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Mosquito Creek – Quartzite and Ramp Peaks

One of the great things about living in Calgary is access to incredible adventures in any season.
On Saturday morning Patrice I met on the SW end of the city at 6:05am and were at Lake Louise shortly after 8am to meet Jay. Together we drove to the Parking lot to Mosquito Creek along the Icefields Parkway.

Our Objective this weekend: To snow kite the base of Quartzite Peak. The wind forecast was roughly 4-16 kt from the West. (Sub objective for me: test my snow camping / “expeditioning” skills!).

Shortly after 9am, in about -15 degrees we started up Mosquito Creek to our camp site – 5km in. Patrice and I set up our tents and Jay claimed an existing Quinzhee as his home. From the campsite, we immediately left the trail, and entered the forest, diagonally uphill towards climber’s left side on Quartzite.

Mosquito Mountains

Finally we broke tree line and were at the flats of Mosquito Mountain. I was excited as I felt wind and was ready to pull out my Ozone 15m Kite. I checked my enthusiasm, got my wind meter out, and wind was not even strong enough to make it move.

We climbed to 2500m up Mosquito before a terrific Ski back to camp.

It was cold … I suspect dipping to -20 degrees Saturday night. Jay, an Edmonton based fire fighter – likes to make fire more than he likes to put them out – making his a perfect snow camping partner! We had a ranging fire and delicious supper prior to hitting our shelters about 8:15pm. We agreed to meet for breakfast at 8am, just after sunrise.

Comparing notes – Patrice won the sleep game, hardly waking at all. I slept pretty well – waking at 10pm, 2am, and 6:30am for short ‘rolling sessions’. Jay said he slept twice for about 10minutes! He was done, and would head down to trail head.

Patrice and I followed a different route to the base of Mosquito. Once again, reaching the flats … I was optimistic on wind. Pulling out my wind meter … the wind was obviously nothing that would allow me to launch my kite. I decided I’d summit Ramp Mountain.

My orienteering skills failed me. I ended up on Quartzite – prior to a epic ski down!

I’ve always been interested in Canada’s North. I feel a draw towards the space, the land scape, and the people. The wild flattish land (in the middle!), the spruce trees, and the plethora of lakes and rivers. Perhaps it is because I lived in Labrador for 8 of my first 10 years of life. Perhaps it is the images I’ve seen of my Dad, and his friends, as they worked on The DEW line in his early 20’s. As a young teenager I travelled from Prince Edward Island to Yellowknife along with my grade 8 class as part of a school exchange. Later as a tree planter, a few of my crew mates did a road trip from Prince George to Dawson City and Kluane National Park during our break between spring and summer planting season.

Like most Canadians, I live, play, and work south of Canada’s 49 paralell. (Red Lake is not ‘that far’ North, being on the 52nd paralell. My friend Maddy lives with her family in Iqaluit which is on the 63rd Paralell!)

When my High School friend Bruce called me in November and said, “Bryon, I know our next cycling adventure … we are going to ride Fat Bikes from Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation in February … in temperatures of -20 to -40 degrees Celsius!” I confirmed immediately that I was in.

New Hope Community Bikes, with support from the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) have been building a bike program for Pikangikum Youth since 2017. The more I learned about the program, the more excited I became.

“The Ice Road Challenge”, allowed me to return a favour to cycling and help a northern community.

My family have contributed to various fund raisers for global causes. Travelling to Pikangikum was pretty much like travelling to another country. However, it is my country. I’ve been thinking much recently … “Think Global, Act Local”.

On Feb 6, I met 40 other riders in Red Lake. We had an immensely satisfying ride, cultural experience, and adventure. The riding season in Pikangikum just got a whole lot longer. We delivered Fat Bikes and Mittens … and raised $50,000+ to offer further bike programming, education and youth employment.

New Riding Experience, Visiting a Canadian Northern Community, and Building a Youth First Nations Cycling Program – that’s a win.

I made a video edit – click here to see it.

Winter is a wonderful time to plan a visit to Calgary.  The locals here do not hide from Mother Nature’s fierce chill.  They embrace it and extract every bit of snow and ice related fun imaginable.  If snow and ice are not your thing, that’s OK too.  In Calgary, frigid temperatures are never an excuse to not explore the city.  With the world’s largest pedestrian skywalk system spanning more than 16 km, you can enjoy all that downtown Calgary has to offer while leaving your snow boots and parka at home.

Parks, Paths and Hiking

Many of the city’s parks offer year-round recreational opportunities.  The 580-km regional pathway system helps locals keep fit year-round and offers several wintertime fun runs, including the Hypothermic Half Marathon in February.  Many of the trails are kept clear of snow and ice for the enjoyment of walkers, runners and cycling enthusiasts.

