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”

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

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

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?

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

However, for those of us in the less tropical climates we are dealing with the changing of the seasons. In Canada this means spring with the NHL playoffs in full swing and at the local level hockey tournaments are the order of the day.
 

This past weekend I participated with some of my employees at the arena in a little hockey tournament. The tournament was set up as 7 people per team including a goalie. The plan was that you could have 1 goalie, 5 skaters and 1 spare. This was a little shift in my Ironman Training having not been on blades for 8 years or more. It gave a whole new meaning to anaerobic training something us distance athletes do not do enough of. Not to worry though, I got in a couple bike rides in between games to loosen up and work out some of the kinks, bumps, bruises and ……….
 

Having not played hockey for a number of years I was pleased to see some of the progressive changes that have taken place. Firstly’ and foremost was the inclusion of women and men on the same team in a tournament sharing all the ice time, responsibility and duties equally. To this end were a couple statements heard from the ladies stating that they “were upset if the guys did not try 100%”. They felt that there should be nothing less than 100% effort on everyone’s behalf thus having a truly competitive game, which was great to hear. The other significant change was the significant amount of alternate beverages after the game rather that the brown bottle staple of years gone by.
 

The tournament involved a series of 5 games including semi finals and a final. I was very happy to make use of my new Spenco insoles in my skates as they gave a whole new meaning to the word comfort as we progressed through the busy weekend. Our team played in the final for first place in our division. We were the highlight game of the day with our final game being tied after regulation at 0. After overtime there was still no score and only during the shoot out was the determination made of who was the best on that particular day when we scored one goal and the other team came up empty.  
 

The weekend was fun and now as time goes spring here will soon be summer. Next weekend I will be back on the bike for those long rides and soon will be culminating the preparations my Ironman in June.
 

Remember, cross training can take on many forms so use it effectively towards your long term goal.
 

Happy training,
 

Bruce “The IronCanuck”

This however, was only what was visible on the outside. Inside I was in the depths of clinical depression a condition I had suffered with for years. I also had high blood pressure & was being treated for a variety of other physical medical issues. It was at this critical point that I decided something had to change and I had to “Live Better” if I was going to live at all.
 

At first I had no idea where I was going or what I would do. I figured out that if I ate a balanced diet, did some exercise balanced family & work that life had to get better. In doing so and looking after myself I could do a much better job of looking after those that I hold dear to me. So off I went blindly on my quest for a Better Life.
 

Over time my life started to take shape and things started to fall in line. I was soon ready (I thought) to join a masters swim team. Since there was one in the morning at the pool I managed in Victoria BC Canada it worked for me. Soon there I was “part of something” for what seemed the first time in a very long while. Over time I got to know many of the group and discovered it was a spectrum of true amateurs such as myself but also included elite professionals (the world’s best). There was also talk within this group as spring rolled around of triathlon & Ironman, both which were foreign to me and defiantly new words in my vocabulary. Soon though even without knowing it I found myself on a stationary bike & a treadmill both which I started at 5 min each and worked up to 20 min twice a week.  I guess at that point since I was swimming, biking and riding I was a triathlete J
 

I will never forget the day that a soon to become very close friend and my first Ironman Coach said to me. “I have been watching you & maybe you should enter a triathlon”. I chuckled as I thought to myself “me a triathlete, in case you haven’t noticed I don’t quite look like everyone else here” How can someone who’s biggest move a few months ago was getting off the couch to change TV channels be a triathlete. Then something magical happened. The thought of “Why Not” entered my mind for the very first time in what seemed years I was confident and I found myself a few weeks later at the start line of my first Sprint Triathlon 800m swim, 20km bike, 5 km run. I went out that day to the cheers of all my fellow swimmers & even though the word “sprint” did not apply to my performance I had found something special. Through this Multisport of triathlon I discovered that I was capable of doing things that I had not thought possible. I had learnt once again to believe in myself.
 

