On The Road

I have been slacking on writing on this blog and will truly work to do a better job staying on top of this. The last several weeks have been a whirlwind for me with ONLY 5 months left till the horn goes off! I have had the great fortune of chatting with and working side by side with some great people in the business of triathlon and event production. Many of the race directors across the Country have been gracious to take my calls and requests for information. It has been very inspiring to share the story of Half Full Triathlon with so many people and it has been humbling to see the positive response and offers of support for our organization.

I had the pleasure of working the Ochsner New Orleans 70.3 a couple of weeks ago with the crew and staff from Premier Event Management. I cannot say enough great things about how well organized this group is. I am grateful to Bill Burke for welcoming me as part of his team for the week. No better way to learn than to roll up your sleeves and haul barricades for 5 days! Ashley, BMayes, Adam, Bushy, Ted, Volpe, Chip and the rest of the crew were a wealth of knowledge and experience. I have never met a group that size that is so passionate and full of pride about putting on the highest of quality event. No matter what the task or responsibility, all were willing to just do whatever it takes to get it done! It is no secret how they are such a national recognized crew and production! As I told Bill, boy do you know how to throw a party!

With that said we are full steam ahead with the planning and development of Half Full Triathlon. We have secured many sponsors whose generosity will enable us to really put on a high quality event in just our first year. Here is some or our vision…….

· We are going to limit the field to only 1200 this year.

o We believe that the park can hold up to 2500 down the road, but feel it is responsible to cap the field in order to assist in creating an unbelievable experience for the participants and spectators. There will be some surprises that will surely separate this event from others. I am not going to disclose those now, but we have a few things up our sleeves!

· We will be a responsible event

o This simply means that we will take measures to produce an event that is safe, sensitive to the environment and therefore sensitive to your wallets

· We are making an investment

o We are looking to come out of the gate strong and have already made some investments that will allow us to make a statement in year ONE.

· We will CELEBRATE

o Before, During and After, we will celebrate life, health, struggles and community.

· All are invited

o We encourage those to race as individuals, but we also acknowledge that this is a challenging course. You are all welcome to join as relays or you can sign up on www.halffulltri.org/relay_match_new to be introduced to others that want to do specific pieces of the race. NO EXCUSES!

· Cool Swag!

o We have already solidified commitments from some sponsors for some products that are state of the art and just plain cool!

Well I don’t want to spill all the beans, but I will be updating the blog more often. I am off to dinner with a new sponsor.

Live life Half Full!

Brian

Partnership and Recognition

I wanted to write a quick blog today about the value of Partnership. Throughout the recent months there have been so many people who have come to be such great partners with Half Full Triathlon. I will go into detail down the road about many of them, but rest assured, they will be publicly recognized.

Too often the people, the structure behind events are not recognized properly. It is so challenging when you try to thank so many people who have made such a huge impact on an event that you are scared to miss some. BUT, I also think that Half Full Triathlon will be all about the people. We have a saying in the office, "It's about the People!". This rings so true. The passion, the commitment and the FUN! Bringing this all together is one of the biggest goals.

Having fun is what this should be about. I have had many meetings recently that have been inspirational and I wanted to share my thoughts with you all. When you see someone who is volunteering or involved with Half Full Triathlon, Please say thank you to them as they are not only helping the event, they are helping those who are deep in the fight against cancer.

We are in the process of putting something pretty special together for the relay portion of the event. I will uncover more of the details about this. Our goal is to help people who want to do the event, but are unable to do the whole thing. We will work on TRI Matching them with others who are looking for relay partners. They can train together and have a blast together. More to come soon

If you want to be involved with Half Full Triathlon, YOU CAN BE. No Excuses!

Best,
Brian

A Humbling Experience

Hi all. Sorry it has been so long since my last post.

The Holiday's proved busy and we are all re-energized as we head into 2010. T minus 258 days till Half Full Triathlon. Needless to say we are very excited. I wanted to take a minute to share some of the experience I have had with some of our Community, Regional and National partners. We would not be able to make this event happen if it wasn't for the involvement of some very passionate and giving people. Many have stepped up, unprompted to offer whatever assistance they could lend. Needless to say, this is very humbling and encouraging as we look to the support of our community as we build the Half Full Triathlon to a point where we will be noticed and make a statement in the fight against cancer.

The first story I would like to share with you is that of Stoney! He has been kind enough to share a piece of his story and connection to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and Half Full Triathlon. It is said so very well and from the heart. Thanks Stoney!

