Kelowna local, Mick Hewson, turns 60 this year and decided the best way to ring in the big milestone was by taking on the IRONMAN Challenge.
The IRONMAN is the world's longest, most grueling triathlon.
It's been running for 30 years and recently added the Whistler race to the circuit in 2013.
Hewson signed up for the Whistler race in December and has until July left to train.
Like any triathlon, the IRONMAN disciplines include swimming, biking and finishes off with a run - only all of the disciplines are much longer than standard triathlons.
With a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bike route, and a full-length 42 kilometre marathon, Hewson has his work cut out for him.
Hewson's motivation for the race came from needing a physical challenge.
A lifelong rugby player, Hewson felt his body telling him it was time to switch from team to individual sports.
"Obviously because of the lack of motion, lack of movement - that kind of stuff," said Hewson. "Maybe you're just not as fit as you used to be and you still got something to prove. Maybe."
Hewson got inspired after watching the Hawaiian IRONMAN championships.
"I've never done any long distance running whatsoever and I thought what about the whole shebang."
Hewson says his worst discipline is the swimming, but he's been in the pool three times a week since December and is making headway.
With pieces of metal in his leg he's always struggled with keeping his leg from sinking and the wet suit has helped.
"I'm falling in love with my tri suit. Oh dear god I love it so much. The buoyancy - it's phenomenal."
"It was glorious and when you are floating above that water and you can breathe normally and your arms come up and down, it's just wow. I like this."
Hewson's training seven days per week with some of the days set for stretching and yoga.
His finishing goal is to finish by midnight or sun down, before the massage therapists leave.
"That would be nice to have a little massage. Yeah that's the goal, to finish before the massage people go home," he said.
Next year he's planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and will likely conjure up a new challenge after that.
Semi-retired and driving buses for the school district, Hewson worked in the British Air Force before moving to Canada and has lived in Kelowna since 2014.
What about your summer fitness goals? Do you have any big challenges underway?
Send us your thoughts in the comments below!
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