The BUZZ is getting louder....

[GinnySellars]

WOW, I've been getting some fantastic email messages lately, and people are REALLY ramped up for summer racing. We've got the Desert 1/2 Iron in 10 days, Calgary 70.3 in 31 days, IMC in 59 days, and IM Hawaii in 100 days....OMG it's coming on FAST!!

On Canada Day, Eric Jewel convinced 9 of us to go down to train in Penticton. We swam the buoys for about 40 min, then rode the IMC course minus the out-and-back for 155km, then did a short transition. The apres email banter included:
-'This was one of the best training days this year' Joel
-'Awesome, amazing, wonderful, challenging day yesterday!!!' Nadia
-'I seriously thought of hitchhiking(or faking a crash) near the top of yellow lake.  But then I realized I was actually at the top before I thought I was.' Anonymous
-'I love going to Penticton also...even the relaxing car ride in the early morning can get me excited to train and give me those happy butterflies in the belly!' Kara

I am always astounded by the level of athletic excellence of the professional Ironman athletes, but I am equally astounded by the tenacity and dedication of the age group athlete that overcomes so many challenges on the road to preparing for Ironman. Jan Kehl just got his leg sliced while doing house renos on Canada Day, and this follows a house flood, and working away from home for half of every month, and taking two kids to multiple swim meets. Peter Rudd has a 1yr old little girl, and he and his wife juggle full time jobs and training. Ally Bower has to plan on missing at least one night of sleep per week with work, Trish Marshall is driving or flying all around the province to remote locations for work. The Hoffmans are both training for IMC, have 4 kids in BMX, hockey, gymnastics, swimming, and work full time. This sport draws some dedicated  people.

Keep sharing your stories...they fire me up to train.

[Andrew]

I must admit I was a little slow to take Eric up on his offer to join him for an Ironman prep day on July 1st. I have hardly been home, and have really suffered from not listening to some warning signs my bosy was giving me in May. So, a relaxing day at the beach was more what I had in mind. This idea was tempered by Ginny's incredible enthusiasm to make the day work. By the time we had spoken about the idea, she had already arranged for baby-sitting, packed our stuff, and was inviting others to make the trip to Penticton.

I must admit, training with a group sure makes for some special incentives to get the job done. I don't know that I could have done it without everyone's comraderie as we gathered on the beach at 7:00am, after a short sleep the night before, and a quick drive down form Vernon that started at 5:20am, and a brief stop to pick up Joel for the carpool ride down. I must admit Joel's Road Trip Mix, put together just for the trip helped the time pass quickly, despite giving me High School flashbacks, of feathered hair and mullets.

The training was great, and a good reminder of what it takes to be successful at Ironman...consistency, a focus on nutrition, and a positive attitude. Attempted by all...

My favorite parts were watching Eric ride so smoothly, confidently, and relaxed, enjoying the day. Nadia taking a few spills, and never losing her smile. Ginny and Kathleen riding like superstars. Falling into a rhythm and just daydreaming my way along the flats. Sharing some ideas with Tim. And once again witnessing Joel's incredible strength...from a long way behind.

Thanks again to everyone who made the last minute drive down for some training.

Stay tuned for a possible ad hoc training camp in Grand Forks later this summer.