Given to Tri
The now-defunct full-distance Ironman in Penticton, British Columbia—140.6 miles in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, with a swim in Okanagan Lake, a bike through the surrounding wine country and orchards, and a run along the water and streets downtown. A storied race with deep roots in Penticton; 2024 was its final edition there before Ironman relocated the race to Ottawa.
After training for it for the better part of a year, it’s finally time for Ironman Canada, my A race of this year and my second attempt at a full Ironman, following my DNF at Ironman Coeur d’Alene last summer, where despite a good swim and a strong bike leg, things went sideways during the run and I barely made it 16 km before bonking.
Continue readingThis year’s Ironman Canada will be the last in Penticton. Not entirely surprising; I thought the writing was on the wall when they unveiled another Ironman Canada in Ottawa, but they just made it official today. This is a huge bummer for me personally; I don’t think there are any other full-distance races that are within a reasonable driving distance, and I don’t want the hassle of flying with my bike and gear. This puts a lot more pressure on me to finish this year’s race—I might not have another shot at a full Ironman anytime soon. It’s do or die.