On Sunday August 30th, Team Race4MS swam, biked and ran 226 kilometers at Ironman Canada to raise over $100,000 for Multiple Sclerosis.

More details to come after the celebrations end!!!

Tune into www.ironmanlive.com to get race updates and follow each team member as they move through BC’s beautiful Okanagan Valley.  Hopefully we will see Jasper run his way to another Ironman Canada victory in 2009!!

Team members racing at Ironman Canada are:
Jasper Blake (Victoria, BC)
Geoff Badger (Calgary, AB)
David Collombin (Salt Spring Island, BC)
Susan Schulze (Penticton, BC)
Steve Meehan (Toronto, ON)

Run Fat Boy Run

I remember every stage of the disease, from the drunken walk to the cane, the walker, the three wheel scooter and finally the wheelchair.  It has slowly and deliberately taken away her physical freedoms. 

However, she has always been a remarkable source of mental strength for our family.  One meeting and her chair and disability quickly disappear and you are left with one heck of an amazing woman!!

I have spent the better part of the last decade as a professional athlete.  I have always had a desire to do something beyond the sport itself.  In 2006 I won Ironman Canada – so the idea to join Multiple Sclerosis with Ironman Canada seemed like a natural one. 

Ironman is an event that brings out the best in people…..guts, determination, courage and a small dose of nuttiness.  Doing Ironman for something bigger can give people the prod in the backside that they may be looking for!

Race4MS is for everyone.  The goal is to create a unique team of fantastic individuals who want to get across the finish line for the right reason – to end Multiple Sclerosis!!

So, why did I take on the Ironman challenge to help raise money for MS? 

One of my passions is children and when I was reading about MS and learned that it is the most common neurological disease in young adults – it definitely needs a stronger awareness. 

My best girlfriend’s mother was diagnosed with MS about 25 years ago, making it a lot closer than you realize.

The third reason is being born and raised in Penticton, I have always wanted to try the Ironman, but there was never that actual push. 

Steve Meehan, CEO of Investment Planning Counsel, challenged me to compete with him or should I say goaded me on as he knows I am competitive, after all, I did beat him on the 100km ride for the Healing Cycle. 

So when Steve brought this challenge to the table and doing it for such a great cause, how could I refuse?

I started training for the Ironman in the middle of February and I am so nervous. 

Some people train for this event for over a year, so what makes me think I can do it?

How do you even get started to train for such an event? 

The first thing I did was hire a coach as I had no idea what or how I would even tackle such an endurance event.  I went to Impact Multisport Coaching and asked if they would take me on as a client. 

I think, after a great amount of thought, they said we will take a look and let you know.  Olly Piggin, from Impact agreed, not sure if it was voluntary, to become my coach. 

He has designed a personalized training program for me, we are trying to get my body and mind learning the three new sports I am taking on.  The biggest challenge has been learning to be patient, relaxed and efficient as I am slowly learning all three sports to meet this challenging endurance event.  

I am not sure if Olly knew what he was getting into taking me on as a client but he is starting to now!

RACE4MS is underway! There’s seven months until Ironman Canada! On August 30th, 2009, our team of triathletes will swim, bike, and run for Multiple Sclerosis.

We’ve secured fifteen spots for Ironman Canada 2009. This Penticton classic is heading into its 27th year! This is your chance to take part in one of the longest running and most prestigious Ironman events in the world.  Race4MS Team Members will receive an exclusive VIP Package with incredible benefits and will get to race Ironman Canada for a great cause – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Are you ready??