A message from Jennifer Beals
I have just a few more days of training before my first Olympic-distance triathlon on September 1st (gulp), and I want to thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of support around the race and my fundraising efforts. Even if you're not able to make a donation, the encouraging comments you've shared
here on OurChart are more helpful than you can even imagine.
Training has been, among other things, an extraordinary exercise in time management. Finding time to run, bike and swim between long days on set and spending time with my family is sometimes challenging. For example, we had a photo shoot for the sixth season poster the other day. My call time was 9:00 am and I knew the photo shoot would last all day. I talked my friend Alexandra Hedison (Dylan) into a 7:30 am ocean swim—in the rain—promising her adventure and the feeling of "virtue" after such a chilling endeavor. We had a blast! Just us, the seals, the crabs and the starfish. Yesterday's training was my most intense yet. I was on my bike at the crack of dawn, pedaled for 40k, ran for 8k, hit the gym, ran another 4k and then did some core work. But, I’m taking it day-by-day, buoyed up by the promise that I’ve made to all of you and to these three incredible charities to cross the finish line.
We’ve updated the donation page with tallies to date as shown below and will continue to do so. Thanks to your generous giving, we’re just dollars short of the $5,000 goal for the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and well on our way to meeting this mark for the I Live Here Foundation and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. With your continued support, I know we can do it.
If you haven't yet, you can read more
here about the work being done by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the I Live Here Foundation, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation and consider making a donation.
I'll see you back here next week to fill you in on contribution totals and follow up on my race experience—I am loathe to call it a race. I will be "racing" only my psyche, and hopefully the only things we as a group will be "conquering" are hate, disease and neglect.
-Jennifer
PS: Did I mention I'm terrified?
PPS: Please say a collective prayer that I don't drown. The ocean is somehow just not the same as the pool—who forgot to paint black lines on the ocean floor?
To read Jennifer's first message about this fundraising effort, click here.
Donate to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Now
Donate to Matthew Shepard Foundation Now
Donate to I Live Here Foundation Now
215 Comments
Good luck on Monday
I think it's great that you're doing this. I threw a few bones to the I Live Here Foundation on your behalf. I wish I could have contributed to all 3 worthy causes but I just ordered my Obama yard sign and swag (THAT will piss off the neighbors!) and donated to the Dems!
Get your Bette on and knock 'em dead!
Good Luck!!!
I think to be a good human being is about touching lives positively......in every little way we can........and you are touching lives in such a big way.....I don't know if you are aware of how much !!!!
My thoughts will be with you on Monday!
Good luck, good luck and
Good luck, good luck and some more good luck!
I think it's really fantastic what you are doing, not only for the 3 charities you're supporting but for yourself too.
Don't forget to enjoy the experience :)
Good luck!
So Jennifer, participating in a triathlon terrifies you, yet standing up on stage in front of a bunch of people belting out a very comprehensive list of orgasmic moans doesn't faze you? Lol, personally I'd go for the triathlon any day, if only open water swimming didn't freak me out, ever since I got my leg slashed by a stingray's barb several years ago! Luckily for you I don't think they have stingrays in Vancouver so you should be safe, and I don't think the starfish, seals and crabs would bite ;-) Wishing you the very best of luck on Monday. Your training schedule sounds awesome. Hope it goes well for you and thanks for the inspiration. And get well soon Pablo :-) You go girl, we're with you all the way!!!
You're INCREDIABLE!!!
Jennifer:
I am rolling out of bed daily at 2 a.m. to work-out and am at work by 4:30 a.m.; it hasn't been in VAIN. You give me STRENGTH! Thank You! My LOVE, THOUGHTS & PRAYERS are with you not only on Monday but, ALWAYS! I have no doubt you will do FANTASTICALLY WELL!
It is "psyche" - BELIEVE! ROCK-ON!
CycloneMS1
Vaya Con Dios....
and he will carry you.
Go JB!! Listen to the crowd...
Clap Clap Clap Clap!!
WE ARE ALL CHEERING FOR YOU!!
**************************************************
"Laurel is patient and kind and free-spirited"
Jennifer Beals
"If Jennifer is passionate about something, it comes to the surface within seconds"- Laurel Holloman
Tibette Forever!
You are a hero!
