Hi, Dr. Gupta, My name is Rickey Williams. I am a High School Teacher in South Los Angeles. I have worked with some amazing students over the past twelve years. Their lives inspire me. They overcome so much in their lives. They take risks everyday just stepping outside their door to come to school. Over the past years I have allowed my weight to get out of control. Sometimes I wake up so disappointed with what I’ve allowed to happen. Still, I know that I am not facing near as much as many of my students do everyday. I have TWO REASONS for wanting to take this challenge.  First, I want to use the triathlon as a marker to work towards to get back in shape.  Also, after I complete this triathlon I want to let my students know that it was their strength, their perseverence and their comittment to changing their lives that inspired me to change mine. Thanks for creating this opportunity for us and I look forward to hearing from you.