Alright, real talk—I'm terrified of swimming alone in the ocean. Like, why are there no lane lines and why does everything in there have teeth?! But here I am, training for my first Olympic-length triathlon at Zuma Beach. Why? Because I’ve wanted to do this for years, and after life kept getting in the way, I’ve decided this is my year.

I completed two sprint triathlons in 2018, followed by the LA Marathon in 2019. Since then, between COVID, personal heartbreak, and just... life, the dream of tackling a longer triathlon had to wait. But now, at 45 years young (almost), with two of my kids graduating high school, one adulting in college, and my 10-year-old keeping me on my toes, I’m more determined than ever to show them—and myself—that anything is possible with hard work and training. My partner, Kyn, has proven this by crushing his fitness goals in just three months. Now, it’s my turn.

The best part? I’m not just doing this for me. I’m racing to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps individuals with physical disabilities stay active and keep chasing their own dreams. Their resilience is beyond inspiring, and I’m honored to raise money to help them get access to the equipment, training, and opportunities they need.

And let’s be honest—by raising these funds, I also get to take part in weekly group swims with the event organizers, which means I don’t have to face the open ocean alone (safety in numbers, right?!).

So here’s where you come in: I need your help. Whether it’s a donation, words of encouragement, or just reminding me that sharks don’t actually want to eat me (I think? Better to give them other victims to choose from), your support means the world.

Let’s turn challenges into triumphs—together! Donate today and help change lives! 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Thank you!

Tati