The months of hard training, the early morning swims at Camp Pendleton , the cycling in the mountains of California , and running along the coast of the Pacific Ocean had all brought me to this moment.

As you enter the finishing chute for an Iron Man, you can see your race time, and the announcer yells “Here comes Andy Christian from Carlsbad , California . He's here raising money for injured Marines. Andy Christian, you are an Iron Man!” My official finish time was 10:10:46, a new personal best. The entire experience is something one never forgets. I made it through the finish line chute, found Sarah and gave her a big hug and kiss.

People often ask what got me into doing Iron Man's and I tell them the story about February 20, 2006, the day one of my fellow Marines was killed by an IED attack in Iraq . I also tell them that when you have been given a second chance in life, you take a hard look at yourself in the mirror and make sure that you live every day to the fullest.

I have several races planned for this summer, including Super Frog, a half-Iron Man distance triathlon in Coronado , California in April, the San Diego International Triathlon in early summer, and several other local races.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for supporting our injured and wounded Marines suffering from catastrophic injuries.

Semper Fidelis

Andy Christian

For Immediate Release

To: All FRA Members
From: FRA President
Subject: Please help support injured Marines this holiday season!
Date: 31 October 2007

Details:

On March 1st, 2008 I will compete in Ironman New Zealand to raise money for the Injured Marine Semper FI Fund (IMSFF).

The IMSFF is a non profit organization that supports Marines recovering from catastrophic injury. This holiday season please remember America's true heroes and support this great
cause. 100% of the donations will go to helping our injured Marines needing financial assistance.

With the help of the Force Recon Association we can make an impact and help out these deserving Marines in their time of need! No amount is too small!

Please click on the web link and support our warriors in the fight!

Donate to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

Thank you for your support!

Semper FI,

Major Andy Christian
FRA President 2007-2009