More Swimming!!!

Well, as I sit here and write I am getting over the flu bug. I never really get the flu and this was only a 36 hour event, but I hated every minute of it. Body aches and fever are not what an athlete wants; sitting around not working out are miserable times for me. But sometimes the body just needs a break and so it is what it is. As you know I have been the volunteer assistant coach for the Lady Vols swimming and diving team and last week we were in Alabama for SEC Championships. I have been a runner my whole life and to understand swimming and see these athletes perform was amazing. These were some of the best swimmers in the world, and our own Lady Vols made a splash. I have been a part of this team, seen them grow into amazing women and to see them come together to have one of the best meets in Lady Vol history was an honor. I witnessed a senior swim one of the fastest 200 times in history and then witnessed a freshman swim like she was a senior. This team performed one great race after another and I was just honored to be a part of what they did. I learned a lot from these women, they dug deep and as swimming has been my most difficult, I will remember this past week and take it with me as I move ever so close to my race season. Thanks Lady Vols!!! You have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for letting me be a part of your life this past year. Dream Big!!!

Support Letter

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
-Mary Anne Radmacher

It is a dream that stirs in me long before I ever realized it was so. I have wanted to compete for the United States of America, in something...anything. I have been a runner for many years. I ran in middle school, high school, and then on to college, where I ran for the University of Tennessee. After college, I did what society expects from every graduate...I got a JOB. I am fortunate that it came with many great opportunities.

All this time there has been a voice inside me that keeps saying, “There is so much more for you out there and you must accomplish it”. My vision now is to compete on the 2012 Olympic Team. After just my second year of competing in triathlons all over the world, I realize this has become an absolute possibility. I have worked hard to finance my training, and my competitions. I am blessed to have such a supportive network of family and friends. However, I have reached a point that requires me to invest more heavily in my triathlon training in order to achieve the next level of excellence. To ensure that I am on track for the 2012 Olympic Team, I need the ability to train full time and travel to numerous higher-level competitions.

In addition to the everyday living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, food), there is also the cost of my competitive sport. This consists of coaches, travel, and entry fees, along with training gear. I anticipate that it will take $3000 to $4000 a month to cover all of these expenses. Ironically, the time I need to spend training in order to excel in my triathlon takes away from the time I will need to have available to pay for my extensive training. However, I will continue training and coaching those in the community who are also trying to fulfill their own dreams.

I am writing to ask for your support in one of two ways. First, I am asking you to consider offering your direct monetary support to sponsor me in my path to the 2012 Olympic Games. Such a contribution may be a potential investment opportunity or tax deduction. A second option in offering your support is to consider a corporate sponsorship, either through the business you are affiliated with or through someone you know that might have an interest. This may be either a local or nationally based company. Top athletes are typically funded through such sponsorships. The corporation would provide a stipend and/or equipment to assist with living expenses and training needs. In return, I would coordinate with the business to support and advertise their product or service through my competitions, networking, and travel.

My dream is possible. With a lot of determination and dedication on my part I will make my dream come true. In doing so, I know that I could not be where I am today without the people who believe in me and offer their support. This dream will take a team effort and I ask that you join me and become a part of this team. I would be honored and extremely grateful for any and all the support that you can give me. Please email or call to find out more information on this opportunity.

Dream Big.

Eric Bell
ericryanbell@aol.com

Can We Please Get Some Warm Weather?!?!

Well, last weekend was great weather and I rode 3 hours and then ran 5 miles off the bike, but dang was it windy. But, then this week we had highs in the 30s, would just like it if say 65-70 all the time oh, wait that's southern California, ummm. Then on Sunday ran 13, I got a chance to be apart of something cool, Dan Holbrook, an estate attorney in town, is a client of mine and Sunday the 10th was his birthday and so for his 60th birthday he decides to run 60 miles, heck why not right? I thought he was crazy but he is amazing, and so I ran and part of my run was on the UT track with Dan while he was running 60, way to go Dan. This week has been another good week in the pool with UT assistant swim coach Jen Arndt, she hasn't been swimming much but was an All-American at Michigan and get is and still kicks my butt, but hey that's what I want it I expect to get better. Andrew Huck, who is my soul mate, and I have been working hard to try to get some gear and have a bike jersey made with a number of logos on it, if you interested in putting yours on let me know ASAP. Andrew and I have got lots of dreams we share together and without someone like him in my corner, I don't know if I could do this. Thanks wingman! I struggle a lot with this journey, for I also have a business that I could grow and do a few things with, like open a gym, but the more I concentrate on what I want which is to train full-time the more I come alive and so it is imperative that I stay focused on what I want and not on a bunch of "what ifs" for in life there are times when looking fear straight in the face is really the best teacher one can have. Till we meet again. Dream Big!

Always Dream Big!!!!

Well, if you are here, you have received my letter and I appreciate more than you will ever know the consideration you are taking on whether or not to help me follow and live my dreams!! Training is going well, did a great swim workout on tues...30x100 on the 1:30 last year during the season I was going 1:12 for like 15 and then 1:20 for the last 15, this week the first 10 were 1:13, second 10 were 1:11, and the last 10, I went 1:07 (by the way I don't do flip turns). Swimming is my weak link to success and with help from the UT Lady Vols, for I have been the volunteer assistant coach this year, and Matt, the head coach has been helping me, the water has become a place that I actually am starting to enjoy. More to come every few days, This will be a resource for those who want to follow me, you can come to this site and check in every few days or weeks or just as you please. First Race is April 20 in Alabama at the Talent Id 2012 Race, 80 Under 29 Guys and Gals are invited and this will be the first race to start looking at the Talent for 2012, I can't wait.....Talk with you soon....Remember to always Dream Big!!!