Well, more of a pipe dream I guess :) It all started over 2 decades ago. My dad raced Canada 5 times (he also did Kona twice). You see, I have great memories of being in Canada for what I believe is one of the most amazing sporting events in the world. I also thought it was absolutely crazy! I mean, here were 1500 people or so that would train for months on end to kill themselves for 9+ hours! WTF? Yet, we always had a great time! Especially as kids!! Fond memories of road tripping up in the Vanagon, maple syrup, cheering my dad on, etc.
The last year pops did Canada was either 91 or 92, can't remember for sure. He was 44 and training to break the Ironman World Masters record (40 years of age and older). Canada is known for having one of the most difficult bike courses on the circuit. Despite that, dad split 4:57 on the bike and went into T2 48th overall. This includes pros. He was on pace to smash the record he had been working for years to achieve. Unfortunately he experienced some serious heart issues on the run and had to walk in the final 10 to 12 miles. He still finished 10:35 overall and qualified for Kona, despite walking the second half of the marathon. I will never forget that day. It's not as if I knew way back then that I would someday do this race, remember I thought these guys were crazy!, but in hindsight...I believe I was destined to do this race. Anyways, I'm stoked for IMAZ in November as it will be my first Ironman...but I really can't wait to toe the line at Canada next year!!!
The icing on the cake...it turns out that Meg and I will be getting married next year during Labor Day weekend. Until we picked that date I was unsure of which Ironman I would do next year. Well, luckily Ironman Canada is the weekend before our wedding! So, I'll get to race in Canada...20+ years removed from those amazing memories, with my future life as the luckiest, soon to be, married man waiting at the finish line :) It will be a very emotional weekend...for many reasons.
-T
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