Tri Like an Angel - Interview with Chris Ray
Chris and Addie Ray are the father-daughter duo in Tennessee bringing awareness to Angelman Syndrome through triathlon. Among other things, here Chris discusses how they got started in tri, their 2017 season, and what's next.
Thanks for the time, Chris!
Anyone that raced on the Endurance Sports Management circuit this year knows the name Addie Ray. You two are an inspiration to many people in the community. How did you and Addie get involved in triathlon?
My wife, Michelle, actually got it all started. She became interested in endurance running in 2014 and ran several half marathons. She wanted to share her experience with Addie, so she found a group that races with disabled individuals based in Atlanta. They were doing Peter's Free Wheelin 5k in Dalton in the Spring of 2015 so Michelle pushed Addie through her first race. Addie loved it!
She laughed and giggled and cheered the whole race. I wasn't even interested in racing at that time. It wasn't until the Summer of 2015 that I became interested in racing and triathlon. I had earned a President's Club trip to Kona though my work and Michelle had the opportunity to run on part of the IM World Championship run course. I think that fueled her interest in triathlon. Michelle said that she wanted to do an Ironman 70.3 race so I volunteered to train and race with her. As I was training we both remembered how much Addie enjoyed racing so she and I teamed up with the same group in Atlanta and Addie and I did the ConnectAbility 10k in Dahlonega, GA and another running race or two that fall. A few months later we started wondering if Addie would enjoy racing triathlons. Michelle created a Go Fund Me page and got to work gathering donations so we could afford to purchase a Hoyt Racing Stroller. We thought this could be a great way to race, but also a great way to get the whole family out and active. We were blessed and able to raise enough money. My first triathlon with Addie was the Sportsbarn Sprint in August of 2016. We didn't have a raft yet, so I did the swim alone and then picked up Addie for the bike and run portion. She loved it just like we thought she would! We attempted the Sunbelt Cohutta Spings Triathlon later that year, but had a mishap on mile 2 of the bike which cut our race short that day. The complete rig handles differently than a lone bike, so that was a good learning experience for us with only a few minor scraps and bruises. A good friend, DeAnna McCurdy (Parent to an Angelman child & Xterra Racer) introduced us to Kevin and Charlotte Mahan and the Mahan's were more than happy to help us race in ESM events this year. They have truly been a tremendous blessing! Please check out ESM races at: http://www.endurancesportsmanagement.com/
Angelman Syndrome affects about 1 in 12,000-20,000 people, according to the National Association for Rare Disorders, so oftentimes people have not heard of it. Can you tell us a little more about the disorder?
Angelman Syndrome (often abbreviated AS) is a severe neurological disorder characterized by profound developmental delays, problems with motor coordination (ataxia) and balance, and epilepsy. Individuals with AS do not develop functional speech. The seizure disorder in individuals with Angelman Syndrome can be difficult to treat. Feeding disorders in infancy are common, and some persist throughout childhood. Sleeping difficulties are commonly noted in individuals with Angelman Syndrome. AS affects all races and both genders equally. Individuals with Angelman Syndrome tend to have a happy demeanor, characterized by frequent laughing, smiling and excitability. Many individuals with Angelman Syndrome are attracted to water and take great pleasure in activities like swimming and bathing. People living with AS require life-long care, intense therapies to help develop functional skills and improve their quality of life, and close medical supervision often involving multiple medical interventions. Angelman Syndrome may be misdiagnosed since other syndromes have similar characteristics. (source: www.cureangelman.org)
If people want to donate or find out more information, what is the best way to do that?
We race in support of the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (F.A.S.T.) www.cureangelman.org
We have set up a fund raising page: https://cure-angelman-now.everydayhero.com/us/addie-ray-racing-tri-like-an-angel
Or Checks may be mailed to:
Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
PO Box 608
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0608
In the memo section please write:
Addie Ray Racing OR Chris & Michelle Ray
Summarize your 2017 season - what were some of the highlights and lowlights?
To summarize the 2017 season I can use one word... "BUSY". Addie and I raced in 4 triathlons. We did a 5k and the HotLanta Half Marathon. I raced in 5 triathlons solo including the Chattanooga 70.3 Ironman in May. I'd say a true high point for us was the Summer Solstice Sprint hosted by ESM. The Summer Solstice is a similar course to the Hammer Sprint with a longer swim. Addie and I completed the Summer Solstice in less time than it took us to complete the Hammer Sprint.
2017 has been such a great year it's hard to find a true low point, but on our way back from the Frantic Frog in Scottsboro Addie's Hoyt stroller was caught by a crosswind and blown out of the back of my truck. I had it latched so that certainly reduced the potential damage, but it did sustain damage. We were wondering if we were going to be able to race again in 2017 and we had one at least more race planned together. It was the Sunbelt Cohutta Springs race and we desperately wanted another chance at this race.
