“I was a terrible athlete growing up,” recalled Fr. Rob Schultz, pastor of St. Beatrice Catholic Church in Schiller Park. On Sunday, Aug. 5, Fr. Schultz finished his 100th triathlon, in the same place where he completed his first in 2007: Glenview.
Since that first triathlon, Fr. Schultz has run, biked and swam in triathlons across the Midwest. His best finish was seventh overall. Schultz, who said he suffers from exercise induced asthma, said he typically finishes later than other triathlon participants, but that is OK. At last week’s Glenview event, “I had a good swim and bike, I could have had a better run,” Fr. Schultz said.
Although his list of triathlons is long and varied, Schultz said he makes it a point to return to compete at the Glenview Park Center event each year. “It’s one of my favorites. People know each other, it’s a good vibe.”
Schultz used this year’s Glenview triathlon as a fundraiser for church repairs at St. Beatrice, and as a message to inspire his flock. He brings stories of his athletic endeavors to the pulpit, “to encourage people to do something they’ve never done before,” adding, it is emblematic of taking that step to overcome your fears.
“Do it. Try it. Because even if you don’t succeed, if you believe in God then I promise that you will find God in the midst of your struggle, which is often the best place to find Him. And you will be a stronger person for it,” Schultz wrote in a personal reflection in 2013.
The fundraising goal was $10,000 to repair foundation leaks in the church, landscaping near the church’s side entrance and repairs to the rectory roof.
Among a dozen parishioners, many displaying homemade signs, who cheered on Schultz were Robert Sr. and Linda Schultz, Fr. Schultz’s parents. “My son is my hero, I learn something from him every day,” Linda Schultz said.
Several hundred triathlon participants assembled at 6:30 a.m. on the rear lawn of Glenview Park Center, including teens as young as 14 years old to several athletes who appeared older yet no less determined.
The Glenview triathlon included a 300-yard indoor swim followed by a 10-mile bike ride through the streets of The Glen, followed by a 5K run through Gallery Park.
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