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P.A.’s McBeath prepares for his first Ironman

Aug 25, 2011 | 6:33 AM

Local triathlete Cliff McBeath is taking the ultimate test as he prepares for the Ironman Triathlon, held in Penticton, B.C. Aug. 28.

McBeath got his start four years ago at the Frank Dunn Toyota/Power 99FM Triathlon in Waskesiu and has been hooked ever since.

“I got hooked the second I crossed the finish line after my very first Frank Gunn Triathlon,” said McBeath, who also participated in the 30th Annual Frank Dunn race.

“You cross that finish line, (there’s) that sense of self-reward and you’re just hooked. You can’t wait to do the next one.”

McBeath was in Vernon, B.C. on Friday to prepare for the 226km course that will take 15 hours to complete.

“I did the bike course and felt good about it, the long runs have really gotten better as the training goes on, but I’m expecting to go to this race and just have some fun and just enjoy myself,” said McBeath.

“I don’t want to get too caught up in actually racing because we’re looking at about a 14-15 hour day. To race for that long might be a little unrealistic… I want to cross the finish line with a smile on my face, to be able to enjoy the race and say that I actually did it.”

jdandrea@rawlco.com