2008 has been an interesting year for me to say the least. In the end it has been a year I have had to remove myself from competitive racing due to medical issues. To make a very long story short, let’s just say that in the end I am being very well looked after and should very soon be 100% again. In fact I should be able to start training again this week. I just have to remember to ease into it J

As I said this year has been very interesting. What I have learnt this year is how great the people are that participate in this sport. The qualities they display are some of the greatest we could ask for. They include but are not limited to understanding, compassion, and a great sense of understanding. There has been no greater display of these qualities by my close friends, team mates, sponsors and all those associated with the TIMEX Multisport Team. Thank you so much & I look forward to seeing you at the races again real soon.

Rock On

The “IronCanuck”

The Day I Gambled and Lost BUT Really WON !!!!

Ironman Florida 2007 on November 3, 2007 marked the 2^nd time I attempted this race and upon completing the event would mark my 10^th Ironman. I was entering the race at the end of probably the most difficult year I have ever had. The year was full of challenges that were not necessarily my choice but were circumstances that I had to make a conscious choice how I would deal with each of them. Be it serious family illness, moving to a new city, change of job, or other personal issues my choice from the beginning was to make lemonade out of what were at the time some very bitter lemons.

Yes, from the beginning my training was not at the same level as previous years however I tried to concentrate more on the quality of each and every workout. I also tried to build on my training day at Ironman Coeur D’Alene in June 2007. Ironman Florida was also a great excuse to get some sun and spend time away from home with my wife which was delightful. (Yes, I can actually say that after 29 years of marriage).

The day was perfect for a race as the sun was rising with no wind and calm seas. The first loop of the swim was as any other a washing machine with everyone trying to find their own piece of water. The first loop was completed in 33 minutes and my final time was 1:08 which for me was GREAT given I had only hit the pool 2 weeks ago and probably only had a total of 5 miles of swimming under my belt prior to the race. I attribute it simply to my Blue Seventy Wetsuit. (I will be opening the new and only pool in my home town when I get home on November 10, 2007 and got in a few laps in as soon as the water was in before I left).

The bike ride on my NEW TREK felt GREAT and effortless and as the ride went on I made a conscious effort to be controlled as the second half of the ride can be extremely tough if you go out too fast. I was happy as to how the ride was going since this had been my focus in the training I had put in prior to the race. About 2 hours into the ride it became evident that the nutrition plan I had laid out for the day was at risk of unraveling. I had been working through some intestinal issues earlier in the week and nothing; I mean nothing on race day was sitting well. It seemed the more I took in the worse I felt and the larger my stomach was getting. Oh well I thought, I will work through the ride and see where it goes (Thus the gamble). Well actually the only thing that seemed for some reason to sit OK with my stomach was the snickers bar at special needs. I mean how can a snickers not be good J. I finished the ride strong in 5:34 which was quicker than last year but I knew things were in a bit of disarray as I got off the bike. I took a little extra time in transition to get things organized and then it was off on the run.

As I left transition I felt what I thought was the normal discomfort associated with the start of the marathon. However, within 2 miles I knew I was in some trouble as my stomach was hard, swollen and quite distended which is where it was when I finished the marathon. Nothing was sitting well and the severe pain was stopping me from running so I fell into the old run 1 minute walk 1 minute until even that was not enough. Ok so after a few porta potty stops and a little hissy fit of kicking gravel I had to ask that question that many Ironman athletes at some time ask themselves. The simple question of “WHY”?

