Can a sportswriter conquer a triathlon - eight times?

In 2007, I pledged to do 7 triathlons. After all, I was promoting my seventh book - Core Performance Endurance - and I was 37 for most of the year. I completed just three triathlons, though I finished eight mutli-sport events, counting duathlons, biathlons, and relays.

This year, I plan to do 8 triathlons. I'll be 38 for most of the year and promoting my eighth book: Core Performance Golf. That book has little to do with endurance training, of course, but writing and promoting a book I've learned is an endurance event in itself.

If you’d like to join me on this quest, please drop me a line. It can be something as simple as inviting me to a swim, workout, ride, or run. Words of encouragement are always appreciated. And if you want to join the challenge, all are welcome. Be sure to check out my schedule below and my 888 Challenge Blog HERE. Hope to see you out there!

The 888 Challenge is Presented by:

PETE's 2008 "888" CHALLENGE SCHEDULE

(All races Tampa Bay area unless noted)

Sunday, February 17 - Chilly Willy Duathlon

9th male, 35-39, 10 minutes faster than 2007!

Saturday, April 12 - Escape from Ft. DeSoto Triathlon

Finished!

Sunday, May 4 - JFS 5K, Virginia Beach, Va.

Winner, 30-39 male, 3rd overall

Saturday, May 10 - Muddy Buddy, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Top Third, 76-85 male (combined age) Team PeteMoss

Sunday, June 1 - Madeira Beach Triathlon

Finished!

Saturday, June 7 - Spring into Summer 5K

Fourth male, 35-39, 20:45 time (best in 20-plus years)

Sunday, June 8 - Dunedin Triathlon

Finished! (top half of male 35-to-39 field, 9th in run)

Saturday, June 14 - Sunrise Beach Biathlon

Third in male relay

Sunday, July 6 - Run Thru Hell 5K

Third male, 35-39

Sunday, July 13 - Morton Plant Mease Triathlon

Saturday, August 2 - Top Gun Triathlon

Saturday, August 9 - Tarpon Springs Triathlon

Saturday, August 23 - Bare Hare Triathlon, Reidsville, NC

Saturday, August 30 - Crystal River Sprint Triathlon

Sunday, September 21 - Sand Key Triathlon

Saturday, October 25 - Suncoast Triathlon

Thursday, November 27 - Times Turkey Trot 10K

Saturday, December 6 - Safety Harbor Duathlon

PETE's TOP 2007 FINISHES

Safety Harbor Duathlon (12/8/07) - 4th male, 35-39, 16th overall

Run Through the Jungle 5K (11/24/07) - 3rd male, 35-39, 13th

Strangeman's Beach Biathlon (10/6/07) - 3rd in male relay

Fall Classic 5K/Al Lopez Park (9/30/07) - 3rd male, 35-39

Tarpon Springs Triathlon (9/8/07) - 16th male, 35-39, first triathlon!

Palm Harbor Duathlon (7/7/07) - 5th male, 35-39

I Love Father's Day 5K (6/17/07) - 4th, father/son baby jogger

Sunset Biathlon (6/15/07) - 3rd in male/female relay

Lake Como 5K (5/6/07) - 4th male, 35-39

Paradise Lakes Cotton Tail 5K (4/21/07) - 3rd male, 35-39

St. Pete Beach Classic 5K/10K (1/13/07) - 5th male, 35-39

PETE's TOP 2006 FINISHES

Say No to Drugs 5K (12/16/06) - 2nd male, 35-39, 36th overall

Safety Harbor Duathlon (12/2/06) - 6th male, 35-39, 40th overall

U.Va. Reunion Stumblefoot 2-miler (6/3/06) - Class of 1991 winner

Lake Como 5K (5/7/06) - 3rd male, 35-39