A Note About Dustin, and A Note From Dustin
Update: Dustin finished it! I think we’ll all be very interested to hear his story (and believe me, I will do my utmost to make him write up his story for this blog), but for now, check out his stats:
Obviously, this was an incredibly hard effort for Dustin. I can’t even describe how proud I am of him.
But you know, maybe making a donation in the contest might be a pretty good way of showing. Right now, he’s only around $3K from his goal of $20K. It’d be awesome if he woke up to having completed not just one goal — finishing the Ironman — but to having completed two.
Click here to donate. Thank you!
A Note About Dustin, and A Note From Dustin
A few days ago, I posted about how Dustin Brady’s doing this weekend’s Kona Ironman to honor a promise he made to his fiance, Michelle, shortly before she died of breast cancer.
You can read the whole piece here (and if you haven’t, you should), but the short version is that he told her he would do this race. And since the Young Survival Coalition’s Tour de Pink was important to Michelle, he wants to raise $20,000 for them.
And considering how much Dustin has gone through — not to mention how much he has helped Team Fatty raise money for other fundraising projects — I really want to help him get to that $20,000 goal.
Right now, we’re at about $13,000. That’s not bad at all. About 2/3 of the way there.
Of course, the prizes you could win are pretty incredible. For example, you could win a Shimano Dura-Ace clincher wheelset, either 24mm, 35mm, or 50mm profile. Top of the line wheels.
Or you could win a GoPro HD Camera — an awesome way to get video footage of any ride, whether you’re on mountain or road (my friend Grizzly Adam, who is a total camera nut, owns and uses one of these for his on-bike footage).
Or you could win some very nice Shimano Dura-Ace carbon pedals. Or an autographed HTC jersey. Or one of everything from the FCancerUp store.
Or maybe — just maybe — you’ll be the grand prize winner and get a $10,000 dream bike: a 2012 Giant TCR Advanced SL With Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Check out the white frame option:
Read here for all the details on this bike, but for right now let’s just say: this frame + build is amazing.
So, if you’d like a shot at these prizes and would like to help Dustin get to his goal of $20,000, click here to donate. For every $5.00 you donate at my Tour de Pink fundraising page, you get a chance at winning each of these prizes.
A Note from Dustin
If I were Dustin, right now I wouldn’t be able to think or eat or sleep or do anything. I’d be too freaked out about the fact that I was about to do the Kona Ironman, for crying out loud.
But Dustin — a much calmer, saner individual than I am — wanted to send an email thanking everyone for what you’ve done so far:
I just really want to thank all of Team Fatty! For helping with fundraising and leaving comments that I love reading. The notes of encouragement and those who share stories of meeting Michelle make me smile.
I may be a little overweight (I have lost 20lbs in this effort … and that is what Michelle wanted most … me healthier), I may be a type 1 diabetic, and I for sure am undertrained for this event.
But what I do have — more than anything — is all the motivation I will need. From thinking of that picture of Michelle at the finish line and thinking of your comments and stories … I will get to the finish line even though just about all of you will have gone to bed by then.
Thank you for the support, and most importantly, thanks for being awesome!
~Dustin
Pretty cool of him, if you ask me.
Follow Dustin at the Ironman
The race starts Saturday, October 8, at 7:00am (HAST) / 10:00am (PT) / 1:00pm (ET). Dustin’s race number at the Ironman is #1556.
You can track Dustin by clicking here.
I think Dustin’s going to suffer. But I also think he’s going to be proud of what he’s accomplished.
As he should be.
Comment by Mark in Ottawa | 10.7.2011 | 7:07 am
Dustin,
I wish you the best of luck this Saturday! Your determination and motivation will carry you through the day! Keep hydrated and eat lots! Pain is temporary…memories are forever.
Fatty,
Thanks again for doing this and giving us all a venue to lend a hand for someone so deserving and for a great cause.
Mark (in Ottawa, Canada)
Comment by Bragi Freyr Gunnarsson | 10.7.2011 | 7:29 am
Make’em eat your dust(in)!
Comment by evil3 | 10.7.2011 | 8:13 am
Fatty, I don’t have a credit card, so it looks like that will be one less person that can take part. So it does make me, and anyone else that might not have a card feel left out.
