This was the first year for the race, and it seemed to go extremely well. Aside from the official summertime heat, the post-race fun was unstoppable! Twenty-five percent of the participants were first-timers, which speaks volumes concerning the growth of the sport. This is DEFINITELY an incredible way for us to reach out to others for Christ.

The FCA-E tent got a lot of action, and not just for the shade! Many people stopped by to visit and inquire about the team gear, and we had at least one person sign up. Praise God for making His name famous through something as simple as the clothing we wear!

On top of the beautiful weather, the smoothness of the race, and the fellowship we had with many of the athletes, the Lord blessed all of our teammates with a strong finish. 

Quay Scott — 17th overall
Joe Dannelly — 1st Clydesdales
Ashley Austin — 2nd AG

Monica Wright had her first tri ever and did extremely well, while Bob and their son Jake manned the FCA-E tent. Brock Bailey also came out to volunteer during the race, bringing some expert volunteers along with him.

We’re officially halfway through the SCTS, and the racing has been a great success. As we enter into the last half of the series, we should pause to remember why FCA-E exists. God is the reason,  triathlons are simply the means by which we are able to witness to and fellowship with others. Yes, the racing is an incredible experience, but if we put too much focus on that, we take focus off of Him.

Next in the series is Tri the Pee Dee in Florence (Joe and I won’t attend as we’ll be on our HONEYMOON!!), and after that is the Greenville sprint August 16. We’re looking for as many volunteers as we can get, at least 10 for both Greenville and Hickory Knob on Oct. 17.

Happy Summer! I hope everyone is enjoying the extra time to train with the increase in daylight right now. Hope to see everyone out racing and volunteering soon!

“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”  — Acts 5:38-39 (NIV)

~Ashley Austin

This Saturday, April 18th, is the 2nd Annual Zebras Do Exist 5K in Spartanburg, SC. We’ve mentioned it in several previous emails. We’re hoping for a great turnout and representation from the SC and NC Huddles.

All of the information about the charity, as well as race location, maps, details, etc. are located on the website. This is a fantastic charity for a family much in need. Our fellow teammate in SC created this race last year and it has gone gangbusters. This is a great opportunity for us to come out in force as FCA-E, as the body of Christ, and to support a great cause. (Oh, and there’s $1,000 prize money if anyone would like to go out and place in the top 5…)

The online registration closes at noon on Thursday, April 16th. Race-day registration will close at 8:45. If you are not wanting or able to run or walk, SPONSOR someone and challenge them to run FAST! (Email/call your Huddle leader for details.) You can also volunteer or just cheer everyone on and support the cause (which Charlotte’s Huddle leader will be doing with children in tow).

So bring your thoughts, suggestions, and appetite. $4 at the door – Pizza will be provided.

If you can make it, shoot clay an email so we’ll have an idea of how much pizza to order and how much room we’ll need.

Hope to see you there.

FCA Endurance cordially invites you to gain practical knowledge and training in how to use your athletic passion to introduce your friends to Jesus Christ.  This evangelism training retreat is  hosted by athletes and tailored specifically for athletes, so you and your family will not only learn valuable skills, but also have plenty of time to work out and play!

The Gold Medal Rate has been extended until 1 January 2009, so sign up now!  Click HERE for more information and to register.  You can also register on-line at active.com.

There is also a new event, the Go Tri Sports Triathlon at Greenville.

First up. The Anderson Midnight Flight
1 mile, 5k, and 10k. The Clemson Area guys are heading up the FCAE presence there. Check out the website for more information and registration.

Second. Laurens County YMCA Sprint Tri
Clay from our very own upstate huddle is racing at this one bright and early Saturday morning.

Third. Joe’s morning group ride/brick. Saturday Aug 30th
Per Slick and Donna’s request for some of the best riding roads in SC (I might be a little biased), I’m leading a group ride around the North Greenville countryside. Email me if you’d like to join. No one will be left behind. The ride is followed by a five mile run.

Fourth. USA Cycling Professional Individual Time Trial Championship August 30
The National championships are back! The time trials changed location but should still be just as exciting.

Fifth. Stars and Stripes Challenge Sunday August 31
Ride the same course that the pros ride later in the day. All proceeds benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Sixth. USA Cycling Professional Road Race Championship Sunday August 31
The big boys are coming out to play in the National road race championship. This route travels all around downtown and makes three laps up Paris Mountain. Volunteers are in big demand so let us know if you’d like to get involved. Last year volunteers got a t-shirt and lunch, not to mention a front row seat for the race.

FCA Endurance is going to have a booth set up in the expo area of downtown during the Road Race. Come by and hang out!

That’s all for now.

However, if you want to know when something new happens via email click here. There’s also a link on the left hand side of the page.

Let me be the first to welcome you to the Upstate Endurance FCA huddle. As a new huddle we’re still learning and growing. Figuring out the process of reaching others through endurance sports. We’re thrilled about being part of this ministry and cannot wait to see how God uses us to influence not only those in the Upstate of South Carolina but everyone we come in contact with. If you’re a little unsure of who we are check here. Take some time to look around on the National Endurance FCA webpage and see how God is already using this ministy to do some incredible things and reach some incredible people.

If you’re interested in joining and becoming a teammate, check here or email one of the huddle leaders on the left to get things started. If you join, be sure to mention that you want someone from your area to contact you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all. We’ll be glad to help in any way that we can.

Bookmark this site because it’s sure to start gathering momentum.

In Him,
Joe Dannelly