TAKE THE "LADYBUG" PLEDGE!
#Ladybug Project info:  http://www.4starendurance.com/ladybug
#Ladybug Pledge: http://tinyurl.com/ladybug-signup
#Ladybug Strava Group (for swim meetups): https://www.strava.com/clubs/landsharksladybugs
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JOIN US & SWIM SAFER!
Open water swimming is one of the most awesome and fun experiences you can have!  But unfortunately for some it's an intimidating roadblock of getting into the sport of open water swimming and triathlon.  So to celebrate my 100th outdoor triathlon finish milestone in 2019, I decided to inspire 100 new triathletes to get into the sport of triathlon.  So please join me in taking the "TRY A TRI" pledge to do a triathlon, practice safe open water swimming, and then inspire someone else to get into the sport!  You have the power to inspire a positive life-changing experience to someone new by simply "passing it forward" with a free gift and a friendly #TriFive (high-five) to create a future triathlete!  So take the pledge to inspire and empower someone new with a no-strings-attached free #Ladybug swim buoy!

Basically, I am starting this thing off by buying at least 100 swim buoys - one for every triathlon I've done (and continue to do) in hopes that each one will inspire a future triathlete!  So for every triathlon I finish, I hope to buoy another buoy and pass it along to others in hopes they will eventually land in the hands of a new triathlete (or open water swimmer) down the road.  Swim buoys are designed for open water swimmers to be visible and safe while swimming in open water... something that is a great way to help new open water swimmers build confidence and feel safe!  So enjoy a free swim buoy and become a #SwimSafe #SwimChi #LadybugSwimmer with us!
Ladybug Swims at Ohio Street Beach!
OPEN TO ANYONE!
So if you're willing to join me in this fun new tradition that is open to anyone and everyone, I simply ask that you join me by signing the pledge below and to practice basic open water swim safety principles of:

 1) VISIBILITY - Always be visible when swimming for distance in open water (bright swim camp / buoy), and  

 2) CAMARADERIE - Always swim with others around/aware for safety & accountability (buddy system) , and

 3) SPORTSMANSHIP - Always look out for and be supportive of others in open water (good sportsmanship)!

THE "TRY A TRI" PLEDGE
It's simple: I'll give you a swim buoy that you can use for up to 1 year and then you have to "pass it forward" to someone else.  Sign your buoy and make the person you give it to sign it with a sharpie as well... add names as the "good luck charm" passes on from person to person!  Hopefully these 100 buoys will eventually help someone who needs to build more confidence in open water... and maybe help inspire a new triathlete too!  Eventually I hope these will recruit 100 new triathletes and start a fun new tradition of melting away the intimidation of open water swimming to inspire even more triathletes!  I simply ask that you sign your name on the buoy (with a sharpie) so that each person who receives it can see who else it has helped along the way.  You can also write fun mantras, destinations, triathlon club names, etc... have fun with it!   Then give someone a HIGH "TRI" FIVE to make them smile and promise to pass it along to someone else within another year!

Fill out the form below and I'll try to keep in touch with every #LadybugSwimmer we inspire together!  

DON'T HAVE A BUOY YET?
Even if you didn't get a buoy from me yet, fill this form out to let me know you want one - and then pick up your buoy from me at an upcoming open water swim or training event (typically at Ohio Street Beach in Chicago)!  You can join our STRAVA GROUP to keep tabs on future meetups & events at https://www.strava.com/clubs/landsharksladybugs
THE ANNUAL LADYBUG SWIM
#SwimChi CHICAGO #LadyBugSwimmers
Every so often, we'll try to unite all triathletes and swimmers across the Chicagoland with semi-annual "Ladybug Swims" where we'll unite and swim together with our buoys (many colored like ladybugs) to promote open water swim safety in a silly and fun way!  These swims will typically occur on both MEMORIAL DAY and LABOR DAY to celebrate the beginning and and of the official open water swim season in Chicago (when lifeguards are on duty), and sometimes on special seasonal days like the first and last day of summer.  Provide your email address and we'll keep you in the loop of these swims!