A day a few months later I approached one of the elite professional triathletes in our group and started to enquire about “Ironman” as he was racing in Ironman Canada in 2000. The question I posed was “Who does this Ironman triathlon thing, it seems impossible”. The answer he gave me will live with me forever. He said “Anyone can do an Ironman; you just need to train a year for it”. This was truly a magical moment. I immediately thought “well if that is all there is to it I can do it” especially since I had already learnt to believe in myself.
 

I was very soon entered in my first Ironman Triathlon at Ironman Canada in 2001 much to the doubt of many. I also know that it was my entry in this event that provided great humor to many and quite the comedy in many discussions throughout the year. As I was told I trained, trained & trained for a year and completed my first Ironman in 14:05. If you have never done an Ironman I can only say there is no feeling like crossing the finish line. Not only did I make believers of those who laughed at or doubted me BUT more importantly to me I had proven something to myself.
 

Today, I am mentally, physically & spiritually the healthiest I have ever been. Every year I take great delight at my annual doctor visit to joke with him how I am the healthiest person he has seen in his office in quite some time. He always agrees.
 

Yes, I weigh 208 lbs and compete in the Clydesdale category. I have completed 8 Ironmans, 12 Half Ironmans, multiple marathons, and many open water swimming events to 5km. My best finish was 11:45 at Ironman Florida in 2006 placing 5th and a second place finish at the 2004 Grand Columbian 1/2 Ironman in the Clydesdale category. Who says we slow down with age? J
 

Having a Bachelor of Education degree with a major in Physical Education I have taken additional studies and now operate a part time business as a Professional Motivational Speaker & Coach. http://teamtimex.timexblogs.com/www.ironcanuck.com sharing the dream and giving back to the sport.
 

I am proud to say that I am a 5 year member of the amazing TIMEX Multisport Team the first Multisport team of professional and amateur athletes. This team is made up of tremendous people including great friends and my involvement with this team is something I truly cherish.
 

Yes, my life has changed and more so than I could have ever imagined. I owe this to all those that helped and believed in me along the way including my truly supportive family. I must also thank my very first Ironman Coach who believed in me even when I did not and to that very special Elite Professional Ironman triathlete that told me “anyone can do an Ironman”, both of which shall remain nameless in print but forever be engraved in my heart. I would also like to thank my major sponsor TIMEX and my fellow team mates for your continued support. Your support is cherished, truly appreciated and you are amazingly special to me.

Of course, I must also thank all those non-believers who I know I provided much humor to over the years since it is through your actions then that I now have a permanent smile that allows me  to LIVE BETTER EACH & EVERY DAY. I could not have done it without you J
 

Thanks to all
 

Bruce ‘The IronCanuck” Bauman
8 time Ironman Finisher

Timex Team Member since 2002

Why you ask would I, who has done multiple Ironmans have these thoughts. Well, recently in my other life, a life with 4 children, a great wife and a stressful job decided that it was time to resign that job and take a position that was going to involve a move and thus an upset to the way of life my family has come to feel comfortable.

Yes, I could justify the move to a new job as being good in many respects but that did not negate the fact that it was a large upset to the status quo. However, I was soon to realize that the upset to the status quo would mean much more to me that I originally thought. What I came to realize really quickly was that I was having trouble being motivated and fitting the training in around tha large demand on time my new position was to have.

In the end though through the help of some specific amazing people and fellow athletes I call my friends I found that what I was experiencing was simply something that many of them deal with each and every day. There were stories of planning ahead for the week and taking changes of clothes to work, to preparing and packing lunches for the week and finally just scheduling the training in through strict self discipline.

As I said learnt reallly quickly that i am not alone in my challlenge & neither should you. I am now rededicated to myself and all the things dear to me including this great sport. I look forward to racing this year and catching up with my great friends who many of have no idea how much they have helped me. You guys/gals are the BEST !!!!! TIMEX rocks.

PS. As dedicated as I am to the sport I also realized it is ok to play in a hocket tournament next weekend.

All the best to your season.

Bruce “Ironcanuck” Bauman

As I new challenge I chose Ironman Florida 2006 in beautiful Panama City for my 8^th Ironman. I remember the first Ironman I did in Penticton BC Canada as clear as day & now here I am enjoying this great sport with no end in sight. They say this race is fast & easy but there is really nothing easy about a 141 mile race which I was about to find out.

