Two Jasperites are off to the Penticton Ironman on August 29 to try their hand at the difficult event that will include swim, run and cycle portions. 

Richard Ireland and Alan Wilson will be tackling the Ironman. This will be Wilson’s first Ironman, although he has participated in smaller ones. 

Wilson said he feels his training has prepared him in all three disciplines. 

“They’re all pretty much equal,” he said, adding that he doesn’t expect much of an advantage in either one. “I’m pretty much the same in all of them.”

The swim will cover 3.8 kilometres on Lake Okanagan, followed by a 180 km bike ride and a 42.2 km run. 

While many Ironman athletes can shave crucial seconds off their time during the two transitions, Wilson said he isn’t too concerned about his time. 

“It’s just more important that I don’t forget anything,” he said. 

Wilson is just hoping to finish the race, and isn’t planning a particular position he would like to finish in, but hopes to complete the race in under 14 hours. “I’m looking forward to completing it and saying that I’ve done it.”

Wilson’s training has included time swimming in the pool and at Lake Annette. Wearing a wetsuit helps ensure the chilly waters don’t slow down each racer. The suits also help keep the wearer more buoyant to aid in swimming.