THE INSPIRATION:  KATIEBUG
For those of you who knew Katie Cinquegrani, she was the ultimate friend, sherpa, and supporter to our family of triathletes at TriMonster, a local triathlon club in Chicago.  She wasn't a triathlete herself, but she was always our sherpa! She always surprised people with random acts of kindness and support when they always seemed to need it most.  Even if you were a complete stranger, she had a special way of befriending and supporting you in her usual friendly way.  This new tradition is our way to continue to pass along a little #KatieLove with a new #LadybugLove tradition to spread a little triathlon love to someone in need!  The day I announced that I wanted to do this crazy Ladybug idea, an actual ladybug landed on me as I entered the water up at Foster Ave beach... perhaps a little sign of Katie's spirit joining us in support!  And then 2 years later, as beaches reopened post COVID lockdown, an entire family of ladybugs settled in at Ohio Street Beach!  So if you ever spot one down there, you know the #KatieBug #Ladybug spirit is a little good luck charm looking over you!
The inspiration:  The #KatieLove KatieBug LadyBug!
Swim with us all over Chicago... from Ohio St. Beach to Foster Ave and beyond!
YOUR NAME *
YOUR EMAIL
Optional - so we can notify you about future "Ladybug" swims!
ARE YOU SIGNED UP FOR A TRIATHLON?
HOW DO YOU KNOW COACH CHRIS?
How did you hear about this or how have you met Coach Chris?
SHARE A STORY OR SWIM TIP....
Did we do a race together?  Do you have a funny memory, story, or tips I've helped pass along to you?  Or do you have your own open water swimming tip you'd like to pass along to others?
WHAT'S YOUR LADYBUG NUMBER?  Need a BUOY?  Have a QUESTION or COMMENT?
If you received a swim buoy from us, what was your LADYBUG SWIMMER NUMBER?  Leave blank if you don't know your number... but feel free to add anything if you want us to follow up regarding anything? Do you want to attend an event and receive a free swim buoy?
I realize open water swim buoys are intended for increasing visibility in open water, but they are not life-saving devices.  I pledge to always practice good open water swim safety including the principles of VISIBILITY, CAMARADERIE, and GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP! *
COVID-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT *
COVID-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WAIVER - By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 while participating in endurance sports workouts, events or other approved activities (collectively, the “Activities”), and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the at the Activities may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, 4 STAR ENDURANCE LLC, LANDSHARK TRIATHLON CLUB, LAKESHORE SPORT & FITNESS (LSF), CHICAGO TRI CLUB (CTC), TEAM TO END AIDS (T2), AIDS FOUNDATION CHICAGO (AFC), CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT (CPD), USA TRIATHLON (USAT), and U.S. MASTERS SWIMMING, INC. (USMS) and their respective employees, volunteers, and program participants and their families (the “RELEASED PARTIES”). I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to me (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I, may experience or incur in connection with my attendance at any of the Activities (“Claims”).I agree that if I have a fever, cough, feel short of breath or am experiencing any other symptoms or have knowingly been exposed to a communicable disease such as COVID-19 or have traveled to or from a highly impacted area, I will not attend any of the Activities for at least two weeks after exposure or symptoms have subsided or I have returned from a highly impacted area. In addition, if I discover I have been exposed to a suspected or positive case of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19, I will notify the coach or club administrator immediately. On my behalf, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless the RELEASED PARTIES and their employees, agents, and representatives, of and from the Claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. I understand and agree that this release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of the RELEASED PARTIES and their employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any Activities. In addition, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all costs, expenses, damages, claims, lawsuits, judgements, losses and/or liabilities (including attorneys’ fees) arising either directly or indirectly from or related to any and all claims made by or against any of the Release Parties due to bodily injury, death, loss of use, monetary loss or any other injury from or related to the Activities whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise. By signing below, I acknowledge and represent that I have read the foregoing waiver of liability, understand it and sign it voluntarily as my own free act, including the release of liability and indemnification requirements contained in this document. I agree that this agreement shall be enforced as fully as possible and that any unenforceable provisions shall be deemed modified to the limited extent to permit enforcement.
GENERAL WAIVER, HEALTH WARRANTY, and RELEASE OF CLAIMS *