Winter Sports

Don’t forget that Calgary sits at the base of the Canadian Rockies – home to world class facilities for skiers and snowboarders.  Some of the best runs in the world are within a few hours’ drive from the city at Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Nakiska Ski Resort, but you do not need to travel at all to participate in your favourite winter sports while in Calgary.  You can snowshoe, cross country ski, play hockey, ice skate, sled and even learn to luge at facilities throughout the city, including Canada Olympic Park, originally constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Festivals

Calgary is a festival goers dream – for visitors and locals alike.  It starts with the Stampede in the summer and continues for 12 months.  The frosty winter months offer plenty of opportunity for outdoor and indoor partying – everything from film and music festivals, food and wine tasting to avant garde theatre and motorcycle expos.  There is even an annual citywide Hot Chocolate Festival in which local eateries compete for the best hot chocolate recipes.  The proceeds of this event go to support Calgary’s Meals-on-Wheels program.

Calgary offers endless options for outdoor adventure and indoor exploration during the cold season.    Don’t let a little winter chill keep you from enjoying everything our city has to offer.  Take your pick and have a blast!

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

What happened with me?  Age is just a number – but be careful.

20 years ago in 1997 I was playing squash at the Charlottetown YMCA. In the change room, three friends arrived in their run gear – laughing, having fun and were now going for a swim. I asked why. This was the day I became aware of triathlon, and the last day I played squash.

Shortly after that I registered for Spudman – an Olympic Distance Triathlon in Prince Edward Island National Park. My wife begged me not to. She thought I may die, or at best – just be way too exhausted to be any help with our two kids under three and our Sea Kayaking business.

I did the race – loved it, and since that day – 90% of my workouts have been outside in nature with friends/training partners.

Two years ago I decided it would be fun to qualify for the Worlds ITU race, and race with Team Canada.

A year ago, I qualified at Challenge Penticton taking 2nd place in the age group in a time of 6 hours and 30min. (37th Overall).

Over the past 20 years, I raced lots, had great training partners, and did pretty well as an age group athlete. I have loved training and racing was the icing on the cake.

I would wake each morning and excitedly get out the door to meet a friend each day for a swim, bike, run or ski. We varied the intensity of each of those works outs … and I loved them all.

I recently turned 50.  I’ve been cranky.  I approach workouts as a chore, and just get them done – ‘out of the way’.

Until this very moment, I was thinking it was just the aging process. However, I think I know what changed!!!  I’ve been training alone.  For whatever reason, I haven’t sought out regular training partners. I hate training alone!

Back to yesterday’s race – the  ITU Long Course Triathlon World Championships.

I dreamed of being on the podium … visualized running strong. I finished 9th in the age group and 77th from 821 (not including Pro’s) in a time of 6 hours and 47 minutes.  I was 16 minutes slower than last year.   My swim 4 minutes slower, My bike 1 minutes slower, my run 10 minutes slower – and my transitions 2 minutes slower.

I was a whole 37 minutes behind the winner of my 50-54 age group.  Even if I raced equivalent to last year – I would have been 4th this year & 5 minutes off 3rd. It was a strong international group – as I knew it would be.

I gave everything I had yesterday, and had the best day I could based on my training the past year. I’m grateful for my health and to have made it to the start and finish line.  It was great having five days in Penticton with not much to do but hang out with my wife and adult son, visiting old friends.

I’ve heard “Age is just a number”.  I believe this. However, I think we need to be aware what age does to us.  As kids, we naturally seek out other kids to play. As we age, we get selfish with our time, our plan, our own schedules.

For the past 20 years, the sport of triathlon has been about play. I’d meet friends and have fun. When it turns into Training … for ‘training’ sake, it becomes less fun. I recognize that the past year I ‘trained’ … without the play.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Victoria’s restaurant scene is an intoxicating mix of urban charm and rural sensibility. The city is home to a growing number of farm-to-table restaurants specializing in their own brand of “West Coast Cuisine.” Some have compared the city’s food obsession to the ultimate foodie city – San Francisco, but the Victoria restaurant world is uniquely its own. Local farms, markets, wineries and breweries provide the ingredients and a group of young, entrepreneurial chefs and restauranteurs work their magic to create consistently high-quality dining experiences.

