The Road to Ironman Canada

In 2008 I had a very ambitious goal, a goal that would take much time and dedication, a goal I didn't have a clue where or how to begin training for, and one that I wasn't sure if I could even complete. This goal was to learn how to swim in January of 2009 and to then complete Ironman Canada in August.

Being chosen as one of the Driven5 has been my saving grace, and being paired with John Bird has provided me with invaluable knowledge and opportunity. "The DRIVEN5" not only has inspired me on a personal level, but has also inspired me to raise funds and dedicate my training and racing to my mother in law who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She has since made a full recovery, and through the fund raising efforts of my wife, mother in law, and myself, we were able to raise a total of $7,622 this year for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I have adopted a pink theme for my races, and sport either a pink jersey or pinks socks at every event.

Back In January I learnt that the other Driven5 athletes had also signed up for the New Calgary Half Ironman, and as luck would have it, shortly after meeting my coach John, he introduced me to Paul Anderson, owner of Speed theory and a fellow triathlete. Paul was responsible for bringing the the half Ironman triathlon to Calgary. It wasn't long after meeting with Paul that he was supporting my initiative, becoming a sponsor of my fund raising efforts, and I would be joining the organizing committee as the Ironman Calgary Marketing Director, creating the overall brand experience for the event. For those of you who completed the event, I hope the course signage was easy to read and follow, and you all like your finishing t-shirt and medal, if not it was all Paul's idea.

As the year progressed John and the other ETS members became extremely patient with me in the pool, either swimming around me, or lending an ear as I would rather chat with them, than swim. It took me a very long time to gain the confidence and the fundamentals needed to complete even a single lap without stopping, but with the collaborative effort (and scoldings) of John, Laurel and Megan, I was able to increase my distance, and speed, even if it was with a pull buoy. With my newly gained confidence I was eager to put my swimming progress to the test at the Calgary Ironman.

The Calgary Ironman swim was staggered, and my age group would be the very last. Once my heat had started and I was around the first buoy marker, the wind picked up and was creating small waves in the water. At this point my motion sickness started to kick in and my chest became tight, my breathing labored, and I found myself slowly breast stroking my way through the course. I was having flash backs of my first half Ironman at, Sylvan Lake where I completed the entire swim on my back, dead last and 10 minutes over the cutoff. I was NOT going to let that happen again, a DNF was out of the question, but time was running out, so after a few colourful words to myself, I painfully completed the swim in 1:06:19, less than 4 minutes from the cutoff, and third last out of the water.

After a very long transition, I easily retrieved my bike and rode out onto the empty highway. The beginning of the ride was quite and beautiful, (on two separate occasions a dear crossed my path) and by mid ride, I felt like I was back in the race. After another long transition I headed into my strongest discipline. The run was more difficult than expected due to hot temperatures, and an aggravated knee from recently replacing my bike cleats so I decided to not over exert myself, to save myself for Ironman Canada. With the support of the volunteers, family and friends, I completed my second Half Ironman with a new personal best, however, it was the most difficult race I’ve ever completed, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Due to yet another poor swimming performance, self doubt entered my thoughts on the upcoming Ironman Canada, I was tempted to forfeit my entry.

I was quick to turn these thoughts into positive, focused effort, amidst conversations with Jack and John and for the next three weeks, trusted pull buoy strapped around my ankles, I would work my way up to 4000 meters in the pool. Completing 4000 meters on three separate occasions, gave me the confidence I needed before heading out to Penticton.

With my new found swimming confidence, and eagerness to begin our Ironman adventures, I was still yet to overcome one last hurdle. We left Calgary 5 days before the big race, plenty of time to train and acclimatize, however these 5 days were to quickly become the most 5 stressful days of the year. While packing the truck for our journey to Penticton, I threw my back out. When we were finally able to locate a chiropractor, it was 20 hours and 554km later. The adjustment was needed but not enough, as I required another just two days after the first. Thanks to the combination of these adjustment, the healing powers of my mother, and the anti-inflammatories from my mother in law, by Saturday afternoon I was able to walk upright once again. Up until this time I was very doubtful as to whether I would even be able to compete, but having trained all year, I was willing to crawl through the race if I had too!

