I'm Still Here, Self Supported Endurance Event for Suicide Prevention

This "self supported" event is inspired by Danielle Moore with the intention of building awareness for suicide prevention.  Participants may partake in a Virtual 70.3 distance triathlon (or any distance), or may simply make a donation.

"Heroism is endurance for one moment more" - a note from Danielle

On July 6, 2019, my family was rear-ended by a texting driver, turning the life I had been building for myself entirely upside down. I sustained my third concussion, losing the ability to live my life in the ways I wanted to. I was let go from my job, I did one third of my Master's program with brain fog and in a lot of pain, and the newest hobby in my life, triathlon, felt further away than ever. Having lost my college swim career to concussions, I knew that this time, I had to do something different. 

And I did. Over the past 3 years, my life has changed entirely for the better because of how I responded to that concussion. I began sharing my story on Instagram, and started connecting with people who are now some of my closest friends. I'm in the best shape of my life, and I've never been happier. This took me a long time to attain, but I would not be on this path had that car crash not happened. 

However, it hasn't always been easy. I struggle with clinical major depression, and last summer, attempted suicide. One of the aforementioned Instagram friends was the one who drove me to the hospital, made sure I got help, and ultimately saved my life. I put the work in at a partial hospitalization program and have truly built the skills to sustain a better life. After making that recovery, I deferred my registration for my first half Ironman (a triathlon consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run) and worked towards that dream with some anxiety but a lot of hope and vigor. Unfortunately, that day didn't go as planned and I was pulled off the bike course due to sudden illness. 

Before I started, my friend Jillian told me "no matter how this goes, you've come so far. A year and a half ago, you couldn't get out of bed". 

It's not the finish line that mattered- it was that. I now want to finish those miles surrounded by the community who has helped me so much and has helped me realize that it's WHO YOU ARE and HOW YOU RESPOND over WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED. 

~Danielle

This event will have two different options: a 70.3 in a day/week (please log 70.3 miles- preferably 1.2 mile swim/56 mile bike/13.1 mile run) and an Open Classic (participate via any workout[s] in solidarity of the cause). Signups will be completed via "Group Event" and "Complete From Anywhere". 

Location: 1400 S Trooper Rd, Norristown, PA 19403 for the BIKE and RUN/FINISH or VIRTUAL (complete from anywhere)

COURSES
Swim course - Swimmer's choice of location for 1.2 mile swim, or other location
1400 S. Trooper Rd, Norristown, PA for the bike/run portion.
Recommended Bike course, 56 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41128960
Recommended Run course, 13.1 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41128853 
***NOTE: There will be no traffic control, and some portions of these courses may be on open roads where you'll have to yield to traffic.  It is not an officially timed event and no results will be tabulated/posted.

In Person Notes:
There will be a sign in/sign out sheet at the BIKE/RUN area. Please sign in and out, as this is how we can track where folks are and everyone is safe
Buddy system: We would prefer that no one ride or run alone- first, this is not as much a race as it is a community endurance event, and second, so that if anything happens that there's someone to assist. You can pick a person or there will be coordination for similar paced groups to go together for the bike & run.

Virtual: Any course you want! Complete this event with one workout or several, dig deep or take a step back. 

Volunteers: Volunteers needed for the sign in/out table, aid stations, photographers, and possible other support.

Cost: $30 for in person and $15 for virtual, plus Bonfire link for shirts (optional)

This event is more about sharing community and spreading the message that things DO GET BETTER and that movement is supposed to be about FUN and for ourselves- not what a race clock or a fitness watch says. 

Awards: Thanks to event sponsors, there will be a variety of awards given out to those who use this opportunity to bring about inclusion and support, as well as a few "funny" ones. These are being finalized and will be shared when they are!

Thank you to supporting partners so far- The Feed, Run*Tri*Bike, Girl with a Garage, French Creek Racing/Schuylkill Tri Club, Speedo USA

SHARE your photos, videos, and stories with the hashtag #imstillhere22

Facebook Group to connect & share: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1277418029687942