Now What? Saturday, June 13th, 2009

On Monday, May 25th, I got the results of a bone scan that indicated a stress fracture in my navicular foot bone. A world of opportunity opened up for me that day. That new world includes changing my race plans, being adaptable, strengthening weaknesses, and motivating myself in different ways. Most definitely, it means trusting those around me that we need this time to heal and focus solely on what is possible not on what isn’t (such as running). This week in particular, my foot was starting to feel 99.9% better and runable. My physio, Harry Toor, and my Chiropractor and Active Release Therapist, Dr. Tyler Hunsberger, have both insisted we take another full week’s rest before testing the bones. I trust them wholeheartedly and will keep my promise to continue to water run and be patient.

As planned, I did venture over to the Big Island with Steve. It turned out to be a training week of low mileage but frequent swims and bikes. I jumped into the race for the swim and bike hoping to come off close to Belinda Granger and Sam McGlone. In fact, I did and was 4th pro off the bike. I slipped on my shoes and headed out the transition only to stop as I crossed the timing mat. Britni Bakk also raced and secured her coveted Kona spot as the first female in her age category. As a result, Britni will not race Ironman Coeur D’Alene and neither will I due to my foot.

Steve was the ultimate travel companion for this trip. Just home from two weeks in Italy where he was in full tourist mode, lounging by our hotel pool, shuttling me to and from the race and willingly going to bed at 8:30 p.m. was right up his alley. He had nowhere to be, no agenda and no hang-ups. This world needs more people like Steve when it is inundated with people like me. Our hotel overlooked the famous Manta Ray Bay where at night these beautiful marine mammals would come to feed on the florescent plankton lit up by the Sheraton spotlight. Steve organized for us to snorkel and scuba with the Manta Ray one evening. It was spectacular and a highlight of the trip.

Was it hard to DNF the race? Sure it was. But I had come to terms with this decision and knew it was the right decision. I focused on having a strong bike ride and getting in a few other hard training sessions before and after the event. Being in the heat and humidity of Kona was taxing in and of itself. The town was so quiet compared to Ironman week. Kona grew on me even more. Even Steve was amazed by the lava rock and landscape and quickly appreciated the elements that make the Hawaiian Ironman such a difficult event.

Back in Vancouver, the sun is shining, Kits Outdoor Pool is in full swing, and the entire city is seemingly at the beach. My whole focus is to rehab my foot better and have a strong foundation to spring off of. My Chiro, Tyler, has a new Laser Therapy machine in his office, which I have been using everyday for the past week. Research shows that laser therapy increases the rate of cell regeneration and tissue growth. The benefits are seen when treatments are done frequently and consecutively. Obviously this form of therapy if catching on because it is near impossible to get an appointment.

Since I am seeing so much of Tyler these days, he graciously invited me to go mountain biking with he and a friend on the Test of Medal course in Squamish, BC. In keeping with my “fun” perspective, I joined them. I was sure I warned him of my rusty technical skills, that my bike was old with very little suspension and worse yet, it wasn’t a Specialized. I was sure I asked him if this would be a technical ride with logs and rocks and switchbacks and steep drop offs. I was sure he said no it was a single-track cross-country ride and we would ride easy. I didn’t have him sign a letter of understanding but I thought we were speaking the same language. In my humble opinion, the ride and trails were anything but smooth and non-technical. A few scrapes, four hours, hike-a-biking, and badly bruised ego later, we found our way out of the deep woods. Tyler was beyond patient, encouraging and navigating the trails like a pro. His buddy was a smart ass, that was anxious to demonstrate his off road skills and get the ride done as quickly as possible, was another story altogether. Needless to say, we will not be having a second mountain biking experience together. Tyler is willing to ride again with me without an agenda. Yet another testament to what a decent guy he really is. While I must speak to Specialized about getting a mountain bike, it was still one of those days that opened my eyes up to the beauty of sport, testing limits and finding new ways to test of mind and our muscles. Change it up, rattle the cage, fire new fibers, be daring, discover new places through curiosity and be open to the possibility of change. I’m game.

