Crossing the Finish Line!

Here's a picture that Marcy took near the finish line. I'll get the "official" photos and video in the next couple of weeks when they are available from the race organizers.

And click on this link if you want to send this blog information to your cell phone...

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Who is that cute girl in stanley park? :)

Race Recap - Whew!! :)

Sore today, moving slow and happy with the outcome. Here's a picture at the Seven Stones Winery from our drive of the bike course on Thursday. Stay tuned for some posting of rest, relaxation and fun as we head to Vancouver!






Just got the official race results, and personal final time of 11:04:13 put me at place 393 of 2445 finishers overall, and 74 of 393 in my age group.









2.4 mi Swim: 1:15:51




The swim was crazy, as always, but felt good, and kept it steady...a test of one's zen for sure to remain calmed while being kicked and elbowed from every direction:) I thought I'd start on the outer edge of the pack to get some open water, but with 2400 people it was never more than 10 or 15 seconds of swimming without contact somewhere, and I took it wide since it was so crowded at the turns...so I think my swim may have actually been 2.5 or so miles instead of 2.4:)









112 mi Bike: 5:30:28




Wow, what a spectacular course, beautiful views, awesome fans in the towns along the route, and big cheering sections crowding the roads on the two big hills, Richter Pass and Yellow Lake. Felt like one was riding in the Tour de France! Felt great on the bike and had a blast trying to work my way into range of the that Hawaii qualifying slot (I was 224/2445 in the bike).









26.2 mi Run: 4:09:34




Well, it started out great. I was actually incredibly surprised, as I ran the first 5 miles at a pace of about 7:30, and then my hip started to hurt, and by mile 10 it was bad enough that I couldn't manage the hills without walking...so I slowed it down to a pace I could manage, put Hawaii off for a new try next year, and enjoyed the day.









All in all, I'm overjoyed with the result, a new PR and a great experience in Penticton with Marcy. The volunteers and residents of Penticton were incredible, and the 25th anniversary of the race made it that much more special.









Thanks to everyone for the support, encouragement, and great blog postings.









Marcy, you're awesome, thanks for being here to experience this, and thanks for keeping everyone up to date on race day!!









Stay tuned for the Ironman races next year and another try at Hawaii!! :)

still on track!

Its 4:30 PM and Greg is on track!
I expect him back from the run in little over an hour!
He is past the half way mark in the marathon.

He looked great after the bike on his way to tackle that 26.2 miles!

Wow, wow, wow!!

He was off and STRONG at 7AM and on track

Greg hit the water at 7AM in prime form! He felt good, is in perfect health and most importantly looked GREAT!! After all, its all about how you look, isn't it??:-)

He came out of the water exactly right on schedule at 1hr 15 min, with a record transition of 4:39! I have gotten VIP treatment for the event, thanks to my man, and stood right on the beach and watched him enter. Also saw him come out of the water and move out on the bike. He looked very strong and is so excited.

This is an amazing event. The Canada Ironman is considered the premier Ironman event and most pros don't miss this one. Many significant milestones and records have been set at Ironman Canada that have shaped Ironman history over the years. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Pentictin Canadian Ironman and has been really special and packed full of exciting and emotional festivities all week. This was THE largest mass swim start with over 2800 registrants. I was so nervous for Greg, but he has been nothing but pumped.

He is now on the second leg of the bike. The course has quite some elevation, with the highest being over 2500 ft at about 150 km...ugh. Greg is very strong on the bike though and we are expecting him to complete the 112 mi around 5 hr 30 min, so starting the marathon around 1:55 PM PST after his transition.

I'm sure you all are checking out ironmancanada.com, but wanted to let you know that Greg is doing great and is most importantly, healthy and injury free and psyched...to say the least.

Wow, what an accomplishment and what a guy. I'm in awe!!!

Thanks for checking in and supporting him!

Cheers!
Marcy

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Havin coffee with marcy at the finish line, getting ready for a 530 warmup run. Thanks again for all the well wishes and special thanks to marcy for supporting me here in this quest!

Whew! Heading down to check in my bike and gear...it's been a challenge to get connected and keep up with the blog, but keep checking tomorrow on race day! Race starts Sunday at 7 am pacific time, and god willing, there will be a finish line in sight at around 5:30!!

Thanks for all the well wishes!!!

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Registering for the race with aaron, jeff, and john who are all athletes working with coach kainoa ( www.pauolesport.com). John biked across the usa this year. Check out his blog at http://johnstransamericanbikeride.blogspot.com

Wow! Race week is here!!

Hey, thanks for tuning in, and thanks to everyone who has cheered me on in this endeavor!

Wow! I can't believe it's finally here...Race day is Sunday, August 26th, with the swim start at 7am Pacific time.

I'll be posting some info here, and be sure to check in to www.ironman.com for live coverage on Sunday.

To provide a better live experience I've also built a website at www.watchmyrace.com (please excuse the early design, and it will go live later this week, so keep checking....).

Here's a pic of my ride Saturday after the race tune-up, on my way out for the last 40 miles of training before race day. It's all rest and light workouts for the rest of the week, with travel up to Penticton, BC on Wednesday for race preparation.

I will of course be overjoyed just to cross the finish line on the second Ironman for yours truly. With a good race and a lot of luck I also hope to cross the line near 10 hours and 20 minutes which gives me a chance at landing a qualifying spot for the Ironman World Championships in Kona on October 13. Keep your fingers crossed!! :)

Stay tuned,

Greg

PS. To recap the fun I had with my brother Jarrod at Ironman Australia in April, check out my race videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60ByDWvHlxg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JlDhtDBAZU and the blog at www.ironmanaustralia.blogspot.com.