Jon Bell

[Sandy]

Just wanted to send a big congrats out to Jon Bell who culminated his successful racing season yesterday with another PB.  Jon had decided to dedicate 2008 to getting faster at the Ironman distance and along the way raced some shorter tri`s and run`s of all distances.

Most notably, Jon raced his first Ironman in Lake Placid July 2007 in 13:51:49 then IM Canada 2007 in 12:48:42.

In 2008 Jon has:
-taken 11 minutes off his ATB time to finish in 2:16
-taken 19 minutes off his marathon finishing Scotiabank in 3:25:19
-did his first half ironman in Peterborough finishing in 4:53:43
-did IM Canada in 11:43:11
and yesterday raced IM Florida in 10:38:13.

Later this month Jon and his wife Jodi are expecting their first child...no doubt the future Queen of Kona!

Congratulations Jon.

[chattyfeet]

i know almost nothing about triathlons, but those improvements he made in time sure seem HUGE.  I'm impressed!  I am assuming such an improvement is the result of REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hard work.  Which is why you'll never see such improvements in my race times...  It's hard work for me just to get my a** out the door...I really admire people who push the envelope like that...

[Jane]

Wow, congratulations Jon!  Those are amazing results.

So.... it appears that you beat the birth of your first child!  I remember that you were hoping that you would get your race done before she(?) arrives.   I am saying "she" as Sandy referred to her as the Queen of Kona.  She may have some competition if Angela has a girl!   

[Janet]

Congratulations Jon!  Those are some very amazing accomplishments and improvements too!  What a year so far and it's only going to get better.

[Cathy]

Congratulations Jon. 

[Jon]

Well...I wasn't expecting to see/read all of that. 

THANK YOU to all of you for your kind words    Its really nice to have the support of family and many friends like yourselves.  It has been a very rewarding and enjoyable adventure these past 2  years, since stepping up to Ironman in 2007.  I love the sport and the training and I think that that passion plus the support is a huge key to making it all work.  Thanks to Sandy for all your help - some may not know, this year I choose to 'join forces' with her, and it has been a great experience having a coach for many, many reasons (I should/hope to post an 'article' about the benefits sometime....).   Anyways, thanks Sandy.

Well, I have lots to be excited about...my wife is due next Wednesday - and yes Jane, we are having a girl    And of course, now that I am home safe - I can't wait!

Here is to better 'times' ahead - both in life and hopefully in the races.
Cheers,
Jon

 

[Celin]

Congrats, Jon.  Looks like a lot of work went into that achievement.  Best wishes for the babe as well.

[Jane]

You may find the labour and childbirth more challenging than the half or full Iron Man were!  Not to scare you or anything!!     But very VERY rewarding!  I hope you are going to post a photo of your finishing award (your little girl!)

[TERRI]

  WOW Your Baby Girl Is Beautiful!!!

Congratulations on your new addition, A great accomplishment to be proud of...you will never have a dull moment.