Bio for Jackie Byrn

Click Here for Jackie's Secure Donation Page to the Canadian Cancer!

First Time at Ironman Canada!

Education, fun, good parties, wellness, athletic longevity – these are some of the fascinating elements that enticed me to join Ironcops Team BC.  Training for the noteworthy accomplishment of completing the Ironman Canada triathlon is what binds us all together.  We also raise funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society.

As a civilian member of the team I feel honoured to participate equally with the police officer component.  My own volunteer commitment with the City of Vancouver ESS (Emergency Social Services), which is part of PEP (Provincial Emergency Preparedness), enables me to remember with gratitude the works of service provided by all police, fire and ambulance staff.  ESS acts as support  for police, fire and ambulance in the event of catastrophic events and natural disasters.

The courage displayed by my own son and daughter-in-law (Gordo and Monica Byrn) during Ironman Canada races has forced me to dig deeper into my own reserves of fortitude and perseverence.  Both seasoned pros have faltered on the IMC course.  Both have steadfastly finished as I will one day before my 70^th birthday.

My own direct experience with cancer misdiagnosis in 1978 and my mother's 1981 death from cancer at age 60 prompted me to make dramatic, life altering choices in an effort to expand my future life expectancy options.  Today in many instances cancer is considered to be an entirely preventable lifestyle disease.

Being with my team-mates from Ironcops, most of whom have been affected by cancer, is both energizing and fun.  Support rather than pressure is always the order of the day.

I use a moderate training regime.  Avoiding injury is the main focus.  I follow a not too strict or rigid ayurvedic lifestyle (eating for your body type) which includes daily yoga and meditation.  Most important of all however is the input I receive from master herbalist Bob McCandless.  A variety of herbal teas and preparations act as support for my mostly vegetarian diet.  All legal and naturally non-toxic these traditional herbs are what I count on while training and racing.  Optimal digestion, restorative sleep and reliable feelings of internal calm are for me the most valuable and essential athletic tools.

For real work I am a professional writer with a 30 year publication history.  Presently I am finishing my first book which is a first person narrative about family law litigation.  “Recipe for Justice” is my current working title.  I am a credentialed chef and former owner/operator of “Jackie's” Restaurant and “Jackie Byrn's Cooking School”.  My three adult children are Gordo, Charlie and Sarah and my new grandson is “Baby Irish”.

My fundraising goals can be achieved with your help.  Please donate either online or in person but please do participate in some way either with funds or interest and involvement if you are short of cash.

Thank-you in advance.  Onward to the swim start IMC !!!!

My upcoming events are:

• UBC Triathlon, March 9, 2008

• Vancouver Sun Run, April 4, 2008

• Diva's Only Triathlon, July 27, 2008

• Fall Classic Half Marathon, November 16, 2008