BY RYAN ORLANDO

Why Blake chose to race for Tuesday’s Children 

Blake’s journey to the Ironman was deeply personal, rooted in resilience, and inspired by tragedy. When he first saw an Ironman ad in 2020, something clicked. He knew then and there he would take on the challenge. The Ironman mantra echoed in his mind: “To accomplish something extraordinary, one must have an extraordinary dream.” That dream took shape through a powerful connection to a cause close to his heart. His friend, Reid Orlando, serves on the Junior Board of Tuesday’s Children, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by tragedy. Witnessing the meaningful work they do inspired Blake to become part of this resilient community. Turning pain into purpose fueled his determination to complete the Ironman.   

What it takes to train for an Ironman and why it was worth it 

Training for an Ironman meant committing to six relentless months of preparation. During this time, Blake often trained alone for 6-7 hours daily. The physical toll was immense, and the mental demands were even greater. Every day required discipline, grit, and the will to keep going, even though no one was around to cheer him on. But through every training session and every grueling mile, there was always a deeper motivation: the mission of Tuesday’s Children and the people they serve. On race day, during the first two miles, Blake had a choice either to wear the Ironman jersey, which was provided, or the Tuesday’s Children tank top. He chose the tank top. For him it wasn’t just gear to wear, but a symbol of the resilience he wanted to channel and a way to tell the story of Tuesday’s Children. Along his journey he was able to tell the story of Tuesday’s Children to fellow athletes. Blake ran not just for himself, but for the name on his chest and the lives behind it.  

“You don’t stop when you’re tired; you stop when you’re done.” That mindset carried him through every hill, mile, cramp, and doubt. Pain, he reminded himself, doesn’t last forever, but purpose does. In moments of struggle, he felt the presence of lost ones, including his grandfather Bill, who recently passed.  In many ways, training was harder than the race itself. Consistency was the hardest part. Getting up every day and training, even when it hurt and felt impossible. In a world where so much is out of our control, he learned to focus on what he could control. He consistently showed up, continued to progress, and upheld Tuesday’s Children’s mission. Less than 1% of the world has completed an Ironman, but for him it wasn’t about that statistic. It was about training with meaning, racing with heart, and crossing the finish line with the strength of many behind him.  

How endurance and healing go hand in hand 

The endurance required to complete an Ironman in many ways mirrors the long and often unseen journey of healing that the families of Tuesday’s Children often face. Just as an Ironman demands months of training, physical sacrifice, and mental toughness, the path toward healing after tragedy is a test of emotional endurance, resilience, and strength. Blake’s journey through grueling miles of swimming, cycling, and running is a reflection of the quiet courage shown by these families, who carry their loss yet move forward with grace. By dedicating his Ironman to this cause, Blake not only honored their strength, but he also became part of their story of resilience.  

The power of community 

While completing an Ironman is a solo feat, Blake’s journey was anything but solitary. From the first donation to the final step across the finish line, it was a reminder that strength is often drawn from the people around us. Blake raised over $4,000 thanks to the incredible generosity of donors who believed in both his mission and Tuesday’s Children. However, their support wasn’t just financial; it was emotional fuel that carried him through the most grueling parts of the Ironman. Before the starting horn sounded, Blake embraced his dad, Erich—a small but powerful moment that grounded him and gave him the strength to begin. Throughout the race, the impact of human connection became even more clear. Struggling at one point along his bike ride, Blake contemplated giving up. However, in that moment Blake received help from a complete stranger who pointed him to a nearby aid station. This was a small act that made a big difference, and after receiving the help he needed, Blake kept pushing. At mile 50, completely by chance, he caught up with the same man and was able to say thank you. The man, surprised and energized to see Blake had made it, shouted back, “I can’t believe that’s you right now; let’s go!” It was a moment of shared grit and motivation between two people who had become part of each other’s community. Blake’s Ironman was not just about physical endurance; it was a testament to the power of community. Just like the families of Tuesday’s Children who lean on each other to navigate the long road of healing, Blake leaned on a network of donors, friends, family, and even strangers to cross his own finish line. In both cases, it’s clear we’re stronger as a community.  

Gratitude for Blake!

Thank you, Blake, for your incredible dedication and strength in completing Ironman for a cause greater than yourself. Your determination and grit have not only carried you across the finish line but also made a meaningful impact, raising over $4,000 to support a cause that matters deeply. What you’ve accomplished is inspiring. Thank you for being an example of what one person can achieve with heart, purpose, and perseverance.