I was surprisingly calm the morning of the race, and settled into my race day nutritional routine planned out months before with my nutritionist Kelly Drager. With my bike checked, transition bags in hand we were off. I would soon find myself standing on the Okanogan beach staring out towards the endless buoys, listening to U2's beautiful day, when a wave of emotion hit me. It was in fact a glorious day, and as the tears filled my goggles, it dawned on me, the reality setting in that I was about to embark on my first Ironman.

I seeded myself perfectly….at the very back, closer to the markers than anticipated! When the horn blew, I walked into the water and did not have to fight my way through pounding fists and feet, so I concentrated on keeping relaxed and found my rhythm. Around the first turn there were 2 divers at the bottom of the lake that took me by surprise. I gave them a quick smile and wave and set off to the second turning point. Once I reached the second turning buoy I quickly checked my time and realized I was well ahead of my completion goal. I am doing it! I am swimming! When I exited the water after an hour and forty minutes I was near the back of the pack, but I was no wear near being the last to exit, nor close to the cut off time. I was so elated and overwhelmed that I started to sob. It was at this point that I knew I would become an Ironman today.

The bike course was everything I expected it to be, challenging and long. The infamous Richter s, Pass was not as difficult as expected, proving my training had prepared me for this event. The volunteers and cheering spectators made each mile easier as the sun and smoke from the fires that moved in began to take its toll on some of the athletes. My nutrition was perfect, and felt strong, consuming more water than anticipated due to the extreme temperatures. By the end of the 180km, the marathon was a welcoming thought as my back began to ache.

When transitioning to the run, I wasn't aware that my support crew and coach Jon shared in my elation over my swim time until a volunteer whom also trains at the Talisman center, happened to help me transition. He became extremely excited for me, he knew my swimming challenges and commented how well I had swam and how pleased everyone was.

I laced up my shoes with a new found energy and began the marathon. When turning the first corner out of transition I spotted my family and ran over for some muchly needed hugs and kisses. The run was by far the most challenging, and where I had the most difficulties. The familiar faces of friends were a welcoming site, as I would again spot Dorri at the turn around, she also greeted me with a hug out of the water, and was cheering us on, on the bike course. It was at this point that my hips from being out of place for the previous 4 days started giving me grief. For the next 21km I would try to run as much as possible between aid stations. Once back downtown, there was no stopping, feeding off of the cheering spectators, my pace increased and the pain of my back and hips disappeared, and for the last 2 km, I don't think I have ever ran faster or stronger.

The highlight of the race was seeing my wife just beyond the finishing line with a medal in hand, as I stepped over the line, she strung the medal around my neck, gave me a huge hug and congratulated me on becoming and Ironman. I am an IRONMAN!

It has been through the Driven5, ETS program, and from the dedication of the coaches and nutritionist that I was able achieve my goal of completing Ironman Canada. The program has taught me my strengths and weaknesses, and has provided me with the opportunity and confidence I would not have gained on my own. It has given me the life skills required to train properly and effectively, and will continue to help me reach my goals and achieve my full potential.

I would like to thank Jack Van Dyke for creating this opportunity for us and for choosing me as one of the Driven5. Kelly Dragger for her nutritional wisdom (Nutrition is the 4th discipline) , Megan Bird and Laurel Hindle for their support and tips on how not to sink, and especially Jon Bird, for his patience, wisdom, inspiring words, his motivation, for pushing me beyond my limits, and for becoming a mentor and friend. And of course a big thank you to the Talisman Centre. I am privileged to have had this opportunity and support of all these professionals whom I consider friends.

I always feel privileged to race, for my health, and for the amazing support of my family and friends. Anything can happen when you least expect it and one must be prepared to deal with it, mentally and physically.

Lastly I would like to congratulate the other DRIVEN5 members on achieving their goals, its been an amazing year and I look forward to continuing to train with them in the future.