When restaurant owners in Victoria talk about locally-grown food, they really mean it, unlike other major cities that are situated hundreds of miles from the nearest farm. Victoria’s location along the coast allow chefs to work with fresh ingredients pulled from the sea and fertile farmland surrounding the city. With a seemingly never-ending supply of fresh seafood, produce. cheese, wine, beer and whiskey, “farm-to-table” is not a passing fad in Victoria. It is a lifestyle that is warmly embraced by restaurants and residents alike.

Victoria’s municipal records show that there are over 500 active food service licenses in the city. If you add in the public markets, food trucks and kiosks scattered around town, that number easily increases to over 600. The food industry is a major player in this beautiful city by the sea. Here are a few of Victoria’s favourite eateries that will not fail to impress even the toughest food critic:

Saveur – This French-inspired local favourite specializes in five-course tasting menus. The food is fresh, fanciful and on everybody’s “Top Ten” list for Victoria fine dining.

Spinnakers Brewpub – Spinnakers is a local landmark that has been delighting locals and tourists since 1984. Blessed with a beautiful water view and excellent food, Spinnaker’s can also boast of being Canada’s first craft brewery in the modern era. Stop by the pub for a good meal and a good pint. As an added bonus, the pub offers a number of moderately-priced, historical guesthouses dating back to 1884.

Pagliacci’s – Victoria may have a British heritage, but the locals love a good Italian meal. Stop by Pagliacci’s to enjoy fresh Italian food and their world-famous focaccia bread. You will not be disappointed.

Olo – The word Olo means “hungry” in Chinook jargon. Every item and ingredient on the menu is organic and locally-grown. The ambiance is friendly and down-to earth and the changing menu is a testament to sustainability and innovative use of local food bounty.

These are just a few of the hundreds of eateries that comprise Victoria’s thriving restaurant scene. The abundance and diversity of dining options in beautiful settings is just one of the many draws pulling people to this special city.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-465-0210 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is famous for its thriving real estate market, magnificent scenery and stately Victoria architecture. The city and the surrounding landscapes present a feast for the eyes and memorable vistas that are best enjoyed on a bicycle. Blessed with mild winters and humidity-free summers, the biking trails in and around Victoria beckon riders of all ages, fitness and skill levels. The city can boast of more cyclists per capita than any other Canadian city and a ride along one of Victoria’s well-travelled bike routes is a great way to acquaint yourself with this southernmost major city in western Canada.

When it comes to cycling in Victoria, the options are infinite. Here is a newcomer’s guide to just a few of the city’s more popular trails:

The Galloping Goose – This relatively flat, 55-km trail is the perfect choice for families and casual cyclists. The trail starts in a busy section of town and then meanders through farmland and evergreen forests to an old abandoned mining town. Built on a former railroad, the terrain for the most part is flat with a few easily managed hills.

Hartland Bike Park – Serious riders in search of a challenge head to Hartland Bike Park – about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria. This woodland paradise offers options for all experience levels, but is used primarily by intermediate and advanced cyclists. Don’t forget a trail map if you visit Hartland since the complex network of trails can be confusing.

The Seaside Touring Route – This popular route, specifically designed for visitors, takes the rider by many of the city’s noteworthy attractions. This route has it all! Look one way and you will be treated to a surreal view of the mighty Olympic Mountains. Look the other way and breathe in the deep blue Pacific Ocean. The 39-km route can be modified to virtually any length with water views most of the way. Don’t forget to wave to the resident seals at Oak Bay Marina.

Given the abundance of bike trails and natural beauty, Victoria has emerged as a mecca for international bike racers. The annual Tour de Victoria takes place in August and is a mass participation event attracting both world class riders and weekend enthusiasts. There is even a 3k race for young children.

If you are contemplating a move to Victoria or just joining the thousands of tourists who visit each year, consider getting to know this beautiful corner of the world on two wheels. Grab your helmet and enjoy the view!

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

As an increasingly influential centre in world social and economic markets, Calgary can boast of a strong and growing multicultural base.  Thousands of immigrants continue to relocate to Calgary each year and by 2020, the immigrant population is expected to exceed half a million people, or roughly 30% of the city’s population.

Calgary looks and sounds different than it did years ago.  In 1959, the ratio of Caucasians to visible minorities in the city was 350:1.  Today that ratio is 5:1.  Strolling through the city centre, you can hear conversations in English, Punjabi, Chinese and Spanish – just a few of the dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects found here.  According to census figures, a full 30% of the city’s residents report that English is not the primary language spoken in their homes.  The language, culture and rich ethnic foods that the immigrant population brings to Calgary all contribute to the city’s emergence as a vital and vibrant global city in every sense of the word.