Jennifer never in my life have i've been so inspired in a 48 hour period, from listening to the overwhelming speech given by Obama to reading your blog about your journey towards completing your triathalon. Your sacrifice of mind, body and soul all for the sake of helping others is inspiring. Your embodiment of community is the most authentic sense of that word. You transcend bounderies not only through your work, but in your personal life, which exemplifies the type of person we should all want to be because you don't have to do any of it. You could pick up your check and that be the end of it, but you CHOOSE to carry on your back the issues of those marginalized, and less fortunate with out the need for recognition. You truely are a beautiful person. Your inner strength and conviction will ultimately not only be the thing that gets you through the triathlon, but also through life's adversities. All your fans will be there in spirit as you cross the finish line. Thank you again for what you choose to do. You are my hero.
Thank you for regularly
Thank you for regularly being willing to push your own limits in order to further a good cause. It inspires the rest of us to try to do the same. Best of luck Monday morning.
Both Alexandra and you are
Both Alexandra and you are so loved and prayed for!
You're too cool for school! lol
You'll do great! And don't worry about drowning...there should be lifeguards on duty :D GOOD LUCK!!


Thank you so much.
Long Live Tibette!
Jennifer, I have sent my contribution in and want to thank you for your contribution to these great causes. As you can see from all these messages, you are greatly admired for the integrity you exhibit in your life, as we are allowed some small glimpse into it, and for the integrity you infuse into the character of Bette, that many of us identify with, and have come to love. On a purely superficial note, its hard to imagine you could look any better or more fit. But, in the interest of science, we will be looking at you a bit more closely in those love scenes with Laurel that we know are coming, to see if this rigorous training could possibly improve on that perfection. I am sure this attention makes you slightly uneasy, but just be assured that you are promoting a very positive sense of community by your willingness to put yourself out here and be a part of it. As someone else said, Flashdance was nice, but this is now. Wow is this now.
Ganbatte!
Dear Jennifer,
I have been deeply touched by your courage and love for other people. Next Monday in Japan, I will pray for your safe adventure (may be I should do that on Tuesday due to the time difference??) Good luck.
Jennifer Thats Not Funny!!!
Now I'm gonna worry all weekend I grew up by the ocean and never went past my ankles I still won't!! I can't run but I can ride a bike forever so i'll be pedaling with you.
P.S. now I'm terrified!
P.s.s Your The Best Jennifer Good Luck!
i mailed my donation today (feels good)
i'll say a prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!
j
GOOD LUCK!!!
Oh my gosh,
Good Luck JB..You are very brave. Me personally, I would not swim in the ocean, but im glad that we have people in america that will. And its for a good cause anyway. But I hope that everything goes ok!
Wish you the best!!
-Love, Alisha
Harriet said it best
If you are tired, keep going.
If you are scared, keep going.
If you are hungry, keep going.
If you want to taste freedom, keep going.
Good Luck JB
I'll be thinking of you.
Swimming in the ocean is quite hard. Your my heroine.
I usually enjoy my "swims" in the ocean on a boogie board riding the waves with the kids. Anyway good luck and be careful.
We love ya, and we'll support you.
StormyOne
Geez
Thanks JB, now I don't have an excuse for not exercising anymore! Lol. I will definitely have to fit in some hardcore training in between school and work.
Anyway, OMG how can you do all of that in one day? HOW? That doesn't seem possible. It just blows my mind. You're such a well rounded person. I'm very curious how you talked Alexandra into going swimming, in the ocean, in the rain at 7:30 AM? That's some serious bribing. Haha.
I was thinking that maybe you should be in the 2012 olympics. Yup. You could win at anything, well except beach volleyball- don't go there. Anyway, during your triatholon always keep in mind that you have everyone here at Ourchart rooting for you! We love you so much!
PS: You won't drown, you just have to worry about the sharks. Lol. Kidding. Love you.
You will do great !!
Hey Jen, there's no need to be terrified I am convinst you will do great cause with all the training and running you did lately it just can't go wrong. Just take it as it comes and do your thing and you'll be all right. You are such a remarkable person and a role model to anyone out there, keep doing what you do and being who you are cause that's the way we love you.
My thoughts will be with you on Monday and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Take care and enjoy your weekend
hugs
JBL
Go for it!
Hi Jennifer,
Great that your facing your fears and doing this triathlon.
Go for it!
NO Fear, Your a fearless woman!
human body/salt water
The human body is in natural harmony with the ocean. Trust you Mother Earth.
:)Taem?
I see now,
after hearing your schedule, that "lack of time” is not a legitimate excuse not to train for a triathlon!! I guess I will have to stop using it! You are amazing and truly an inspiration! What perseverance and discipline! GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN, JENNIFER!!! We are so proud of you!!
