Ironman #2

I have officially commenced training for my 2nd Ironman...about 9 months late! I have 3 months until I swim 3.8 km, bike 180 km and run 42.2 km. I completed Ironman Canada in 2007, it took me 14 hours and 29 minutes, I trained faithfully for 12 months prior to race day. I always hoped to complete another Ironman one day, however, I certainly didn't plan on doing it during this decade.


On April 29, 2009, my Uncle, Bruce Bowman, died very suddenly of a Brain Aneurysm. Uncle Bruce and I shared the passion of triathlons, and we had a very special bond because of it. It takes a very different and "special" person to commit to the training, and an equally "special" person to understand why we do the the things we do. Uncle Bruce completed his first Ironman at Ironman Canada 2008, he was registered to compete again in 2009 as a 60 year old! The only time to register for Ironman Canada is in Penticton, the day after the race, for the next year. Pretty much you pay your dues, sign your life away, and have 364 days to be stressed out about it (in my case anyways). Ironman administration has a very strict "no transfer" policy, so within that year, if you become injured, or choose not compete, you cannot transfer your entry over to someone else.

I want to do something to honor my Uncle's life. Anyone who knew him can agree with me that he was an amazing man. His accomplishments are far to many to list, he was extremely generous, in so many ways, every moment of his life was filled with greatness. Bruce Bowman leaves an amazing legacy. The best way that I know how to honor Uncle Bruce's 59 years and how much he meant to me is to complete his Ironman for him. Ironman Canada has granted me a one-time exception to take over his entry and race in his place.

For those of you who were touched by Bruce's life, or perhaps never even had the chance to meet him, you can follow my training for the next 3 months, and we can honor him, and celebrate his life together. As much work as Ironman training is, it is also A LOT of fun! Even though I physically complete the race by myself, there is no way I would ever be able to do it without the support of my "crew", so in a sense, we all do it together.

I'll keep you posted....