Season 1 Racing

About

Season 1 Racing began in December of 2009 as a personal mission. After watching the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, I was inspired by the people that were new to the sport but so passionate about it. I was also surprised by the few professional athletes that exhibited the same enthusiasm for the sport as the beginners, contrasted against those for whom it was clearly mainly a job. I was reminded of my childhood, and “more simple times” when sports drew me in and provided so much happiness.

I took away from those television programs in December 2009 a mission – Do an Ironman. As I started to train, I found the same passion and excitement I had seen in all those other athletes both for the sport, and for helping charities. The training itself felt so amazing, I consciously thought – I hope I can maintain this feeling, this drive, this love like it was brand new to me forever.

From that, the Season 1 Racing name was born – Season 1 Racing is about having a passion for the sport as if it was brand new. The excitement and newness, enthusiasm and joy of competition and camaraderie that sport provides.
Season 1 Racing – How it was refined
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In April 2010 I completed my first triathlon – Ironman 70.3 New Orleans… and I was hooked.

I loved competing… not against others, but against myself. I also loved being involved with a charity, and raising money for them. I found that my passion for helping was starting to spread, and it felt good. I also cherished the time I spent with my parents… Not in 5 years had I spent so much time with them. It was really a happy moment in my life.

I signed up for several other races that week, including a race in Hawaii in June.

In May 2010, shortly before my race in Hawaii, I got horrible news – My dad had been diagnosed with cancer, and they were canceling their trip to Hawaii to watch me race. I was devastated and was going to cancel my race to support my parents.

The week before I was supposed to leave, I got a call from my Dad – He told me he had decided on surgery for his cancer, scheduled it for the week after the race, and told me that as long as he and my mom were ‘around’, they would follow me anywhere to watch me race.
Season 1 Racing – How it is growing
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I completed my race in June, and after surgery, my dad recovered well.

I realized shortly after his surgery, that Season 1 Racing was not yet complete… While I was inspiring others and helping charity, I needed to change direction slightly.

In a couple discussions with my personal trainer and friend Steve, I realized that this was the perfect time to refocus and race for a cancer charity.

The one thing my dad didn’t need during his bout with cancer was support and advice from others that had experienced it. It is hard to say that it’s “lucky”, but only because my dad knew people that had been through it, was he able to cope well with the uncertainty and fear. This was not the experience of Steve and his family… There had been a vacuum in his ordeal as a child, and not having someone that had been through it to talk to paid a toll on him and his parents.

From that moment it was settled – I would find a charity that fulfilled that need that my dad was lucky enough not to need. One that for so many would make a huge difference in their ordeal.

For 2011, I arranged to race for Cancer Hope Network. With their logo on the racing uniform, and new people inspired by the cause, and their own desire to transform their life and that of others for the better, I enter 2011 with a team of people to race for a cause…

Season 1 Racing is growing, and I welcome anyone who wants to participate. Whether it’s just wearing a jacket or a visor in support of what we’re doing, or buy walking a 5K and soliciting donations for the cause -

Ultimately, I have discovered that the biggest change we make by improving ourselves through sport, is the inspiration we create for others to do the same. I hope to see you in 2011, racing for Season 1.

Rusty Carter
To join us or support the cause, please contact us via Facebook…

http://www.facebook.com/Season1Racing