The answer for me after some deep soul searching was wrapped up in a co-workers story this past year. His story was simply that he had a bike accident, had a minor break in his neck and through his determination he can now walk with a cane, and ride a bike albeit very slowly. Oh did I mention that he completed an Olympic distance tri 9 months after the accident where his 10 km time was 3 hours and 14 minutes BUT he finished. Here is a guy that wants so badly to be able to do the sport he loves and here was I with what in the end seemed like minor stomach issues. The answer to the question for me was simple “BECAUSE I CAN! This is what got me through the day and believe me it was the toughest of any of the marathons I have ever done in a Ironman (Oh yea and the slowestJJJ)

Although my race was slower than last year I am more satisfied with this result because it made me DIG VERY DEEP, hurt more than previous and taught me the following:

1)      WHO I really am as a person

2)      WHY I do this sport

3)      What I need to concentrate on for next year

4)      Where I want to be when I race here in 2008

5)      HOW I was able to make lemonade out of some very bitter lemons to be in a better place than I was when I set a PR here in 2006 in a time of 11:45

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and especially my sponsor TIMEX for all your support this past year. I could not have done it without you.

It is now time to play a little hockey (Off Season Training For Canadians eh!!!) and then focus on next year with my lemonade in hand. See you in 2008. I am excited.

Bruce “The IronCanuck” Bauman

www.ironcanuck.com

June 24, 2007 marked my 9^th Ironman as I went Couer D’Alene Idaho to challenge this distance yet one more time in preparation for my A race at Ironman Florida in November. This is a beautiful town in a beautiful location and this year hosted a new bike course which I enjoyed so much more.

My goal was to use this day as a great training day to see where I was at both physically and mentally. It was also to give my Trek Bike, Blue Seventy Wetsuit and Profile by Design components a test which they passed with flying colors. Little did I know that the test I was about to endure would be greater than any other I had faced before.

They say that in an Ironman “Take what the day gives you and make the best of it”. Never were truer words spoken as the day started off with all athletes being given the option for a duathlon as the lake was white capping towards shore. Only about 30 athletes took this option only after trying the first of two loops before calling it quits in favor of this option.

I was feeling great leading up to the race knowing that training was something to be built on but I was confident and calm. The cannon went off and then it happened, about 500 meters into the swim I had swallowed so much water I was sick. This little episode was to repeat itself in a couple different forms throughout the day with a few stops along the way. I finally exited the water after a few unplanned stops only 25 minutes slower than normal. YIKES !!!!!!!!!!! Better get on the bike.

The bike was going well as I was holding back and saving myself for the second loop as the major hills appear at 80 miles and if you go to hard you pay BIG time. I was riding well (except for a stop or two) and then my front tire flatted. After that unplanned stop I rode about another 5 miles before it flatted again and upon inspection I noticed the rim tape had shifted. Time to call tech support. Calling is one thing, having them show up is another as they were very busy on this particular day. After close to an hour they arrived and it was duck tape to the rescue. Off I went again but this only lasted for about 30 miles when, yes you guessed it another flat. Tech support was better this time  (about 30 minutes) as I had run out of tubes and they had a spare tube & more duck tape. This time it held for the remainder of the bike although my split was 7:19. I guess not too bad as I was riding fast when I was riding and would have, should have been under 6 hours, but this is Ironman and anything can happen. I just accepted the ride for what it was and was thankful it was over.

Off on the run I went and feeling ok & then sickness started to set in again. If at any point during the day I wanted to quit we were now approaching that point. In the end it is all about finsh. I put together a plan to not eat or drink for the last 2 – 3 hours which was tough and the better of two evils (I think). I finished the race in 15:13 which overall given what I dealt with was a good time.

I learnt many things about my character, mental and physical fitness on this day which I suppose was my goal. I also learnt that as they always say “Anything can happen in an Ironman”. It is your goal in an Ironman to embrace and make the best of the day. It is about the finish and I will not too soon forget this. Look forward to catching up with you at the races.

I know my next Ironman will be better as I think I got everything out of me that could go wrong in this race J

Bruce “The IronCanuck” Bauman

Oliver ½ Ironman
June 3, 2007

The 2007 racing season got off to a good start with a “test” on Sunday June 3, 2007 in Oliver BC. This was the second consecutive year I have raced here and as has been the tradition in the past the weather can be well “variable”.
 