What is Addie’s favorite part of the race?
The swim. Most certainly the swim is her favorite. People with AS love water. Addie loves swimming at the lake or in a pool. She loves taking a shower or bath. She loves the water so much so that we have to have someone ride with her in the raft to keep her from jumping in!
Can you give us an example of a “normal” training week for you and Addie? Do you do a lot of training on your own or is it all together?
Actually, because of time constraints, most training is done by myself. I work full time, Michelle runs a successful business, and we have 3 other children so our days are pretty crammed. I typically
get a workout in during the morning before work or during my lunch break or both. We try to do runs or bike rides on the weekend together as a family. Addie and I need to train together much more on the bike. The bike is the toughest part.
If you and Addie could participate in any race in the World, not just triathlon, what would it be?
I have two races that really interest me. The IM World Championships in Kona of course and the Big Sur Marathon.
Where can we expect to see you and Addie racing in 2018?
Definitely look for us at ESM open water triathlons. We are currently trying to plan the 2018 season so I can update when we have a better handle on that.
Thanks for the time, Chris!
Anyone that raced on the Endurance Sports Management circuit this year knows the name Addie Ray. You two are an inspiration to many people in the community. How did you and Addie get involved in triathlon?
My wife, Michelle, actually got it all started. She became interested in endurance running in 2014 and ran several half marathons. She wanted to share her experience with Addie, so she found a group that races with disabled individuals based in Atlanta. They were doing Peter's Free Wheelin 5k in Dalton in the Spring of 2015 so Michelle pushed Addie through her first race. Addie loved it!
Angelman Syndrome affects about 1 in 12,000-20,000 people, according to the National Association for Rare Disorders, so oftentimes people have not heard of it. Can you tell us a little more about the disorder?
Angelman Syndrome (often abbreviated AS) is a severe neurological disorder characterized by profound developmental delays, problems with motor coordination (ataxia) and balance, and epilepsy. Individuals with AS do not develop functional speech. The seizure disorder in individuals with Angelman Syndrome can be difficult to treat. Feeding disorders in infancy are common, and some persist throughout childhood. Sleeping difficulties are commonly noted in individuals with Angelman Syndrome. AS affects all races and both genders equally. Individuals with Angelman Syndrome tend to have a happy demeanor, characterized by frequent laughing, smiling and excitability. Many individuals with Angelman Syndrome are attracted to water and take great pleasure in activities like swimming and bathing. People living with AS require life-long care, intense therapies to help develop functional skills and improve their quality of life, and close medical supervision often involving multiple medical interventions. Angelman Syndrome may be misdiagnosed since other syndromes have similar characteristics. (source: www.cureangelman.org)
If people want to donate or find out more information, what is the best way to do that?
We race in support of the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (F.A.S.T.) www.cureangelman.org
We have set up a fund raising page: https://cure-angelman-now.everydayhero.com/us/addie-ray-racing-tri-like-an-angel
Or Checks may be mailed to:
Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics
PO Box 608
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0608
In the memo section please write:
Addie Ray Racing OR Chris & Michelle Ray
Summarize your 2017 season - what were some of the highlights and lowlights?
To summarize the 2017 season I can use one word... "BUSY". Addie and I raced in 4 triathlons. We did a 5k and the HotLanta Half Marathon. I raced in 5 triathlons solo including the Chattanooga 70.3 Ironman in May. I'd say a true high point for us was the Summer Solstice Sprint hosted by ESM. The Summer Solstice is a similar course to the Hammer Sprint with a longer swim. Addie and I completed the Summer Solstice in less time than it took us to complete the Hammer Sprint.
What is Addie’s favorite part of the race?
The swim. Most certainly the swim is her favorite. People with AS love water. Addie loves swimming at the lake or in a pool. She loves taking a shower or bath. She loves the water so much so that we have to have someone ride with her in the raft to keep her from jumping in!
Can you give us an example of a “normal” training week for you and Addie? Do you do a lot of training on your own or is it all together?
get a workout in during the morning before work or during my lunch break or both. We try to do runs or bike rides on the weekend together as a family. Addie and I need to train together much more on the bike. The bike is the toughest part.
If you and Addie could participate in any race in the World, not just triathlon, what would it be?
I have two races that really interest me. The IM World Championships in Kona of course and the Big Sur Marathon.
Where can we expect to see you and Addie racing in 2018?
Definitely look for us at ESM open water triathlons. We are currently trying to plan the 2018 season so I can update when we have a better handle on that.
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