Ultraman Canada

Well tomorrow is the start of Ultraman Canada in Penticton. Ultraman is an interesting event to say the least. The race is spread out over three days. The distances which are spread over three days are as follows.

10.0 K Swim
418.3 K Bike
84.3 K Run

This is a race that I have no desire to do. Not now, not ever. I think an Ironman is more than enough. The oppurtunity to test the body over one day in enough for me. The race also only has 25 people in it. I can't imagine flying halfway around the world, paying the $1800 entry fee, bringing your own crew to do a race with only 25 people. Seems a little crazy to me. It is also in my opinion the worst sport to watch as a spectator. If you were watching there could be an hour go bye before you saw another spectator. Uggghhh.

So I was beginning to think that these Ultramen were a little crazy but then.... one of the guys said that he was preparing for a deca-ironman. This event consists of racing 10 times the Ironman distance. Its a you sleep when you want and who ever finishes first win. The kicker is that the swim is in a 50 meter pool and the run.... on a 400m track. For those keeping score at home that is about 1055 laps. I thought seeing 12 laps to go in a 5k was bad. Will I ever do this race? No thanks, again not interested. The competitor who said he was doing it claimed that he wanted to test his physical limits. I think a better way to do that would be to go to the track and try and run as fast as you can. You probably reach your limits in less than two laps. Different limits maybe but limits nonetheless.

I would like highlight one of the competitors that came through the Bike Barn yesterday. His name is Jason Lester. He has overcome huge obstacles to excel in triathlon. He told the story of how at Ultraman Hawaii last year a boat pulled him out of the water with about 1 k to go because there were a large amount of Jelly fish stinging. Although he was safe in the boat the race officials had to inform him that he would be disqualified if he stayed in the boat. What did he do? He jumped back in there with the Jellyfish and got it done. Awesome. Jason's a story that is particular touching for me as my sisters boyfriend Bryce, has overcome a similar obstacle to continue his love of sport and do things many would have though impossible. Both Jason and Bryce are very inspirational.

Here is his website,

http://www.jasonplester.com/