Comment by Chris | 10.7.2011 | 8:20 am
You can track athletes here:
http://ironmanlive.com/tracking.php?race=worldchampionship&year=2011
Thank you, that’s exactly what I needed! – FC
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 10.7.2011 | 8:36 am
Good luck Dustin! I will be checking on your progressd as the day goes by, and cheering you on from the East Coast. I have never done anything as awesome or as demanding as an ironman, but I do know that when the pain starts for you somewhere in the marathon knowing you have so many supporters will help you keep picking your feet up and moving them ahead. Swim, ride and run smart, and stay safe.
The Ironman web site doesn’t list a real time status link yet, at least that I can find; hopefully one will be up by start time tomorrow.
Fatty, thanks to you for all the support you give to the battle against cancer. You are using your world class prize winning web blogger superstar status to the best possible advantage, and we are all the better for it.
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.7.2011 | 8:39 am
Good Luck Dustin!!! You have the whole of Team Fatty behind you this weekend!!! Just remember to go at your training pace, stay hydrated, and keep eating so your electrolytes stayed balanced. You can do it!
On a side note, I own a Giant cyclocross bike – women’s specific. In fact, Giant is the only company that makes a women’s specific and the only company that makes an XS. I have to say that I LOVE my bike. It is wicked fast and light for an aluminum bike (does have some carbon – forks, seat stay). Also, I’m a definite SRAM convert. LOVE it!
Um, you know that Dustin is the Marketing Manager for Shimano, not SRAM, right? – FC
Comment by Evelin B | 10.7.2011 | 10:01 am
Good luck Dustin!!!!!! What an awesome thing to do!!!!
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.7.2011 | 10:21 am
Ah Fatty, you caught out poor AK_Chick when she’s in the midst of the pre-Austin mania. Besides SRAM, Shimano, Potato, Potahto…
I know, I’m going to hell for that one.
But on to the important thing: DUSTIN….
We will be cheering you on from across the globe. Whatever happens on Saturday, you are honoring her memory and life in a spectacular way.
I believe you will accomplish what is important to you on Saturday, and I am sure tears will be streaming down hundreds of faces when you cross the line.
I think you have already accomplished what was important to Michelle.
+1 – FC
Comment by Marco | 10.7.2011 | 10:25 am
Good luck, Dustin!!
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.7.2011 | 10:25 am
Oh oh – unrelated side note for Fatty’s peeps. If you have not already seen it, AWESOME profile story on Jens Voight for the Velo News Hardman issue.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/magazine/velo-magazine-november-2011_194558
JENS!
Possibly the most well-liked guy in pro-cycling.
Comment by Bee | 10.7.2011 | 10:35 am
Such a sweet story! And, Dustin, I have felt undertrained for every tri I have done! It’s part of my unintended pre-race freak out. Are you having the anxiety dreams too?
You’ll be fine. Sure, there will be suffering, but so much of this sport is mental. Go, Dustin!
Comment by Craig | 10.7.2011 | 11:37 am
You’ll do great Dustin!
Making a donation was an easy decision, and we’ll be cheering you on from Illinois.
Comment by Beth | 10.7.2011 | 11:45 am
from one Type 1 Diabetic cyclist to another:
Go Dustin! Do it for Michelle, and you!
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.7.2011 | 12:02 pm
Hey Dustin- Should you by chance run into Chris Horner and can get some socks (signed) I’m convinced AK Chick will swap out her SRAM for Dura Ace. She could put some new XTR PD-M985 xyzit pedals on her other bikes as well.(mine are on my tqndem-love them)
All of Team Fatty is pulling for you. But you already have the most important person looking over you. Good Luck!!!
Comment by Jarral | 10.7.2011 | 12:37 pm
Good luck Dustin. I also am type 1 and will be rooting for you! I haven’t done a tri–just long mt bike races. The thought of the swimming and running that far is daunting!
Comment by rich | 10.7.2011 | 2:26 pm
Give ‘em hell Dustin!
Your story is inspiring and you honor Michelle by your efforts….You’ve already won!!
Comment by Fuzz Martin | 10.7.2011 | 2:30 pm
Donation – done.
Make it happen, Dustin!
Comment by AngieG | 10.7.2011 | 2:56 pm
@ Wife #1 stated it perfectly!!!
Remember it’s all about little goals. Making it to the next road sign, or the next utility pole. That has always helped me make the suffering managable.
You can do this!!!
It really stinks that we can’t have a Team Fatty crew there to support you. But we’re all there in spirit celebrating you as the amazing person you are.
Comment by Gabi | 10.7.2011 | 3:07 pm
good luck Dustin!
Comment by Carl | 10.7.2011 | 8:39 pm
Kick ass Dustin!!! We’ll be cheering you on from Ohio.
