The Road to Kona - Where Iron(Wo)man started

Hi

My name is Reveka. This is my story of a dream come true and that "Anything really is Possible!"

My life is testament to that affirmation. I am a single mum of two amazing earth angels. Sofia, 8 years old and Theo 10.

The ask is to help make my dream of competing at Ironman Kona, Hawaii come true.

My triathlon journey began in 2008 in a "small town" called New York City. Some of you may have heard of it. After an evening of celebration with my then marathon fundraising team. our mentor decided to convince the team to try their first Tri. The distance was a small 1.9km, 90km bike and 21km bike. Well, that was the beginning of an obsession and a hobby born out of passion combined with fundraising for a cause near and dear to my heart - Leukemia and Lymphoma. in the US you may have heard of Team in Training. We are a bonded community of souls dedicated to our cause. I soon bridged this community with the Asphalt Triathlon Club of NYC. another community of talented athletes.

After completing my first tri (the 70.3 distance) I went on to complete my first full distance Ironman in Lake Placid. a distance of 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run. That was in 2011 before my son was born. Eleven years later I was to complete my second Ironman on the gruelling Port Macquarie course in Australia. In between life consisted of multiple rounds of IVF, a miscarriage of twins, relocation back to my home country and a divorce. So, let’s say, a few obstacles were faced along this road. Triathlon kept me "sane", focused, energised and strong. It was my calm amongst the chaos. Triathlon connected me to communities and people who inspired me to keep going no matter what. Triathlon became my pilgrimage. and it remains the same today.

On 7th of May in 2023 I completed my 3rd Ironman event and 2nd in Port Macquarie, Australia. The swim was a cool 3.8km, the bike course was different this year as it became 2000m of elevation for the first 140km part of 180km ride. I set on the run that evening after 7.5 hours in the saddle. It was after 5pm and the winds picked up. it was a long road ahead to complete the 42.2 distance which included dark winding paths and narrow bridges. I finished in 15 hours and 32 min. 18th in my age group. Unbeknownst to me, I made a place to what has always been a dream - to compete at the Ironman Kona, Hawaii! This year it will be a different kind of pilgrimage. AS it is a women only event. This one is for the Goddesses! Needless to say, the island Goddess Pele is calling her team to her home ground.

The trip is expensive for a single mum working 5 days a week. So, I ask for your help with getting me there. any amount of spare change will be welcomed.

In return, my prayers will be sent to you as I endure the heat and headwinds and send you healing energy.

My heartfelt thanks and blessings to you always.

In Gratitude

Reveka