IRONMAN SPECTATOR

I played the part of ironman spectator as I took the "Ironstruck" road-show to the last two editions of Ironman Canada in Penticton in August. Everybody has a story and it was great meeting people and talking triathlon with them. I also met people I had talked to online, but never before met. Many had bought my Ironstruck books and were using Ironstruck as their sense of direction and inspiration to get them through their first Ironman.

I'll be leaving in a few weeks to once again be part of the Kelowna apple expo followed by Ironman Canada 2009.

I sure wasn't used to being a spectator along a course that I had raced on 10 times over the years. It was a course I had left so much of myself on over the years.

I learned quite a lot from spending the day, and much of the night on the course cheering on the competitors. I saw the race from a different viewpoint and was able to see how others reacted to the race and how they supported everyone.

Many spectators are usually up an hour before the start gun in order to land a prime viewing spot to witness one of the biggest mass swim starts in Ironman history.

Then while the runners were out on the bike course, people were writing out chalk messages up and down the run course in recognition of their favorite triathletes. All the restaurants were full along main street as the bikers began coming back into town hours later and from that moment on, the procession of bikers and runners would go on late into the night.

It was amazing to see just how much support the spectators provided for 'all' the participants. It was also special to see how they stayed out there hour after hour to cheer everyone on.

I'm glad I had a chance to see the race from another point of view, and came to a major conclusion.

You have to be 'tough' to be an Ironman spectator.


Especially the ones who spent the entire 17 hours out there. It's quite an emotional and physical drain.

I think for the first time I really appreciate just how important the families, friends, volunteers, and even strangers who are ironman spectators are to an individuals success in the Ironman.

If you are uncertain about taking your own run at the Ironman, consider taking in Ironman Canada or an Ironman near you and it will be sure to inspire you...


Currently my Ironstruck books are available on Mindset Triathlon. They have inspired many people to take on their first Ironman successfully. Currently they are both in the top ten of the top 100 list of the more than 3000 titles on mindset. Buy the download version of both Ironstruck books at a great price and you never pay any shipping and will have instant access to information that will help you reach the Ironman finish line. Visit mindset here...........