Ed Giese

I draw inspiration nearly every day and from a variety of sources. In all honesty, it does not take much for me to fill out a donation form or to solicit funds that I feel are going towards a good cause. I do not want to cheapen my devotion to my primary charities but I hope that all of the money raised over the years have worked to further the goals of which they were intended.

I would like to begin a new wave of "fundraising" by replacing the act of blindly typing in credit card numbers, to a donation and solicitation of hands on time working charitably.

I feel hypocritical because my life is at the peak of "hectic". While I fundraise via events such as golf tournaments, races, and obstacle courses, my time is spent not truly supporting those who I wish to benefit most.

While racing, reminiscing about all of your supporters is invaluable, especially halfway through your run at a half ironman. But reminding oneself about those whom you are truly benefiting is a feeling that far exceeds your generous friends and family.

My goal for 2015 is to be a more hands on volunteering more of my time and I hope that you think to do the same.

It is hard to ask for money for every race. That is why I am hoping that a donation of time will be more achievable as well as worthwhile.

Completed Events to Date:

Placed 6th at the Rock Run Relay with four of my best friends.

Made it 26 of the 48 miles attempting to solo the Rock Run (unfinished business).

Completed a variety of 10k off-road races.

The Annapolis Half Marathon.

The Rock and Roll Half Marathon.

The Army 10-Miler.

The Seagull Century.

Three Tough Mudders.

Two Bike to the Beach Events.

Four Sprint Triathlons.

Two Olympic Triathlons.

Two Half Ironman.

Two Marine Corps Marathons.

I also couldn't have finished many of these events if not for my family and friends along with their gracious fundraising support of the various charities that I chose along the way:

Autism Speaks

Operation Homefront

The Wounded Warrior Project

iPads for Soldiers

Homes for Our Troops

I have come an extremely long way in 29 short years, Swimming, biking and running is not easy for me, yet I am eager to continue what I have started.