Livestrong Recap

Team Spudman raised over $700! In total the San Jose - Livestrong Challenge raised $1 million dollars towards the fight against Cancer. Well done everyone!!

It started out as a cool, overcast morning in San Jose, but it didn't last for long. Soon the sun was out and we were sweating away the calories with each stroke of our pedals. We took full advantage of the "fuel stations" that were put in place about every 15-20 miles. Staffed solely by local volunteers, these pit stops had ample supplies of fruit, water, PB&J's, gummy bears, trail mix, power bars, sports drinks, and everything else you would want to snack on when racing under the hot sun!!

I am proud to report that we exceeded the 65 mile distance I originally said we would be doing, and finished the 100 mile course with our heads held high! It really wasn't as terrible as I thought riding 100 miles would be. Everything felt pretty good up until mile 70 when we hit "the hill". This 1.8 mile hill was a 1600 foot elevation climb and oh did I feel it! However I didn't stop at any point during my climb, I was a man on a mission to reach the summit!

In total we gained 3600 feet in elevation winding though the vineyards of the Silicon Valley. We finished in roughly 7 and a half hours, which flew by so quick! It was amazing to see the names attached to riders of friends, family, or other victums of Cancer that they were riding for. Many participants were even Cancer survivors. It was a great event to be a part of and I thank you all for your support!

Livestrong Challenge

So I just joined "Team Spudmen" for the 2010 Livestrong race in San Jose, California on July 11th. I will be racing 65 miles on my road bike along side hundreds of other enthusiasts. I need your help to reach my individual goal of raising $250!! Besides having the satisfaction of being a part of the fight against cancer, you will be supporting me and my team. The best part about any donation is that it's tax deductible! So whether you give $1, $2, $10, or $20 it all adds up quick.

You can follow this link to my personal fundraising page: http://sanjose2010.livestrong.org/dhirschi

The LIVESTRONG Challenge Series is the signature fundraising event for LIVESTRONG. For the past thirteen years, the Series has raised over $60 million for the fight against cancer. The LIVESTRONG Challenge is LIVESTRONG’s signature fundraising event inspired by the hope, courage and determination that exist in all of us. We take to the streets on bikes and on our feet, uniting individuals to stand together to fight cancer.

In San Jose, on July 11, the LIVESTRONG Challenge takes place in downtown San Jose at the Center for Performing Arts. In the spirit of LIVESTRONG's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer, we invite children in active treatment to participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge via pedicab. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they ride among the riders, reminding us all what we're truly fighting for.

Life Happenings

Here it is the beginning of summer and I have failed to give any updates on the happenings of my life these last few months. I hope to fill in the gaps with lots of details!! First off, probably the biggest news for me, I was able to purchase my very own place! Nothing amazing, but it is a perfect fit for my 1st time home. It's a two bedroom condo in the heart of Holladay. Its close to many great shops and has a beautiful view of Mt. Olympus! I was sad to move away from Park City, but hopefully I will make my way back there sometime in the near future.

Another exciting happening in my life is that I was awarded a sponsorship for my races this summer/fall. I am now a proud member of Team Aquaphor! You can view my bio as well as my other teamates here in SLC at www.teamaquaphor.com/Roster/Salt_Lake_City.htm I have already had my first race of the season, which was last week at Willard Bay. I competed with my good friend Amanda who was celebrating her 21st that day. I finished 6th overall and 1st in my age group. Not bad considering the zipper on my wet suit broke moments before I was to begin my swim. I had no choice but to swim with my suit unzipped, dragging water the entire swimming portion. I will keep you posted on the results of my other races throughout the summer.

Ski Trip

Had an amazing weekend getaway with the boys to Grand Targhee and Big Sky the first weekend in February. What a great time of year to enjoy some of the best snow in the world!! Targhee had at least 12 inches of fresh powder each of the two days we were on the mountain, which made for a lot of work! By the time we made it to Big Sky, my legs were ready for some easy groomers!

Big Sky was so BEAUTIFUL!!! Hardly a cloud in the sky. You could see for miles and miles in either direction! Even on the top of Lone Peak the weather was ideal, which was great since the snow was no where near perfect compared to Targhee.