I started racing triathlons in the year 2010. At the time, I was a bit overweight, and hadn't really done any long distance events. My swimming was attrocious, I probably finished at the back of my pack. Biking was okay, and the run was nothing to be excited about. When it was done, I was a bit disappointed with my results. I couldn't quit with that, so I moved on to do more triathlons. I narrowly missed qualifying for the USA National Championships at the regional qualifier later in the year, but my wife did make it. Seeing the excitement at the championship race as a spectator ensured I was going to keep going so I could qualify.

In 2011, I finally got my first podium finish at a race in Lake Lopez California. It was 3rd out of 8, but it was still a podium finish. I kept improving through the year with many good finishes, and also got my first two olympic distance triathlons in. Sprint distance is definitely my ideal distance though, and in August off I went to the National Championship race in Burlington to try and qualify for the World Championship race in 2012. It was hot, humid, and hilly, and I threw my bike chain right at the start of the race. The top 18 qualified for sure, I got 21st - if only I hadn't had the chain come off. After a little breath holding, I finally got the information that I qualified for the World Championships in New Zealand for the sprint distance due to a roll down. Not my ideal way of making it, but I was in.

On my first training ride of 2012, I got to thinking about what would make the world championship race extra special. Sure it'd be fun, but getting a medal for my efforts isn't truly exciting. What if I could make this about more than just the race? Then the idea hit me, there are numerous charity drives where people will get matching sponsors and then do a walk, a bike ride, etc. So I decided I was going to dedicate my training year and eventual world championship race towards raising money for charity. Get first at worlds, and get a medal - yeah that's nice. Get first at worlds, ask for the microphone and say "I just raised $XXXX for charity!" - it practically brings a tear to my eye just to think how cool that would be.

The year 2012 marks my first year of racing for charity. I intend to continue my drive as long as I am entered in the world championship race for the year. I have chosen Heinzerling Foundation as my charity. They have graciously allowed me the use of their logo, and I'm going to put it on my jersey and my wetsuit so everyone can see who I'm racing for. I will keep track of my races and results for each year on a separate page, as well as give the details of my own donation amounts. I am not an official charity website; if you wish to match my donations, you simply have to go to the Heinzerling Foundation Donate Now page and make a donation. I would love to hear about anyone making a donation, especially if you've chosen to do it ahead of my race. I'll be taking the extra weight off my body while training this year; I would love to have the extra weight of matching donation money on my shoulders to push me on. The ideal way to let me know is to contact me via email at mtb@MikeBurtRaceForCharity.org.