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.7.2011 | 10:22 pm
Oh dear, I DIDN’T know that Dustin is the marketing manager for Shimano. I thought he worked for Giant. AND I read all the posts about Michelle so HOW I forgot that fact, well, I don’t know. I don’t think a crowbar could get my foot out of my mouth. Mrummph rumpphhhmrms (that’s me trying to talk). In my defense, I’ve only used the bare bones Shimano Deore and Sora. I guess the only thing to do is make a donation to try to save some face… :)
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.7.2011 | 10:24 pm
Also, Wife #1 ROCKS! :) What a perfect way to put it! Give that woman some Chris Horner socks! ;-)
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.7.2011 | 10:27 pm
Oh and davidh is correct. Except I can’t afford Dura Ace! :) hee hee, I’d have to buy it one piece at a time. But for autographed Horner socks. Okay, enough posts by me about me. This is about David who is awesome and the best fiance a girl could ever have. I know Michelle must be so proud of how you have honored her memory. Allez!
Comment by zac_in_ak | 10.8.2011 | 1:01 am
Go Dustin! I also have diabetes (type 2) and a triathlon is on my bucket list. I am married to the love of my life. My Uncle died of prostate cancer. Just remember crossing the finish line makes you the winner no matter the time!
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.8.2011 | 1:10 am
@AK Chick; time for you to go to bed. It’s Dustin and Michelle, Elden and Lisa, David and Wife#1. No worries, if we all get to meet we’ll wear nametags, and we’ll recognize you by the foot in her mouth.
Good luck in Austin to you and all the Fatties there, I hope to hear good things.
And for Dustin, Go Man Go! We’ve got you bookmarked.
As of 12 midnight West Coast time: $16,335.60 in honor of Michelle !!!!
Comment by Dave T | 10.8.2011 | 8:35 am
Good Luck Dustin
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.8.2011 | 1:05 pm
GO DUSTIN! 1:41 for the swim – I have no clue about these things, how is that time?
Comment by Mark in Ottawa | 10.8.2011 | 2:45 pm
Go Dustin!
Just past the 28mi checkpoint on the bike! Tracker says you’re going strong! I’m pulling for you!
Tracking your progress and wishing you luck.
Mark (in Ottawa, Canada)
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.8.2011 | 8:20 pm
Okay Dustin should be wrapping up the bike leg anytime in the next 30 minutes or so I think… then he has *only* to run/walk 26 miles. Jesus.
I saw they have to finish in under 17 hours, so 3.7 miles an hour… which does not sound horrible….
UNLESS YOU JUST SWAM 2.5 MILES AND BIKED 112!
Oy.
GO DUSTIN! I hope you have acadre of folks their to do the marathon section with you and keep you company along the way.
Comment by Liz | 10.8.2011 | 8:35 pm
Finished the bike! Just the marathon left, GO DUSTIN!
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.8.2011 | 8:47 pm
Woo hoo 9:13…. plenty of time left, pace yourself, lots of eating and drinking too so you don’t bonk (like you are reading my stupid comment right now anyway – LOL!).
Alright – how many of us are going to donate (or donate again) something when he crosses that line before midnight tonight?!
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.8.2011 | 9:19 pm
DavidH, how did you know I was suffering from a severe lack of sleep? First post was after getting about 1 hour of sleep on the airplane from Anchorage to Seattle. Second post was after 5 hours in Seattle followed by 4 to Austin and about 30 minutes sleep. So I was a bit rummy when I was writing. I meant Dustin, not David, but the extreme heat and lack of sleep-addled brain had me nearly on my feet asleep. Or in this case on my rearend. I’m so embarrassed about that. Oh well. In all honesty, I’d probably tell Dustin that cause I’m very honest and then he’d tell me why I was wrong and tell me what I should save my pennies for. :)
Comment by Scott R | 10.8.2011 | 11:24 pm
Saw your second run split post… I’m guessing it is insanely hard to even walk at this point.
We’re rooting for you.
Go Dustin.
Comment by The Quix | 10.8.2011 | 11:58 pm
Dustin, you will do this.
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.9.2011 | 12:43 am
Just found this great interview in Lava magazine about Dustin for this event:
http://lavamagazine.com/features/rocking-chairs-and-saying-%e2%80%9cf-you%e2%80%9d-to-cancer/#axzz1ZpivVyRr
Drumming fingers waiting for the next split time. Maybe another hour if he’s walking?
KEEP GOING Dustin!
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.9.2011 | 3:44 am
HE DID IT!