While the oil and energy industries were booming in the early part of this century, highly-educated and highly-skilled young people poured into Calgary in search of economic opportunity.  They came, they worked hard and they stayed in a city that understands how to welcome immigrants and weave a multicultural thread through the city’s own unique fabric.

Life in a city as diverse and vibrant as Calgary infuses its resident with a sophisticated worldview, cultural appreciation and sense of tolerance that is second to none.   Calgary is a youthful city that embraces and celebrates its diversity.  In addition to the annual Stampede and arts & music festivals, anyone looking to sample a bit of ethnic food and culture on the weekend can do so at the city’s Serbian, Greek and Turkish Festivals, Fiestaval Latino, Carifest, Brazilfest, or any of the dozens of other events celebrating rich cultural heritages throughout the year.  For this and other reasons, many residents believe that Calgary is a perfect city for raising a family.

Canadians have a long history of appreciating multiculturalism and promoting inclusion – both in government policy and legislation and, in the legendary hospitality extended to newcomers in our day to day lives.  Appreciation for multiculturalism is just one of the many components that work together to make Calgary a great place to live and work.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Spend some time in Calgary this holiday season and you may find yourself wishing you lived here year-round.  Christmas time in Calgary is an experience to cherish – a magical feast to delight the senses.  When it comes to holiday decorating and Christmas light extravaganzas, Calgary knows how to put on a show.

Here is a guide to a few of our favourite Calgary Christmas light shows – sure to dazzle your eyes and warm your heart.

Kick it Off Downtown – Start with a walking tour of Calgary’s vibrant downtown.  Sign up for a chaperoned walk or map your own route.  In either case, you won’t want to miss the skating rink at Olympic Plaza, pedestrian-only Stephen Ave., and Devonian Gardens.  The CORE Shopping Centre will feature over 100 decorated Christmas trees this year.

Zoolights – Unless you are ready to count the lights, you will have to trust the creative minds behind the annual Zoolights show at the Calgary Zoo.  They claim that there are more than 1.5 million twinkling lights and 200 exhibits winding through the zoo’s paths, but we suspect that there may actually be more.   This event, now in its 19^th year, is the largest seasonal light show in western Canada and a beloved annual tradition enjoyed by Calgary residents and visitors.  Dress warm, grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the spectacular imagery with friends and family.

Lions Festival of Lights– This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the Festival of Lights, organized and produced by Lions Club members and volunteers.  The brilliant drive-by display along 14^th Street NW boasts of more than 300,000 LED lights for the roughly 56,000 visitors who visit the display each day.  Best of all – it is absolutely FREE.  Come out with your family and enjoy the drive.

Airdrie Festival of Lights – Situated only about 20 minutes outside of Calgary, this annual light show organized by a not-for-profit foundation, has worked hard this year to update its light display to comply with new electrical code requirements.  Why not come out and show appreciation for so much hard work?  The light show incorporates train rides, fire pits, skating and hot beverages in a beautiful winter setting.

We hope that Calgary’s dazzling Christmas light shows brighten your and provide you with some Christmas memories to treasure forever.  Get your glow on this holiday season and don’t forget to pay it forward.  Wishing you a very merry Christmas – from our family to yours!

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

My Pro Panel … friend, Mom & Wife two days prior to Ironman Arizona.

I’ve been active all my life.  As a kid my brother and I built go-karts, and used them to salvage junk lumber to build our next tree house.  Those were my earliest memories of ‘sufferfests’ pulling loads of lumber through the neighbourhood to build the ‘best tree house’. Then there was our interval sessions … tobogganing up and down the neighbourhood hills in the freezing cold in Wabush, Labrador and later Charlottetown, PEI.  In grade 10, at Charlottetown Rural High School Rugby practice, I beat the entire team by doing 266 “Down-Ups”. Forrest K was 2nd with about 255 … and my brother Tommy was 3rd with about 220.  A significant increase over the previous record of 60 or 70 ‘Down-Ups’!

A few years ago, I committed to an Ironman race every 5 years.  This was my 6th Ironman since 2001. This is a 5 year ‘check-up / cycle’….this is how I roll.  

• In the year or two after an Ironman, I enjoy the health and wellness benefits of what I’ve been through;
• A two or three hour run or bike ride doesn’t seem like a big deal or a long event.
• I have fun doing more local community races from paddling to ski mountaineering and can do reasonably well with little training or practice of the sport.
• About 2 years prior to the ‘next’ ironman, I begin thinking about and getting specific about training.
• I begin to think more about what I’m eating and how much alcohol I’m drinking. (I love to drink … and eat potato chips)
• I get current on trends in the endurance world. This year I dove into the Ketogenic Diet … with ‘limited success’.

