• There are three phases to each. Swimming, Cycling and Running. Research, Development, and Implementation.
• It’s not easy to compete but it can be completed with training and diligence.
• It requires endurance to win.
• It requires teamwork for the best outcome - if the tasks are broken down, with many participants, the work of each is not overwhelming.
• The main goal is to finish the race. Although being “The Winner” is often the goal for many athletes, many compete just to finish the race. Time standards have similar meanings with NETs and many other types of cancer.  Finding a cure within two years rather than ten is like winning the race. The race is over and the competitors can rest. However, the important thing is to finish. Compete to complete. Just finishing is an accomplishment. Diligence over ten years is infinitely better than not competing at all.

SWIMMING = RESEARCH

• All of a swimmer’s power comes from under the water. That is, propulsion occurs from where you normally cannot see. This part of the race is largely hidden to most of us. Similarly, NETs/carcinoid is mostly an unknown disease. Although hidden, like an ocean swim at the beginning of the triathalon, it will set the pace for the rest of the race.
• Good swimmers have powerful long strokes that overcome currents that will move them sideways or even backwards. Powerful strides are needed to understand the genetic and biochemical basis for neuroendocrine tumors.
• Finally, effort needs to be applied because research takes funding and will not happen automatically. Just as there are powerful currents in the ocean that will cause the swimmer to drift – those who care to see the race won must keep research on track. This is where you have the opportunity to become a supporter and participant in neuroendocrine research.

CYCLING  = DEVELOPMENT

• Understanding the genetic and biochemical basis of carcinoid is only the beginning. This understanding must be translated into the fastest leg of the race. More distance is covered by the cyclist is less time than both swimming and running.
• We must see understanding moved forward into practical “cures” whatever they may be. This part of the race involves developing both better diagnostic and therapeutic techniques while en route to a cure.

RUNNING = APPLICATION/IMPLEMENTATION

• This is the final leg and is the most similar to the race of people who actually have neuroendocrine tumors. It is the most difficult and final part of the race. Many have run and are running already. And this is where the efforts of all who contribute in every way early in the race come down to the application of the individual to finish the race because others have set the pace and worked very hard to give them the start they require to compete to complete.