Why have you chosen to be involved in this event? I did my share of Triathlon back in the 80’s, but when the Half Full Triathlon was announced I know that personally and professionally I had to be involved. Personally, here is an event with the perfect timing, location, focus, and price to fit my exercise and weight loss goals for 2010.
The Half Full Triathlon’s October 3rd date gives me the entire winter, spring, and summer to train and prepare for my first Triathlon in over 20 years.
The Half Full Triathlon’s location allows me to sleep in my own bed, does not require me to travel to the Easter Shore, or spend money on meals or motels to participate.
The Half Full Triathlon is very cost effective. During these tough economic times, $170 is less than many local Sprint or International Distances.
The Half Full Triathlon’s focus on survivorship is a compelling reason. While the Half Full Triathlon obviously needs to make a profit, nothing about the event feels like it is profit driven. Its focus in every communication is the same message: The Cancer Community, and the athletes, friends and family. The lack of a pro field and money prizes remind me of my favorite race, the Marine Corps Marathon, the people’s race.

Professionally the Half Full Triathlon was an event that I knew I had to do everything possible to have my employer develop at partnership with. As a Howard County family-run business, I strongly believe that we should support such events that make sense and I am very proud that my employer Alan Davis, his family, and Princeton Sports are committed to the success of the Half Full Triathlon.

What is your connection to the cancer fight? Growing up, my closest friend’s father had cancer cut out of his body while I was in Grade School and again while I was in High School. Then while I was in college, Ben went into the hospital for some tests and died within a month. As a young adult in the early 70’s I learned that cancer was hidden, and unbeatable. I was shocked when I visited the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults’ web site to learn about the statistics and previous lack of support groups, and can only imagine how my friend’s family could have benefited. Now, my connection is through interactions with Brock, Kelly, Katrina, and you Brian at the UCF. Seeing and experiencing everyone’s professionalism and consistent focus thru the tough times of building UCF is impressive and demands my respect.

Why is COMMUNITY important in this event? The Half Full Triathlon is more that a sporting event, it is the opportunity to represent the “fight back” attitude that appears so relevant and successful in cancer survivorship. Without the “smell” of a profit-driven event, and with the strong message of Community, the Half Full Triathlon can become something bigger. Something that fulfills the needs of the community for cancer victims, survivors, family, and friends to join and rage against the disease on both the primal level of physical competition with one’s self, and the social level of community to express the bright confidence of change and progress to defeat the disease.

What does "Half Full" or optimism mean in your life? “Half Full” & optimism means understanding the challenges, enduring the hard work, believing in yourself, and refusing to allow yourself to accept anything less than success.

What is your personal vision for Half Full Triathlon? I can’t predict where The Half Full Triathlon will be in 5 or 10 years. This first year’s event will set the tone for rest to follow. To me, it is less important to be perfect in 2010 than it is to fulfill the Half Full Triathlon’s mission statement and message of “a 70-mile fight for young adult cancer support.” Clinton got elected on a message of “it’s the economy”, Obama’s message was “Yes, we can” – they got into trouble when they forgot their message. My person vision for the Half Full Tri is an event including a strong message of fighting against cancer.

Regards,

Mike Stone
Princeton Sports

If you are in Columbia, Maryland, stop by Princeton Sports and thank Mike for fighting with us!

Best in Training!

Brian

Why Half Full?

We knew that we needed a catchy name for our Vision, but were not sure what would be the end result. After talking in length with our friends at Butler Bros., we were encouraged that we could find something that would would portray the spirit behind the mission of this event.

This is what we believe:

"Never give up. We believe HALF FULL is having hope and optimism in the face of adversity. Whether it is a 70 Mile triathlon or the fight against cancer, HALF FULL is having the determination and positive attitude to get to your finish line. Surrounded by friends, family and fellow athletes – we are all in this fight together. One Mile at a time, we will finish this race, but more importantly - WIN this cancer battle!"

We want this event to be about the people. To be about the mission. To be about the spirit. To be about the community rallying around this event in order to make a statement. Remember COMMUNITY. I will come back to this many times in the continuing blog posts because I feel that this is probably the most important piece of Half Full.

What can be accomplished if the COMMUNITY comes together to make a statement of support around those who are affected by cancer. Simply put, there are too many that are affected by this disease. The challenge in front of us will be what can be done about it. Or if you were diagnosed, what kind of support will there be to help you fight to the best of your ability?

