Penticton’s Annual Ironman triathlon draws competitors and spectators from all across North America and even from as far away as Europe. A recent article (August 14) in Fredericton, New Brunswick’s Daily Gleaner, found on CanadaEast.com, tells about Jane Garbutt’s preparations for this year’s Ironman Canada race, to be held August 30:
“When it comes to competing in a national triathlon for the first time, Jane Garbutt says age isn’t a factor.
The 51-year-old assistant deputy minister for the Finance Department will be competing in the Subaru Ironman race in Penticton, B.C., on Aug. 30.
“At first, I really wondered if I could do this, if I’d be able to finish,” she said.
“But the key was to surround myself with younger people while I trained. And they didn’t even consider age, they just kept saying I could keep going. And I did.”
The most amazing thing about a great many of the gruelling competiton’s 2400-odd participants is that they are just ordinary people from every walk of life who have taken up a daunting challenge. Just completing the race is a remarkable accomplishment they can be proud of for the rest of their lives.
As race day nears we wish all competitors a great race and offer our congratulations!