This post is rated Ironman.

For those of us who race Ironman, “Fireman Rob” has become a household name. I wanted to use this post to honor Robert Verhelst for all that he has done for the sport of triathlon.

This past week, I had the tremendous pleasure of speaking with Fireman Rob. About a year ago, I was in the audience to hear one of his talks. From the time I first heard him speak, I knew he was a guy that I wanted to know. Rob is an everyday hero. His mission is to inspire others to live their best lives and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

He started competing in triathlons in 2005 and in July of 2011, started the journey of Hope and Inspiration. He has completed 14 Ironman distance triathlons and 6 Half Ironman distance in full firefighter gear (weight 50 lbs). In 2012, Ironman named Fireman Rob a Performance of the Year & HITS Athlete of Year. CAN YOU IMAGINE COMPLETING A FULL IRONMAN DISTANCE TRIATHLON IN 50 POUNDS OF GEAR??

Check this out:

Rob’s primary focus now is on his foundation. He told me that his goal for 2014 is to have 20 teddy bears in 1 children’s hospital in all 50 states. If Rob has moved you like he’s moved me, I wonder if you might consider helping his cause?