Post from Penticton

A little update and a bit of the atmosphere.

Penticton is really pumped for Ironman. This should be on all of those people's list who like to do destination races.

As soon as you enter British Columbia (we drove in from Colorado), there is a sign that says "Best Place in the World". I can't verify that statement based upon the short duration that I've been here, but it is spectacular. Your entire drive from the border into town is surrounded by apple and peach orchards, wineries, mountains and beautiful lakes.

Penticton is similarly beautiful. The town is nestled between 2 incredibly beautiful and very large lakes. This resort town is packed and would be a great place to visit without the Ironman, but as the locals say, Penticton is defined by IMC.

The entire region embraces the race and the participants. When swimming at the local pool on Monday, an elderly gentleman approached us and inquired about our upcoming race. He had never raced, but volunteered for 14 years before his hip arthritis prevented him from working any longer. He proceeded to give us tips on the course and then wished us good luck. This episode has been repeated a multitude of times throughout the week by various volunteers, neighbors, and store clerks. Amazing!

The course is tremendous. Short of Hawaii, the swim venue is the best I’ve seen. (In some respects, ie lack of jellyfish, sharks, earthquakes & waves, it is even better). The bike course rolls through countryside similar to our car ride in. Skaha Lake, McLeans Road, Richter, Pass, the out and back at Keremous, and Yellow Lake are the ride highlights. A lot of patience is going to be required through the first ~80-90 miles. The out and back run is pretty flat with a few short climbs.

Well, that is it for now. I’ve registered, the bike is getting its last tune-up and adjustments, and I’m hunkering down until race day. Erin and I went to Safeway yesterday and I prepared for my rest day by buying a handful of $6 movies...the poor girls will be subjected to Lonesome Dove, On Golden Pond, and a handful of others I can't recall the name.

Thanks for all the well wishes and thoughts…I will need them all on race day.

J