One definition of Community I think is pretty good is taken from "Group Dynamics and Community Building"

A community is best defined as a group of people who, regardless of the diversity of their backgrounds, have been able to accept and transcend their differences, enabling them to communicate effectively and openly and to work together toward goals identified as being for their common good.

Our hope is to empower those in our Community to take a stand in the cancer fight and bring themselves to accept the "Half Full" challenge as an individual or in a relay. Just get involved. You can do it!

Brian

What are we going to name this thing?

Below is the actual Identity Development Brief that was presented in order to begin discussions and brainstorming with our friends at Butler Bros in Austin, Texas. http://www.thebutlerbros.com The concepts in this document were created on a drive from Denver, Colorado to Aspen, Colorado on speakerphone. The Butler Bros crushed it. Very talented and they blew us away.

Meet Adam and Wilson Butler!



Summary
Develop a name and graphic identity for a long distance triathlon that will raise money and awareness to fight cancer in the young adult population.

Business Background
In October 2010 (Date TBD) the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UCF) will host an Inaugural Long Distance Triathlon to benefit UCF. The purpose of this effort is to use triathlon as a means to raise significant awareness and money to support the local and national fight against cancer. Our goal is to establish a date, name for event, and brand that can be unveiled Mid-May 2009.

Objectives
This event should establish itself as a nationally recognized triathlon helping further the fight against cancer, specifically in the young adult young adult population.

Measurement/Performance
• Sold out inaugural event
• Durable brand identity that can dock with other young adult cancer orgs around the country in the future.

Audience
• A combination of both seasoned triathletes and ordinary people who want to help join the fight against cancer as it manifests in the young adult population.
• Typically triathletes are very focused on their own goals, personal achievements. This is a chance to race for a cause bigger than self. Everyone racing in this tri will be engaged in a competition against cancer.
• Fans of racers should also be considered.

Support
We are the only long distance tri that is focused on raising money and awareness to fight cancer in the young adult population.

Focus
Harness the optimism and competitive spirit of triathletes and young adults to loosen cancers grip on the young adult population.

Tonality & Personality
Defiant, optimistic, competitive.

Other communications
Short messaging platform to go with chosen name and logo and collateral ideas as appropriate.

And then the brainstorming began.

Before it was "Half Full"

This blog will be a compilation of posts in which I will do my best to educate you all as much as possible about why the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults has decided to embark on the Half Full Triathlon initiative. This process started over 18 month ago when Brock Yetso, Executive Director of UCF, were contemplating an event that would make a major statement in the area in the fight against cancer. We had no idea how large this vision would expand. We had no idea that it would be a triathlon. We just simply believed that there had to be a way to engage and empower individuals and the community to come together for an event that would, simply put, be about the Mission! This sounds basic, but actually is a major statement especially in the sport of Triathlon which is built around the individual.

When you break down the process of competing in a triathlon, it is very hard to to alone. When it comes to competing against cancer, that competition is also a team fight. Over the years we have seen many circumstances that have brought individuals, family, friends and community together to assist those battling cancer in the best way that they can. This comes in various forms of support, but nevertheless, the unified team approach has been inspirational. SO, why not build an event that will unite a COMMUNITY and make a statement of support for those affected by this dreaded disease.

In this blog I hope to share with you to the best of my ability the power of community. This triathlon will be different. We have said that from day one, but they way in which people and organizations have stepped in to support the event just plain "GET IT". I will try to articulate this as time goes on because it is truly the foundation of HALF FULL!

Ok- I will give you a brief snapshot of my "story". My name is Brian Satola and I serve as the Assistant Director of UCF and I am also serving as the Race Director for Half Full. What this means is simply that someone had to do it and I said I would. This blog will come mainly from my point of view as I share and try to put these experiences into words, pictures and video. My connection to cancer is my sister Holly. She is my inspiration and the reason I have decided to step into the world of non-profit cancer support. My sis is a multiple time survivor. I lose count every time we talk about it because of the multiple diagnosis's and procedures that came up over the years. She was diagnosed with Childhood Leukemia at 8 years old and again at 37 with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma after the birth of her 3rd child. She had multiple treatments and surgeries and is doing very well as I am writing this.

I will be capturing many of the stories of the others involved in this process to share. I will do my best to keep you entertained in the process. This had been a very educating experience thus far. There are many moving parts these days, but knowing the impact that this event will have on so many lives in plenty of fuel to keep going.

Thanks to all that have been so supportive. I look forward to sharing our story about the making of Half Full Triathlon.

Best to all in the FIGHT!

Brian
Assistant Director, UCF
Race Director, Half Full Triathlon