GENERAL WAIVER, HEALTH WARRANTY, and RELEASE OF CLAIMS - WARNING: READ CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDES A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF LEGAL RIGHTS AND DEPRIVES YOU OF THE RIGHT TO SUE 4 STAR ENDURANCE LLC AND OTHER RELEASED PARTIES. DO NOT SIGN THIS AGREEMENT UNLESS YOU HAVE READ IT IN ITS ENTIRETY. SEEK THE ADVICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF ITS EFFECT.WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENTIN CONSIDERATION of RELEASED PARTIES allowing me to participate in any endurance sports related training or race events (the "Event" or "Events"), I, for myself, and on behalf of my spouse, children, parents, guardians, heirs and next of kin, and any legal and personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby agree to and make the following contractual representations pursuant to this Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement (this "Agreement").1. Physical Health. I hereby represent that (i) I am in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in the Event; and (ii) I am not under the influence of alcohol or any illicit or prescription drugs, and will not be under any such influence at the time of the Event, which would in any way impair my ability to safely participate in the Event. I also agree, represent and warrant that I will not participate in any Event if I (i) experience symptoms of COVID-19, including, without limitation, fever, cough or shortness of breath, or (ii) have a suspected or diagnosed/confirmed case of COVID-19. I agree that it is my sole responsibility to determine whether I am sufficiently fit and healthy enough to participate in the Event.2. Compliance with Codes, Policies and Procedures of USAT. I hereby represent that I have read and agree to strictly comply with the USAT Code of Conduct and all other USAT Policies and Procedures applicable to me, including but not limited to the policies of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, found at https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/USAT-for-Me/Athlete-Resources .3. Assumption of Risk. I understand and acknowledge the physical and mental rigors associated with triathlon, duathlon, or other endurance and multi-sports events, and realize that running, bicycling, swimming and other portions of such Events are inherently dangerous and represent an extreme test of a person’s physical and mental limits. I understand that participation involves risks and dangers which include, without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, sickness and disease (including but not limited to communicable disease), permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life; loss of or damage to equipment/property; exposure to extreme conditions and circumstances; accidents, contact or collision with other participants, spectators, vehicles or other natural or manmade objects; dangers arising from adverse weather conditions; imperfect course conditions; water, road and surface hazards; equipment failure; inadequate safety measures; participants of varying skill levels; situations beyond the immediate control of the Event Organizers; and other undefined risks and dangers which may not be readily foreseeable or are presently unknown, including any unknown claims under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code (collectively, "Risks"). I understand that these Risks may be caused in whole or in part by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Event, or the acts, inaction or negligence of the RELEASED PARTIES as defined, and I hereby expressly and voluntarily choose to assume all such Risks and responsibility for any damages, liabilities, losses or expenses which I incur as a result of my participation in the Event.4. COVID-19 ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I acknowledge and understand that the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and spreads mainly from person-to-person contact. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. There have been recommended guidelines and preventative measures put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the RELEASED PARTIES (as defined) CANNOT GUARANTEE that I will not become exposed to or infected with COVID-19. Furthermore, the Events could increase my risk of contracting COVID-19. By signing this Agreement, I acknowledge the extremely contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected with COVID-19 from the Events, and that such exposure or infection may involve the RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS, PERMANENT DISABILITY AND/OR DEATH. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected with COVID-19 by my participation in the Events may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of others and/or myself, including, but not limited to, the RELEASED PARTIES (as defined). I hereby expressly assume all such risks and dangers whether presently known or unknown.5. Consent to Medical Care. I hereby consent to treatment in the event of an emergency or other incident in which, in the reasonable judgment of on-site and other personnel, I require medical care. I further agree to pay all costs associated with such medical care and to indemnify and hold harmless the RELEASED PARTIES (as defined) from any costs or claims arising from such medical care.6. Compliance with Event Rules and Regulations. I agree to be familiar with and to abide by the Rules and Regulations established for the Event, including but not limited to the Competitive Rules adopted by USAT and the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods of Doping adopted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. I understand and agree that the International Triathlon Union (the "ITU") Anti-Doping Rules and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency ("USADA") Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing ("USADA Protocol") and all other policies and rules adopted by the ITU, USADA, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (the "USOPC") apply to me and that it is my responsibility to comply with those rules. I agree to submit to drug testing at any time and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable anti-doping rules would make me subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. If it is determined that I may have committed a doping violation, I agree to submit to the results management authority and processes of USADA, including arbitration under the USADA protocol, or to the results management authority of the ITU and/or my national federation, if applicable, or