You will have so much love and support
holding you up that day that you will just glide through the water effortlessly!! (That’s what you’re hoping for, right?) The swim would definitely be the scariest part; I don’t blame you for being a bit apprehensive, but you'll do just fine! I will start praying as soon as I get up Monday morning (I am in the East, so you will have a bank of prayers ready before you start your quest!) Feel the love coming your way!
Tee Hee
You wont drown. lol. Take it easy and don't strain yourself.
Hope you're enjoying the training. I'm a basketball player and i have to hit the gym at least 5 times a week. For what feels like a life time per session. So i kinda get how you must feel...*Maybe not* I think your training is more challenging than mine...DEFFO. But have fun! Behind you all the way!
I admire your strength and kindness.
Have a good'un
OMG!
How the hell do you fit it all in during the day/night???? BTW, I would love to know the secret to talking a friend into swimming in the ocean during a chilly rain at 7:30 am? My marathon training has reached 15 miles this weekend and I can't seem to find one taker to run it with me. I guess I just don't have the power of persuasion that you have. :)
Good luck on Monday. I will be thinking of you and Pablo that day! As my 4 year old tells me after every training run, YOU ROCK!!!!! Can't wait to hear about the fantastic experience you are going to have.
I'm gobsmacked!
I bow to your courage. I'm in awe of your talent. I'm inspired by your strength and determination, and you never cease to amaze me when I read or hear what you are doing. I wish you god speed and good luck on the 1st September and only wish I had the resources to help support your charities in honour of what you are doing.
Don't be terrified! Think how the fish feel seeing you power through the water! Tip: Try painting black lines on your goggles...I find it helps me keep to the straight and narrow If it doesn't, then it helps black out what you don't want to see ....like the backs of your competitors!
As someone who is physically restricted I can't help but admire your commitment to fitness, but mind how you go, take some well earned R&R when you can......don't want anything preventing you from appearing at L5.
Fingers crossed you achieve your goals. Best wishes to you.
A rolling stone gathers no moss, but you don't 'arf get dizzy!
Rest Up Jennifer and Keep Smiling!
The Ocean can leave you Breathless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhcVDNZO6F0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNuBXgAeQ2U
Good luck!!!
Jennifer, our prayers are with you but i have no doubt that you can do anything you put your mind into...triathlon, working on set, spending time with your family - how do you find time for anything else? you're an inspiration to all of us and we are proud of you
I'll be cheering for you Monday morning (i'm glad Vancouver is hour behind my place, it means i can have an extra hour to sleep), be strong, be fast, be safe and just enjoy everything you do
Go,Jennifer!!!
Hee Hee!
Either you are a seriously good salesperson for "talking" Alexandra into joining you for a 7:30 am dip on a rainy morning or she is a really good friend! Maybe it's a bit of both, but it was a stellar idea to 'test the waters' before the big day. Good luck! Godspeed!You CAN DO IT!!!!
PS: I'll be putting out positive vibrations for some decent weather on the 1st!! Looks like we'll get a clear day.
*** ***
"The most important quality essential to success is perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."--unknown
Dear Jennifer, You are the reason..
You are the reason why I took another 42 km bike ride today. I felt so good and so happy after it, although it was very windy and quite cold outside. I have really grown to enjoy biking so much - and it is all thanks to you. You have inspired me to get myself out and DO something after everyday "sitting-work". I would have never guessed that I am the one who says that after having ridden about 20 km it just _starts_ to feel right and light!
I hope you don't push yourself too hard and have some time to relax and enjoy yourself either doing nothing or doing things (physically not so demanding..) that are making you happy.
With love, admiration and warmest greetings from the other side of the world - Northern Europe,
K
Tous mes encouragements...
I wish I could go swimming with you in the sea, I miss it so... I remember my mum was always a bit scared to watch me swim far away from the shore... But I always liked to go as far as I could, and lose all the noise from the beach in the distance... I'll be sending all my strength to you on Sept. 1st. I'm sure you'll do great,
Amitiés de Paris.
You are amazing
The commitment that you bring to everything you do - be it a scene, a cause, a personal goal - is truly inspiring. You have already made us proud, even before your feet have hit the water. Go, Jennifer!
Jennifer we are with you!!!
You truly are an inspiration to us all. I wish you the best and no matter the outcome, you are already a winner. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers always. God Bless
Vancouver loves you! It is
Vancouver loves you! It is a honor to have you in our city! You ROCK! Your Drive will make you Succeed in your endeavor!
