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...........

RIGHT TO PLAY

As long as I can remember I have been a huge fan of the Olympic Games. It was during the Olympics that I first became aware of "Right to Play," an organization that is dedicated to giving children all over the world the opportunity to "just be kids."

It was such a pleasure to meet Olympian Beckie Scott at the recent Calgary Ironman 70.3 expo. Beckie is a strong supporter of "Right To Play" and I had the opportunity to learn more about the organization. I'm excited to be able to help raise awareness and to aid Beckie in her goal of giving children everywhere the opportunity to play and grow in a healthy, happy, and stable environment through the charitable organization "Right To Play."

As athletes, we are blessed with the opportunity to be able to participate in a sport like triathlon and to experience the fun, excitement, and overall healthy lifestyle that being active provides for us.

Here is what some of the most amazing athletes in the world have to say about "Right To Play."



"This is one of the greatest causes I have ever seen! Right To Play is using the incredible power of sport and play to help children who are affected in refugee camps, affected by war and orphaned by HIV/AIDS."
Wayne Gretzky, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Hockey Great

"Sport has influenced the path my life has taken. It has given me the ability to focus, create vision, understand differences and persevere through adversity. Going into the field in Africa brought home the reality that many children do not have the opportunity to engage in sport or to play. I had believed that these benefits were available to every child. In the refugee camps in Sudan I saw children whose days were void of anything but intense boredom. To these children, Right to Play and our partners bring play, and with play the opportunity to learn and grow and develop their potential. Play is not a luxury; it is an essential element to a child’s development. Organizations like UNICEF, UNHCR, and the World Health Organizations (WHO) are partnering with Right to Play because they recognize the power of sport to help children of disadvantage. I am proud that my experience as an athlete and my passion for sport can benefit the lives of these children."
Silken Laumann, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and three-time Olympic Medalist (Rowing)

“Sport for Development programs are harnessing the power of sport and play to put children on a healthier development path. As my personal experiences have shown, sport has the power to change and heal lives, to build self-esteem, confidence and leadership and to create extraordinary possibilities. Sport and play are not luxuries but important and necessary building blocks. Please join Right To Play in helping to ensure every child’s right to play.”
Lance Armstrong, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and seven-time Tour de France winner

"I believe in the power of sport and play to change lives."
Catriona Le May Doan, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (Speed Skating)

"As an American and an Olympian we are given so many opportunities. We sometimes take for granted how fortunate we are. Working with Right to Play has given me the chance to give back to those children who don't know the joys of sports and recreation. I think it's so important for every child to have the right to play because sports can shape an individual's confidence, self-esteem, morals, strength, and physical and mental well being. With some children already going through such devastation in their lives, depriving them the right to play could deprive them of a chance to truly live a fulfilled life. Thinking of the smile that I can help put on the face of a small child, makes every effort worthwhile."
Nikki Stone, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medalist (Aerials)

"Since I was a child, sport has been a powerful, positive force in my life. I believe every child has the right to play."
Dikembe Mutombo, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and NBA Basketball star

“Being an athlete has influenced so many aspects of my life. For that reason I am always looking to find a way to give back to my sport and to give children the opportunities that I had when I was young. Right to Play gives athletes an easy and effective way to do that - to bring the joy and love of sports to children all over the world.”
Emily Cook, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympian (Aerials)

"There are parts in the world where few opportunities exist for kids to be kids. Sport and play provide that chance. Right To Play provides that chance."
Steve Podborski, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympic Bronze Medalist (Skiing)

“Having been at the Olympics made me feel very happy and special. Not too many people ever get that chance and I am fully aware that we as athletes have a much higher responsibility than to just win or go for records... We are role models, opinion makers, and credible idols for children and youth, so it is my pleasure and urgent drive to fulfill that great chance that I got through my career.”
Oliver Stamm, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador and Olympian (Beach Volleyball)

“It is my privilege to work with Right To Play as an Athlete Ambassador. As someone who has already been able to realize so many dreams in my lifetime, I was immediately drawn to this worthy organization. Right To Play recognizes that all children are special and beautiful, and deserves the right to enjoy their childhood. I can’t think of anything better than that.”
Bonnie Blair, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, five-time Olympic Gold Medallist, 1 Bronze (Speed Skating)

"I am excited about Olympic Aid [now known as Right To Play] because it gives kids a chance to discover through sports the very things that have made such a tremendous difference in my life over the years. Sports,, although such a small part of life teaches so many valuable lessons: a sense of fair play and integrity, teamwork and cooperation. The biggest thing that I've learnt though is that through hard work and perseverance you can achieve and you can do all of this while having fun.”
Devon Harris, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympian (Bobsled)

"Right To Play allows us as athletes, the chance to give back using the skills that come naturally: leadership, sport, dedication and passion."
Simon Whitfield, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympic Gold Medalist (Triathlon)

"The wonderful thing about being part of an organization like Right To Play is that it gives athletes a very unique and powerful opportunity to use their successes in sport to help promote the underlying values of sport: fun, fairplay, healthy competition, sportsmanship and most importantly peace, with children in their own communities and in areas of the world where war and conflict have torn people apart. If I can contribute in some small way, to help children, in my community and in other parts of the world, to share and experience the joy of sport with one another, then I feel as though I have made a difference."
Kristina Groves, Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, Olympian (Speed Skating)


Take just a minute to visit the "Right To Play" website and perhaps be a part of giving children who are not quite as fortunate as ourselves an opportunity to play and develop in a healthy environment of fun and fitness.