referred by USADA. I also accept sole responsibility for my own conduct and actions while participating in the Event, and the condition and adequacy of my equipment.7. Release from Liability. I hereby Release, Waive and Covenant Not to Sue, and further agree to Indemnify, Defend and Hold Harmless the RELEASED PARTIES including: 4 STAR ENDURANCE LLC ("4STAR"), the ITU, USAT, the Event Owners, Organizers and Promoters, Race Directors, other participants in the sanctioned event, Sponsors, Advertisers, Host Cities, USOPC, Local Organizing Committees, Venues and Property Owners upon which the Event takes place, Law Enforcement Agencies and other Public Entities providing support for the Event, and each of their respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, officers, directors, partners, shareholders, members, agents, employees and volunteers (individually and collectively, the "RELEASED PARTIES" or "Event Organizers"), with respect to any liability, claim(s), demand(s), cause(s) of action, damage(s), loss or expense (including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) of any kind or nature ("Liability") which may arise out of, result from, or relate to (i) my participation in the Event, and/or (ii) any INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH (including but not limited to INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH RESULTING FROM COVID-19) arising out of or related to the Event, and, with respect to (i) and (ii), including claims for Liability caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the RELEASED PARTIES. I further agree that if, despite this Agreement, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim for Liability against any of the RELEASED PARTIES, I will indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the RELEASED PARTIES from any such Liability which any may be incurred as the result of such claim.8. Authorization to Collect and Use Data. While participating in the Event, I may provide to Event Organizers information such as my name, contact information, age, gender and other demographic, physical, physiological or identifying characteristics specifically requested from me. My participation in the Event is voluntary. By participating in the Event, and giving such data to the Event Organizers, I hereby grant the Event Organizers, or any of them, permission to collect, capture, record and store the data, and grant to each of the Event Organizers a license to use the data for any purposes whatsoever.9. Arbitration. In the event of a dispute between me and any of the RELEASED PARTIES, such dispute shall be settled by arbitration. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties, and judgment upon the award rendered pursuant to such arbitration may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. I hereby warrant that I have read this Agreement carefully, understand its terms and conditions, acknowledge that I will be giving up substantial legal rights by signing it (including the rights of the minor, my spouse, children, parents, guardians, heirs and next of kin, and any legal and personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns), acknowledge that I have signed this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without any inducement, assurance or guarantee, and intend for my signature to serve as confirmation of my complete and unconditional acceptance of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement represents the complete understanding between the parties regarding these issues and no oral representations, statements or inducements have been made apart from this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this Agreement and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. IF PARTICIPANT IS A MINOR, PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST READ AND SIGNI am the parent or legal guardian of the above-named participant, and I agree that the participant may take part in the Event. On behalf of the participant, I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (1) agree to all of the terms of this Agreement, and (2) authorize USAT or any of its designees to arrange or any necessary medical treatment for the participant. I also, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, estate, insurers, successors and assigns, hereby fully and forever release and discharge the RELEASED PARTIES (as defined) from any and all claims or causes of action that I may have for damages for personal or bodily injury, disability, death, loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from the negligence of any or all of the RELEASED PARTIES, or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
MEDIA - PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE (in case we take photos) *
MEDIA - PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE - We value your privacy! Please make note that events and programs may include the participation in occasional recorded photography and/or video, but you may opt out and request deletion of any digital products at any time. I hereby grant RELEASED PARTIES permission to photograph or videotape during programs and use my likeness including any and all of its publications, including web entries, without payment or any other consideration. I understand and agree that these materials will become the property of 4 STAR ENDURANCE LLC and will not be returned, but I may opt out or request a digital copy and deletion from materials at any time. I hereby irrevocably authorize 4 STAR ENDURANCE LLC to edit, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute my likeliness for purposes of publicizing training programs, but I may request deletion at any time. In addition, I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of my likeness. I have read this release before signing and I fully understand the contents, meaning, and impact of this release.
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