Father and Son Readying for Benefit Triathlon

Many readers may remember when Adam Napell participated in his first triathlon in 2011, working to help benefit the One Family Fund for victims of terrorist attacks in Israel.  

When the 2013 iteration of the triathlon is run this weekend in New York City, Napell will be back—and this time he's bringing extra help.

"What makes this year extra special is that I am training with my son, Harrison, who is now determined to make me feel every bit my age," Napell said.  

The Napell duo has been preparing for the event by training twice each week at 4:30 a.m. for the last month, heading to the Y to swim. 

Though the early hours have been tough, Napell and son are sticking with their training regiment. 

"He (Harrison) is dedicated to completing his first Tri, and I am loving the fact that I will be there to see it," Napell said. "Most likely, he will watch me cross the finish line because he will be done before I am."

They'll need to complete a circuit that includes a 1.5K swim in the Hudson River, take a 40K ride on the West Side Highway in Manhattan, and run 10K through Central Park.

Win, lose or draw, the two will be helping to raise funds for the One Family Fund. Napell became involved after learning about some of the victims of the attacks in Israel, and the challenges facing families and survivors afterwards.

"I don't think people realize how often something like this happens over there," Napell said in 2011. "The people that witness (terrorist attacks) and survive need so much counseling and support."

"The organization really does important work for these victims," he added.