Curst you Fatty for all the fabulous causes you suck us into. :-)
Comment by Wheels | 10.9.2011 | 3:52 am
I just went to Ironman.com to check on the few racers I “know” before heading off to work this morning. I didn’t see updates on Dustin’s page for the past few hours so turned on the livefeed video to see if the race had finished and at that very moment #1556 crossed the finish line looking strong! Congratulations, Dustin!
Comment by Nurse Betsy | 10.9.2011 | 4:04 am
Congrats to Dustin! You did it. I stayed up and watched you cross the finish line. You are amazing.
Comment by Mark in Ottawa | 10.9.2011 | 5:58 am
Congrats Dustin! You did it. My wife and I were checking in on your update page every few hours hoping to see good news for splits, etc. We’re thrilled that you finished! What an accomplishment.
Congrats again…and remember to take it a bit easy for a while!
Mark (in Ottawa,Canada)
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.9.2011 | 10:37 am
Fatty not only are you awesome, like The Noodle says of Levi, you are also EVIL.
Apparently Wife#1 was not the only one who stayed up watching the live feed. I, alas, went to bed…with the cat. Nurse Betsy, I hope you have a partner who understands you…or a cat. Wife #1 complained around 12 midnight West Coast Time that the problem with the live feed was you could not DVR it. Though I’m pretty sure she would not have.
Dustin, it goes without saying that all the Fatty Nation is proud of you and your promise kept. Way to go!!!!
Comment by eclecticdeb | 10.9.2011 | 10:48 am
Wow, just WOW. I’m super-impressed that Dustin finished — what an achievement. Cancer sucks (took my Mom from us) — I’m glad to see that there are so many out there doing what they can to give it their middle finger.
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.9.2011 | 8:40 pm
Congratulations to Dustin! I had no doubt. People who are associated with Elden always pull off amazing feats. You are an IRONMAN!
Comment by Nurse Betsy | 10.10.2011 | 1:05 am
davidh-marin,ca, I have done 9 sprint Tri’s over the last several years and get so excited about them. I can’t even read about Tri’s before going to bed as I would just be up all night, heart pounding with excitement. So it was no hardship to stay up. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep anyway. I started watching the live feed at 9am and only took one break for about an hour. Finally fell asleep at 3am.
So proud of Dustin. Don’t think I could do an Ironman, but would love to be one of the volunteers at Kona some day. Tri’s are just amazing. Okay, have to stop now before I get to excited. Have an early morning tomorrow.
Woo Hoo for Dustin!!!!!!!!
Comment by Christina | 10.10.2011 | 10:08 am
On Saturday, as we were traveling to a wedding, I pulled out my phone and exclaimed, “I need to check how my guy is doing!” I then had to explain what was going on, as my husband was concerned I had “a guy” who was doing the Kona Ironman. We are so proud of you and cheered for you on Saturday!
Comment by melicious | 10.10.2011 | 11:45 am
Congrats, Dustin! You did it! You finished! Michelle is smiling on you to be sure. Be proud!
And yes, cancer sucks.
Comment by The Quix | 10.10.2011 | 9:04 pm
Come on people, we’re so close! I’m in for another 100!
Comment by skippy | 10.10.2011 | 11:05 pm
Just knew there was a reason you left the ” Weight loss to June chart” for us all to see ! Back to 13th May weight after flying the ” pond ” and next comp. is going to be a ” Lose 10lb”!
Last thursday was the last chance for the Zillertal Hohenstrasser and i came home at 78kg . With heavy rain and snow above 600m , very little chance to ride the last days , just an hour here and there between down pours . Lunchtime today hovering at 80kg and no chance i can join a weight loss campaign even if i stop eating chocs and icecream after dinner .
Someone please advise where the instructions for the Plus 3 program is as i need to find a way to dump the 20k kms for the season . Hate to see the charity miss out on that benefit so whoever loads the detail can claim the credit !
Just saw that WWPinc was in UK with Help4Heroes / Soldiers Ride the past 10 days ! Guess some of those guys will be there next year for the ” Para Games “!
Darren congrats on an amazing effort !
Comment by Red UGG Boots | 10.11.2011 | 9:11 am
Hey nice post i have ever seen.Keep blogging and sharing new ideas
Comment by BrewCityChris | 10.11.2011 | 11:45 am
Awesome Job Dustin!
Only a couple hundred more to get to the goal. Keep fighting and doing good work like this, Michele is very proud of you!
Fatty, thanks for bringing attention to stories like this so we can help people like Dustin …… FCancerUp!