Now what? Still undecided. My options are Ironman Lake Placid on July 26th, Ironman UK on August 2nd or Ironman Canada and Louisiana on August 30th. My instinct is to go somewhere new and explore total newness. My rational side says, find a comfort zone, go where you know the ropes. So I remain undecided but dedicated to the journey. Maybe I’ll end up in an off road triathlon some day?

The Importance of the IM Brand

In September 2008, the owners of the Ironman brand, World Triathlon Corporate (WTC), sold out to an investment firm called Providence Equity, based in Providence, Rhode Island. For a private investment firm to analyze the demographics of Ironman participants and believe there is benefit to owning the marketing rights of the M-Dot brand is a clear testament to the growing popularity and direction of the Ironman distance, as well as the sport of triathlon in general. Hopefully, the only noticeable change from this acquisition will be an enhanced experience for participants, volunteers, spectators, sponsors, onsite retail, the community, local businesses, and the tourism industry. The Ironman is a prosperous brand, with a finely tuned operating machine and growing appeal and availability to the masses.

Prior to the recent acquisition, the Ironman brand spent thirty years morphing into its current presence as the true test of endurance, determination, and perseverance. It first emerged in Waikiki, Hawaii, as an event that could settle the debate over who was the most fit athlete: biker, swimmer, or runner.

Growing intrigue and participation led to the formation of the WTC in 1990, when the Ironman brand was purchased from Valerie Silk, a Hawaiian-based health club owner. Today, there are 21 WTC-sanctioned Ironman-distance events, with qualifying spots to the coveted World Ironman Championships held on the Big Island of Hawaii in October. Adding to the exponential growth of the brand was the introduction of the 70.3 Ironman series, otherwise known as a Half Ironman. This shrewd business decision allowed thousands more athletes to participate in an Ironman-tagged event and potentially qualify for the World Ironman Championships or the newly launched World 70.3 Championships (held in Clearwater, Florida in November).

Regardless of the Ironman brand ownership or M-Dot symbolism, athlete participation should be the ultimate goal. Professionals and amateurs alike share an interest in fostering the development and continued legacy of triathlon, regardless of the IM logo now seen on clothing, athletic equipment, souvenirs, and Timex watches. If offering more accessible events in distance and location with World Champ qualifying slots means an increase in individuals willing to swim, bike and run, travel to beautiful places, spend hard-earned dollars on equipment, accommodations, nutrition and sign on for a new lease on life as a result of the Ironman experience, we should encourage what the savvy WTC and Providence Equity folks are doing.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority released a report in 2000 revealing that the Ironman and the NFL Pro-Bowl (Honolulu) achieve equal status when it comes to global recognition of sporting events held in Hawaii, a direct result of worldwide NBC television coverage viewed by millions of people multiple times a year. The economic impact for the town, city or state hosting an Ironman race could be stretched out to include the entire year. In Hawaii alone, a Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism study concluded that US$14.9 million is pumped in to the island economy over Ironman race dates. If athletes travel to the island in the months prior to the event to train, acclimate or combine some vacation time while learning the race route, this number will likely mushroom by a multiple of two or more. It’s a known fact that the majority of the athletes travel to the race site seven to fourteen days prior to race day to ensure a stress-free taper and mental preparation. And, after such a grueling day mixed with emotion and physical trauma, the local businesses can still reap more economic gains from the athlete-turned-tourist, probably in the mood to indulge!

Over the past thirty years, Ironman-branded events have proven that they represent much more than a 140.6-mile distance. At their heart are the athletes who proudly perform in order to hear the magic words “You Are An Ironman,” proclaimed by the renowned IM announcer Mike Reilly. They tested their human will and ability to endure, not to mention the patience of their families and employers. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, what was once thought to be the exclusive domain of the few exceptionally fit athletes is now becoming a more mainstream endeavour. This evolution of the IM brand is an exciting and natural progression, and encourages participation, longevity and shared experiences.