Diane Miller, Indianapolis, IN

What is your proposed G Movement athletic challenge?

My current athletic challenge is to compete in the Nation's Triathlon in Washington, DC on September, 12, 2010. This year I have been involved in many races including walking the Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon, Indianapolis Sprint Triathlon, and running the Chicago Half- Marathon. At the end of each race I realized how much I enjoyed the challenge and wanted something more. Before May 2009, I never ran more than 2 miles in my life and now I can say 13. The next challenge I wanted to be something big and just outside my fitness level. I know that's possible and with a year to train, I believe that I can complete my goal.

Triathlons I find are very hard to train for because it’s so hard to be “perfect” in each category. So my challenge within the year is to increase my endurance level. The sprint triathlon was very hard for me with the very little experience I had with open water swimming. I realized after that I need to find an individual that can help me be more comfortable and efficient in the water. I also found it difficult to run the last 3 miles because I hadn’t spent enough time on my brick workouts. This time around, I know what needs to be done and know that its working on combining workouts that is important.

I have always wanted to be an athlete and really feel that I have accomplished my goal. Now it’s on to bigger and better things and hopefully in a few years I will be competing in a half Ironman.

Why do you think it is important to bring attention to the issues of global hunger? Why were you motivated to participate in G Movement?

Within the past few years I have realized just how lucky we are in the United States--having everything at our finger tips and seeing how our population has become more overweight. I myself have had weight issues and since May have lost 20 lbs. Since I started to watch my food intake, I realized how much I was eating myself. Locally I would see more and more hungry homeless individuals and realized that its a bigger problem than I thought it was. Having never been overseas I don't know from experience but have heard from friends who have seen first hand the hunger problems with less privileged countries. I have participated in many food drives this year and always donate canned food when possible. I know that I cannot do much as an individual but knowing that I can make a small difference makes me feel good.

How would a $2,000 grant enable you to complete your challenge?

If I had the opportunity to win the grant money, it would do a few things.

First, I would hire someone to help me improve my swimming techniques. Helping me increase my speed but also help me feel more comfortable in the water. That was the biggest challenge I faced and know there is more I can do.

The second thing I would do is put money down for a new bike. This summer I used a mountain bike for the bike portion of the race. It worked great for the first race but I know that people passed me because they had a better, more equipped bike. Having a small income from my full time job, I cannot afford to buy a decent road or triathlon bike.

Lastly, triathlon gear is very expensive and I need to purchase a wetsuit. September weather in DC can be tricky to predict but the cold water of the Potomac River can make a long swim tough.

I understand that all of these items are really wants and not needs, but to feel I fit in with the best in the nation, I will need to save up money and train the best way that I possibly can.

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