I don't swim, run, or cycle. And I certainly never wanted to compete in triathlons. But that's about to change...

In the summer of '11, I'm going to compete in my first sprint triathlon to raise money so people can have clean drinking water.

It's going to require training (currently underway - I am running 5 miles twice a week, hitting the pool, and taking spin classes at the gym; as well as training with the best trainer ever - Tommy McCracken!), determination, endurance, strength and a whole lot of moral support. Honestly, I'm not all that sure I can handle it.

But when I think of the millions of women and children who have to walk miles each day to retrieve water for their families, I think of how most of that hard-earned water isn't even clean and can infect people with deadly diseases. I think about how 45,000 people die each day from waterborne illnesses.

So, yeah... I'll swim, cycle, and run in my first sprint tri. I can do it. But I need your help.

My goal is to raise $5000 for water projects. Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to water projects, and each donation is "proved" using Google Earth when projects are complete. You can pledge per mile, you can give a lump sum when I complete my sprint triathlon, or you can just donate whatever and whenever you want in the next several months.

I've never done anything like this before. And I promise to do it without complaining. After all, I'll have fresh water to keep me going. That's more than millions around the world can ask for.

I'm telling you so far in advance so you can partner with me in advance. Maybe you can give up one latte a week? Or eating out a couple times a month? Sacrifice with me and let's make a HUGE difference together!

Please join me in helping them.

BTW... These campaigns can only be held for 3 months. I will be restarting the campaign at the end of each quarter until I finish my sprint triathlon.