Bio for Paulina Vegt

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

1st Time at Ironman Canada!

The first race I ever participated in was the “Milk Run,” a 3-km jog through the orchards of Vernon sponsored by the B.C. Dairy Foundation. I was nine years old. I still remember the feeling of satisfaction as I crossed the finish line, and the pride in wearing my race shirt (how we have come along with those shirts!). But since then, other from a few more Milk Runs, some tour cycling, and a couple half-marathons, I haven’t had much of an athletic career.

In 2007 I went to watch the Ironman in Penticton. I told a friend I went with, “Don’t let me sign up! I know I’ll be inspired by what I see! Don’t let me sign up! This event is crazy.” I stood at the side of the highway by Yellow Lake watching people bike the last grueling hill and thought, There is no way I could do this.  Well, it seems I have a short or selective memory, because I found myself so inspired that I signed up the next day!

Lately, I’ve been thinking that if people can be so brave as to persevere and fight cancer with all they’ve got, then surely I can face a physical and mental challenge like the Ironman.

Cancer has affected us all. I am so grateful to personally know survivors of the disease who—although still living under the threat of a relapse—have been granted an extension of life because of their own determination and the efforts of so many others. Thank you to all involved in this fight.

Looking forward to a great year of training, a Half Ironman, a few Olympic Triathlons and then IRONMAN PENTICTON (August 24, 2008)! Would love to see you there!

“Those who dare, win.” –Winston Churchill