Thinking of you as you push
Thinking of you as you push through your race! Wishing you all the best! My prayers are with you always. You are truly an INSPIRATION! You GO GIRL!!! Love ya!
p.s. Where is the race taking place? Vancouver? LA?
You R.....
FASTER THAN A SPEEDING BULLET....
MORE POWERFULL THAN A LOCOMOTIVE....
AND ABLE TO SWIM IN A STRAIGHT LINE! ;)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"To find a queen without a king,
They say she plays guitar and cries and sings.
Ride a white mare in the footsteps of dawn
Tryin' to find a woman who's never, never, never been born"
Best of Luck~
May we all have the courage and the fortitude to reach our goals and realize our dreams!
Rock that ocean!!!
Trialthon
Jennifer,
I would think very hardly to you of the 1sep!!
The best of luck to you Jennifer!!!
Go Jennifer go!!
I´m sure you´ll do it well superwoman.Just have in mind that you can and stay positive.If you´re ok inside of yourself (i´m sure you are )you body will respond magically.Don´t fear the ocean, if you respect his limits he will respect you back.All the energies that i have for my squash competitions will be with you at the moment of the start line.You are and always will be sorounded by love from your fans. At the end of the day is the best energy ever!
Enjoy the endorphin!
BRAZIL - FLAG

BRAZILIAN IRONMAN

TRIATHLON IN MY CITY

**************************************************
"Laurel is patient and kind and free-spirited"
Jennifer Beals
"If Jennifer is passionate about something, it comes to the surface within seconds"- Laurel Holloman
Tibette Forever!
One day at a time...
Keep it up, Jennifer. You can do it. Channel your fear ("did I mention I'm terrified?") into a healthy energy and anticipation of what you are about to accomplish.
J E N N I F E R!!!!!
OK!! Time to stop!!! Rest eat pasta and drink until your pissing like a Russian race horse every 15 min. I'm serious!!
Wait I have to go to my quite place. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
mmmmmmmm
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Go out and just walk tomorrow and Sunday. Lay around sleep, relax don't leave your game on the practice field. Oh my goodness you have to rest honest!!! Your fit, your ready.
REST!!
You have a ton of positive energy being sent from every corner of the planet, your loved and we know you'll be fine.
Why isn't this being broadcast on national tv. Hey!! I'm just saying....
btfan2
I was thinking the same
I was thinking the same thing-hope she's going to take it easy the next couple of days that is ... lol ~_^
*** ***
"The most important quality essential to success is perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."--unknown
woman's gift
Jennifer,
Look at it like this, if you can go thru labor & child birth, which you have already, then you can go thru anything physically demanding. We women have that God given gift of mental toughness, endurance and strength, more so than men in many areas. That is why God made women to have the children and not the men:). You are a tough woman, so you will do fine in the triathlon. You will even surprise yourself. To find the time to be able to work on a T.V. series all day, spend time with your daughter and husband and train for a triathlon makes you one truly amazing woman. I hope you find the time to get some rest when the LWord wraps up the end of September. But i will truly miss seeing you on any new episodes of the LWord, once it ends.
PS: You wont drown.
PPS: I will say a prayer for you.
Best wishes, Cheryl.
Guau!!
La verdad es que cosas como ésta hacen grande a una persona, al márgen de todos los éxitos profesionales que puedas tener.
Gracias Jennifer.
YOU'LL DO IT !!!
Hi Jennifer,
Since you are "buoyed up" by the promise to your fans and the those three incredible charities to cross finish line, drowning is not an option.
What a woman!!! You make all of us women over forty proud.
I will pray for your safety and success.
Grace
I've said it before, but I'll say it again!!
You are such an inspiration to everyone here on OC!!
::putting down my Peanut Butter twix- in embarassment::
An ocean swim in the rain
An ocean swim in the rain sounds exhilarating...and scary. I haven't swam in the ocean since I was a kid. I remember always getting salt water up my nose and I hated that.
Seriously, what you're doing is a wonderful thing. You're really an inspiration.
The best of luck to you.
you'll do great
good luck for monday not that you'll need it. You are a great role model to us all and i shall send lots positive thoughts to you xxxxx
Jennifer...you are surrounded by the collective
prayers of ALL of us here on the OC. Your goals and accomplishments inspire us all to reach for our dreams...
whatever they may be. You inspire us to become more open, loving, giving women as we "walk through our lives".
Your honesty and down to earth nature is such a breath of fresh air!
Thank YOU and a safe passage on this next journey you are about to undertake.
Good luck
Wow, you're amazing Jennifer. When do you have time to sleep? All the best for your triathalon.