Cascade College Coaches Compete in 'Ironman Canada' Triathlon
PENTICON, B.C. -- Cascade cross country coaches Janet and Bryant Howard recently joined 2,300 other triathletes in Penticton, British Columbia to take on the challenge of completing a 140.6 mile test of endurance known as Ironman Canada.
Janet, a first time Iron distance competitor, has enjoyed a highly decorated multi-sport career racing professionally in the sport of duathlon (run/bike/run) and earning multiple triathlon championships over the past 10 years. Bryant, having completed two previous Ironman events, was looking to improve upon his lifetime best at the distance.
The cannon signaled the start of the 2.4 mile swim leg in Okanagan Lake. The swim start of a triathlon is often referred to as "the big washing machine" and with 2300 athletes all trying to occupy the same space in the water it was easy to see why.
After exiting the water the second phase of the event consisted of a 112 mile bike ride through some of the most challenging terrain in the region. The bike course is known for the infamous Richter Pass climb, but the climb to Yellow Lake near the end of the ride is both steep and unforgiving on tired legs.
With the bike course behind them the duo faced a hilly and wind swept 26.2 mile run course. It is said that the marathon at the end of an Ironman is unlike any running you'll ever do. If you over exert on the bike it can quickly deteriorate into a 26 mile "death-march," but on this day the T-Birds flew to the finish crossing the line looking strong.
Up next for Bryant is the Portland Marathon while Janet prepares for the USA Triathlon National Championships at Hagg Lake in Forest Grove, Ore. Both Bryant and Janet will return to Penticton next year to compete in the 2009 Ironman Canada.