It took me about an hour to decide to go to Penticton; primarily to support Kawal in his attempt at Ironman; as well, to get away and do something that did not involve work or training or racing ... a vacation.
Ironman Canada celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and the event was up to its eye-balls in special events and celebrations.
The day of the race was perfect: overcast in the morning for a 'glare-free' swim. partly cloudy for the remainder of the day. The wind did pick up in the afternoon. And was a challenge for people on the bike course.
I was volunteering at the bike dismount area. Lots of fun. Got to see everyone come in. Around 4:00 PM I started to worry about Kawal. He had planned to be in transition around 3:30 ... he finally showed up at 5:25 ... racing to the dismount line before the 5:30 cut off. Two mechanical problems slowed him down for two hours in the mountains.
I knew that it would be tight, but was hopeful that Kawal would make the midnight cutoff for the race. Midnight came and went; the fireworks were over and still no Kawal. The people staying with us and I started walking the course. Two minutes from the finishing line, we see him. Chugging along, not giving up.
At 00:10 Kawal crossed the finishing line. Out of nowhere, Graham Fraser, the owner of Ironman Canada walks up to Kawal with a finisher's medal, puts it on him, and shakes his hand. We all hold back the tears. Mike Riley, the voice of Ironman, walks by, sees Kawal and Graham standing and talking, looks at Kawal's race bib and delivers the trademark line "Kawal, you are an Ironman!"