My goal was to Podium at Ironman Arizona on 10-12 hours of training per week.

Why did I think I could?

• In 2008 I had an age group podium at Ironman Canada on similar training hours;
• In 2015 (as I began training for this year’s Goal Race) I finished 2nd at Calgary 70.3;
• This past summer I was 1st at Calgary 70.3 half Ironman – beating 2nd by 10 min;
• At the end of August, I was 2nd at Canadian Nationals Long Course Triathlon in Penticton;
• I trained this past year, not to finish, but to win. I sought out coaching and training partners who were faster than me … who would push me through sets of intervals.

What Happened at Ironman Arizona on Sunday?

• I finished 7th in my age group, 167 overall – in a time of 10:08
• I feel satisfied and happy with the result.

Why didn’t I Podium?

To begin with, it does not matter that I did not podium. Nobody cares – except me. A podium finish does nothing for me … other than make my ego bigger (which is hardly a necessity).

Since my last race at Canadian National Long Course Championships in Penticton, I’ve been pretty run down and frequently sick. While I was wondering why … the endurance coaches in my life said it was classic over training.

I finally had my blood tested in late September, and my hemoglobin was low. Again, the endurance coaches in my world, advised this is common for endurance athletes … and to rest for two weeks … listen to your body.

While I do not feel I was over trained, as I only train 10-12 hours per week, all the other stressors of life have an impact as well … as well as ‘too much racing’.  As a Realtor in this Calgary market, this past year I have put in record hours, for much less production than previous years. We are amid a tough market. Unbeknownst to me, my body knows this – and as explained to me by Natural Path Jason Ahlan and Endurance for Life Coach Mike Pascoe, it’s your body saying … enough already!   Your body is sending you a message – “Stop it”.

So, I would ‘mostly’ rest two weeks … begin to feel good … do a hard interval session … then get sick again. I had 3 or 4 cycles of this since the end of August.

I turned 50 today, 2 days after IM Arizona and I  feel very grateful to have completed the race in beautiful Arizona and to have done reasonably well.

A big thanks to Mike Pascoe

About a month prior to race day, as I was considering not going to Arizona & while making real estate calls, I happened to call Mike Pascoe, a Chinese Medicine practitioner and triathlon coach – Endurance For Life.   We spoke almost daily leading upto race day. We had fun discussions – me often sharing pictures of my tongue.  His analysis would dictate how I would proceed in my training ; push it, rest or fix!  (Based on my tongue … and a few other metrics!) I found this to be entertaining, interesting, kind, supportive and fun.  

I look forward to trying to podium again in 2021. I’m not even a tiny bit interested in doing another Ironman prior to then!

The Race – 10:08:49 – 7th in Age Group – 164th Overall

Swim – 2.4 miles – 1:04:54 – 1:40/100m  16th in Age Group / 245th overall

It’s interesting … I prefer the swim the most. I love the open water … the start in the morning twilight. However, comparatively to the Bike and Run – this is my worst discipline.

Bike – 112 miles – 5:12:16 – 8th in Age Group / 192th overall

I should love the bike…’butt’ I was in discomfort! This was a classic sign that I did not have enough time  in the saddle! .  There was a strong headwind  and I spent a good amount of the day ‘sitting up’ on the bike, instead of being in race aero position.

Run – 26.2 miles –  3:43:44 – 7th in Age Group / 164 overall

My goal was to run 5min per km to give me a 3:30 Marathon. Based on my run performance this past year … or two years … and especially the past 2 months – this was ambitious. I needed to ‘get some magic’.  I did the first 4 km on pace … then began slowing dramatically.  My goal soon became – “don’t stop … just keep on moving”. At kilometer 26 I was passed by an energetic beautiful 30ish gal … who suddenly gave me some mojo.   I picked up my pace and began to enjoy the run … until she dropped me 3 km from the finish line.

I was thrilled to have my picture with Canadian Professional Lionel Sanders two days prior to him winning Ironman Arizona and breaking the Speed Record for an IRONMAN.

My Take Aways:

Ironman Arizona was very fun for a few reasons.  It was truly special to have my 80-year-old Mom travel from PEI to Calgary then onto Arizona for the big event .  I had the undivided attention of my wife as our older children are away in university!  Moreover, a family friend joined us and entertained us with endless triathlon ‘speak’!  We all got an education about our  Canadian Pro Triathletes, it was seriously so much fun to do nothing but talk about triathlon for 5 straight days!  Above all, I love being healthy and injury free. Health is a gift to be cherished!

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a RE/MAX Realtor in Calgary, dad, husband & lover of self propelled sport. He and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.