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Two Jasperites successfully completed the Penticton Ironman on August 29.
Richard Ireland and Alan Wilson both completed the 3.8 kilometre swim on Lake Okanagan, followed by a 180 km bike ride and a 42.2 km run.
“It went pretty well,” said Ireland, who placed 674th out of almost 3,000 racers.
The best discipline for Ireland was the run portion. “I struggle on the other ones,” he said.
As for the swim, Ireland found the scene of 2,800 people diving into the lake a bit intimidating, but with great weather and a calm lake he got used to it fast. “The swim was actually really good conditions,” he said. “I just work on surviving the swim.”
As the race continues, Ireland said it usually stays pretty bunched up.
“It’s still really busy with that many people,” he said. “You’re always surrounded by people.”
The bike portion was mostly sunny, but for at least an hour and a half of it Ireland said it rained. The course started off with sun and a nice tail-wind, but as the ride passed Osoyoos the helpful breeze turned into a head-wind and the rain started shortly thereafter.
Ireland was hoping to finish in under 11 hours 15 minutes. He ended up crossing the finish line after 11 hours 36 minutes, just above his goal.
“Conditions had something to do with it,” Ireland said.
With forest fires still burning in B.C., Ireland said they caught a break in air conditions, and there was no smoke in the area. “It hasn’t been smoky at all,” he said.
Wilson had an incredible run as well. The 50-year-old cancer survivor beat leukemia after two bone marrow transplants, and decided as he turned 50 to run the Ironman.
“He had a spectacular day,” Ireland said. “Just getting to this race was a huge victory.”
Wilson hoped to finish in under 14 hours, and more than accomplished that goal. He completed the Ironman in 13 hours, 26 minutes.
Ireland said the scene at the finish line was cheerful as Wilson finished up the running portion.
“Everyone was smiling till their cheeks hurt,” Ireland said. “It was a tremendously successful day.” |