This year was not home to the hail & rain storms of the past, instead we were blessed with a sunny warm day. In actual fact it was to set a record with the old mercury hitting 38 C or 100 F  by the time we got on the run.
 

The day started well with a swim that took place in 3 waves. I was glad to be wearing my new blue seventy suit which made the swim so much more enjoyable. Oh yes did I mention I was quicker than last year with limited training and it could only be the suit.
 

The ride was great on my new Trek and I was in good position by the time I got on the run. The key to this day was to “pace” myself and have a solid day for my Ironman at the end of June. I was able to accomplish the pacing during the bike and the run and now the challenge was to do the same on the run. It was great training to actually work on yur heart rate and then be able to check it on the monitor. It became so I could actually guess my heart rate and be very close near the end of the ride. I highly suggest this for you n a race or in training so that you will develop a “feel” for your pace which will make you an even better athlete.

The run started off uneventful enough but the heat definitely took its toll. There were aid stations with hose showers for those athletes that needed it and a few people had to drop out because of the heat. Did I mention that generally the times were slower this year compared to last year?
 

In the end it was a great day, I accomplished all I needed to in prep for my next race at Ironman Couer d’Alene at the end of the month and as every race I learnt a little something. Is this not the key to everything, take a chance, learn something and use it at a later date?

I have been fairly quiet so far this year. This is something I am well known for if you know me. Especially, when I am dedicating myself to something specific. That something specific has been the establishment of routine given major life changes and training for an Ironman or two.

2007 has been an interesting year for me so far. This year has seen me accept a new job as director of recreation for the the area in which I live. As exciting as this opportunity is it has not been without its challenges, least of all the 70 hour weeks. Being the typical Type A that needs or should I say lives for routine my life since January has been anything but routine. I have moved 6 hours from my family who is not destined to join me for another 3 months. I am living by myself in a small suite and only make it home about once per month. This living in two places is for the birds.  This has been a little different to say the least coming from a life with a wife and 4 teenage children, a dog, cat and lots of activity. The challenge has been to establish routine & continue in preparation for racing in 2007 while at the same time not thinking about what is missing but looking for the positive in what is.

Early this season I had to withdraw from Ironman Arizona as there was no way I was ready in addition to not being able to free myself from work. The next race on the schedule is Ironman CDA at the end of June. Training for this race as mentioned has been difficult. It has been made even more difficult given my location. I have been use to riding on moderate hills but now find myself riding a total of 6600 feet in a 5 hour ride. A little tougher than I am use to especially not being a smaller athlete. Last weekend after the ride I was totally wasted & thought I best put my granny gear on the bike or I was not going to make it. Much to my shock on Sunday when cleaning my bike did I realize that I already had my granny gear (27) on my cassette. The thought of dying while training quickly entered my mind :) (After I had a good laugh at myself)

However, with a little due diligence I was pleasently surprised this weekend on my ride & run. I rode 4 1/2 hours on Saturday and ran 2 plus today (Sunday) and feel pretty good. I actually negative split both training sessions as I have been working on being PATIENT which is what Ironman is all about. I have been sleeping well and this was the first time since January that I thought I can compete at the Ironman distance again. Having sai that I am feeling good enough to be sitting here with my feet up, having a glass of red wine & watching the stanley cup playoffs.

This experience has taught me many things:

1) Be positive about what is not what could or should be

2) Don’t dwell on what you are missing but embrace what you have

3) Change is good if you embrace it even if you laugh at yourself every now & again

4) Don’t give up it will always gets better, just be patient

5) Remember the real reason why you are doing what you do. It is always easier that way.

Enjoy your training & see you at Ironman CDA. My first step towards a PB at Ironman Florida in November.

Thanks to all my close friends including my TIMEX team mates for your continued support. You ROCK!!!!!!

Bruce “The IronCanuck” Bauman