TriVeggies

OK, friends. I’m going to tell you something I’ve not even told anyone in my own family and friend circle – save for LeeLee, whom I consulted with before proceeding, as that’s just the polite thing to do in the name of harmony with one’s partner in life.

On Saturday, I registered for Ironman Canada Ottawa, which joins the North American race circuit in August 2025. Ironman announced the new venue earlier in the week, and as soon as tri club priority registration opened up (thanks, TriDot!), I pulled out my credit card and made the commitment. And then instantly said, “What have I done?!”

As you may recall, I’ve trained in recent years three times for Ironman Maryland, only to have to drop some 120-130 miles into the race due to lasting effects of jellyfish stings. I’ve finally realized that I can’t outwit my body when it comes to allergies. But I’ve always known I have another Ironman in me; I’ve just been waiting for the right course. Ottawa feels like it’s it. 

Think about it: A two-loop river swim (with no jellyfish, my Canadian friend Jim assures me). A flattish bike course with enough rollers to be interesting. A two-loop run through downtown. It’s driveable from home (I love a road trip, and a 10-hour journey across the border is perfect!), so I don’t have to fly with my bike. It’s in a city I’ve never visited before so I can make a sightseeing trip out of it. Given historical temps, the swim should be wetsuit legal, and the daytime weather is likely to be quite temperate. In short, it plays to all my strengths. (And did I mention no jellyfish?)

So now I have the luxury of time. Time to get to the business of training for 15 months, which feels really daunting but I know from experience will also zip by in a flash. Time to get my body ready for the rigors of the day. Time to drop just a few pounds to help myself be as lean as possible. And, yes, time to obsess again about “What have I done?!”

If this all goes well, I imagine that Ironman Ottawa will be my “retirement race.” I know I have at least one more Ironman left in me – I feel a longing to “finish just one more.” It’s a fire that can consume you if you’re not careful, so I’ve got to feed it methodically. Ottawa may be just the place to give it what it wants.

So … I guess we’re doing this. Come along for the ride!