The bike ride and run are generally flat and the swim is in the ocean so I felt the race was well suited to my strengths.
The day started early as always at 4am with my room mate & I leaving for transition at 5am. This is Florida in November but no one expected it to be 34 F in the morning with a high of 69 F for the day. In actual fact standing on the beach had my feet so cold I decided to stand in the water as it is warmer at 71 F. The warm up then consisted of a few arm circles while standing in the water and visualizing the race start to finish.

As luck would have it the day was not only cold but on this day the water was the roughest it was all week. The wind was offshore as the tide was coming in and the current was running right to left. As I suspected, in order to do well at this race you have to be a swimmer and no truer was this than today. Between the waves and the current it was very difficult to find any feet because as soon as you were on them they seemed to disappear with the next wave. At one point on the second loop I came up to sight and saw some swimmers 3 feet above me which was a weird feeling and something that brought a smile to my face :)Later in the day on the run I heard numerous people telling stories of being sea sick multiple times during the swim. I guess the good news was that the fish ate well :)

The transition times were generally slow as people put on everything short of their winter parkas but being from Canada I decided that all I needed were my arm warmers. One person actually took 1 hour and 15 minutes in the two transitions combined.

Soon I was off on the bike with a plan to build into the bike because one of the biggest problems people face here is that you can easily go out too fast & then blow up. The key to my race was to be smart, consistent & strong. I was told to ride 5:30 – 5:40 so I could be solid on the run. I rode 5:34 in conditions that were tough as I think we fought head or cross winds for about 50 miles.

The run has always been my weakest link but I was determined to make it my strength on this day. We had a plan in place to be consistent, strong and make sure I got nutrition at the aid stations. I was focused on the run making sure to take a personal inventory every 5 minutes or so. I must say it hurt like all marathons but I turned in a major break through to complete the race in a personal best of 11:45 which is 47 minutes faster than Ironman Arizona in April 2006.

Ironman Florida is a tough race since you are always in the aero position all day on the bike as there are very few hills. With the winds and the false flats it can be challenging. The run is difficult as you never get a break going up or down a hill so the same muscles are working all day long. Finally, the swim is in the ocean and there is always a current and it can be quite wavy. This race proved to me once again that you need to plan your race and race your plan. Ironman is not about being fast but more about being patient and strong. By having a plan and racing your race you likely will achieve your goals. Yes you can have a great race here but be prepared for different conditions because no matter how you cut it you are still racing 141 miles.

I would like to close by thanking all my supporters and my major sponsor TIMEX who without I would not have been able to achieve my goals.

See you 2007. I am off to recover and play a little hockey for a couple months.

Bruce “The IronCanuck” Bauman

As I prepare for my 8th Ironman, I have chosen to race the Ironman Florida on November 4, 2006. This will be my second Ironman of 2006, as I was in Tempe Arizona in April for a very enjoyable race in the desert.

Both of these events have proven to be a challenge, as I live in Canada and training can be, well, “a little chilly” at times for these events that are on the fringe of our summer. After giving it some thought, I guess that is why I chose Ironman Florida.

Where I live it is quite mountainous, so finding any prolonged time where I stay aero to simulate the Florida bike course is difficult and all part of the challenge. Running is the same given the rolling terrain of the east coast of Vancouver Island.

I have spent the summer doing a couple a series of races from sprint to 1/2 Ironman and just having a great time. The last couple months, my coach & I have been working on training specifics to make my race in Florida a great experience. We have a bit of a new plan for the race and nutrition which I am excited about and know it will spell success.

This is all happening with many of the hockey leagues already starting in Canada, and Thursday marks the start of the National Hockey League schedule. With that said I am am off for a long run before settling in to my last big week of training before the taper.

Oh did I mention that the night I fly into Tampa on my way to Panama City I have tickets to the Tampa Bay Lighting vs San Jose Sharks hockey game. I guess I truly am Canadian :)

See you in Florida (I can hardly wait)!

Bruce “IronCanuck” Bauman