RIGHT TO PLAY

IRONMAN CALGARY 70.3 PICTURES +EARLY RESULTS

IMAGES OF THE IRONMAN CALGARY 70.3.

It was a great day for the inaugural Calgary Ironman 70.3 and although I was not able to take in the swim start, there was plenty of action in the bike to run transition and finish line area.

Organizers did a great job of making the finish area and run course spectator friendly, the weather was great, and for an inaugural race the organization appeared to be nothing short of spectacular.

Despite the absence of Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, the quality of the field was excellent.

I arrived at the finish line just in time to find out that Timothy O'Donnell had won the race.




The picture at the top of the page is of Dan Ouimet who did an outstanding job of spear-heading the organization of Ironman Calgary 70.3. The triathlon community of Calgary owes Dan and his crew a big vote of thanks as this race will most likely be one of those Ironman races that will fill very early in the coming years thanks to their efforts in this race, the inaugural Calgary 70.3.


Triathlon is truly a family event and it was great to see so many family's out cheering on their favorite triathletes.






It was great to run into so many people who are a big part of the triathlon scene in Calgary. This is a picture of Cal Zarisky who is one of the country's best coaches and Rose Serpico who is co-owner of Tri it, the best tri store in the country.







I don't believe I have ever seem so many people who have gone out of their way to be a cheer-leading squad for the triathletes. They even dressed up as cheer-leaders and spent hours cheering people on. I know how much it used to mean to me in my racing days to have spectator support, and I'm sure it did as well to the entries in this years race. Great job and Thanks! to the cheer-leaders of Ironman Calgary 70.3.

IRONMAN CALGARY 70.3 EXPO

I'm happy to announce that Ironstruck will have a booth at the upcoming expo for Ironman Calgary 70.3. The expo will be taking place at the Calgary Westin Hotel on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before the Sunday August 2nd race.

I'm also pleased to announce that I will be selling my latest book "Lifestruck...A Better Way For Today's Youth" for ten dollars a copy and every cent will be going to the "RIGHT TO PLAY" organization.

It's a great opportunity for triathletes to join with many Olympians who champion this cause and help kids in depressed countries. Help them to...just be kids.

I wrote Lifestruck for pre-teens and teens to encourage them to enjoy a healthy diet and adopt fitness as a way of life. So if there is a youth in your life who might enjoy this book, come on down and pick up a signed copy and at the same time help kids everywhere to be kids.

I will also be selling and signing copies of my two Ironstruck books. Hope to see you there and if you are racing, Godspeed and have fun.

IRONMAN CALGARY 70.3---NOT RACING? BE A SPECTATOR

If you are not quite ready to race yourself and want to see what all the excitement is about, consider being a spectator for a triathlon near you. Live in the Calgary area? Sunday August 2nd is the fast appoaching date for the first annual Ironman Calgary 70.3 that will kick off in Ghost Lake.

Or perhaps take in Ironman Canada in Penticton on the last Sunday in August.

I've been a spectator myself at Ironman Canada the past few years and wasn't sure how much I would enjoy being a spectator along a course that I had raced on 10 times in the past.


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 were up an hour before the start gun in order to land a prime viewing spot for what was to be the biggest mass swim start 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. You might have to be tough as well to take in the Ironman Calgary 70.3 because it has two separate transition areas and will take some planning on the spectators part.

The very first time I was a spectator I really began to understand the importance of spectator support to the athletes and just how much they appreciate the families, friends, volunteers, and even strangers who urge them on through a difficult and challenging day.



HERE IS SOME COURSE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU ALONG:



SWIM - 1.9km (1.2 miles) - 1 loop


The swim starts and finishes at the boat ramp located at the mouth of the Ghost River in Ghost Lake. The course is one loop and begins heading directly away from the boat ramp before turning left (north) under the Highway 1A bridge and into the narrow. The swim will head north for approximately 850 meters before turning to the right for 25 meters then right again now heading south. Shortly after passing under the bridge the course turns right again heading back towards the boat ramp. The swim course exits the water on the left hand side of the boat ramp. Transition 1 is located in the parking lot adjacent to the boat ramp.


BIKE - 90km (56 miles) - point-to-point


Exit transition traveling east on Highway 1A toward Calgary.


Turn Left (north) on Grand Valley Road


Turn right (east) on Township Road 280


Turn right (south) on Horse Creek Road


Turn left (east) on Highway 1A


Turn right (south) on Highway 22


Turn left (east) on Township Road 250


Turn right (south) on Rural Road 31


Turn left (east) on Lower Springbank Road


Turn right (south) on 69th Street


Turn left (east) on Glenmore Trail (HWY 8)


Continue past Sarcee Trail to the right on Glenmore Trail


Turn right (south) on 37th Street and proceed into North Glenmore Park to the

transition area.



RUN - 21.1km (13.1 miles) - out and back - Run map and profile info available here.



Exit Transition Area heading east through North Genmore Park toward the Canoe


Club.


Turn around and head back past transition


Follow the path through Weaselhead Natural Environment Park


Continue up to South Glenmore Park to the turn around point


Return following the same route


The finish line is adjacent to T2

CUT-OFF TIMES

Swim: 1:10 after the last wave start
Bike: 5 hours after the last wave start
Run: 8 hours after the last wave start