First time was the charm for an Alberta triathlete who took on a new milestone fitness challenge – and won it all – over the weekend. Edmonton’s own Paula Findlay has won her first full-distance Ironman race in Lake Placid, N.Y. Her finishing time of eight hours and 47 minutes was almost four minutes ahead of second place. The Ironman consists of a nearly four-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bike ride and 42-kilometre marathon. The race is Findlay’s first-ever attempt at full distance. Hour-long races have been her bread and butter through her 20-year competitive career, she says. “But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve transitioned to doing longer stuff … (The win) was definitely unexpected,” the 37-year-old told CTV News Edmonton. “I obviously have a ton of experience at triathlons. This was twice as long, but I have a bank of knowledge and experience with a lot of the aspects of the race.” She says she had never run more than 30 kilometres before but “knew she had the engine and the ability to potentially win the race.” “I think my initial sentiment when I crossed the line was relieved that I finished it, because I really didn’t think I would in the last 10 kilometres.” The feat has garnered attention from those in and out of the sports community. Findlay recently earned the recognition of Prime Minister Mark Carney on social media. “Made me so proud to be a Canadian and an Edmontonian, which he is as well. It’s so good for the sport,” Findlay said of the praise. “To have the prime minister recognize results like this from Canadian athletes is just good for sport in Canada.” The win secures Findlay a spot in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii this October. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Sierra Dolson
