Our Member Spotlight is on Jarrod Baranowski who is taking on the inaugural Ironman Ottawa on Sunday, August 3, 2025 which is one of TWO full Ironman he will be doing this year as he closes in on the 12 Ironman races that makes him eligible for the Legacy Program and a chance to race at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. Although Jarrod has moved to Lancaster over 15 years ago, he continues to stay active within the club and proudly rock the Green and Yellow. His color coordination is always on point! Prior to the Ironman Ottawa, Jarrod took some time to share an update:
How close are you to obtaining a legacy slot to Kona? What's left?
Jarrod: After I finish this I will be at 11. I’m signed up for Ironman Arizona in November which I’ve done the last two years. That will give me the 12 for a legacy spot. My son is at Arizona State University (ASU) which works out well. It’s also a great race if anyone wants a late season race. It never seems to fill up.
Why did you choose to do Ottawa despite it being an inaugural event?
Jarrod: I signed up for Ottawa because the timing worked out well. I coach boys volleyball in the winter and spring so my training is pretty low until that’s over. I’ve done Placid four times already so I wanted something different. It does have me a little nervous doing a first time race, but everything seems great so far.
Any specific memorable moments or lessons you have learned training for this Ironman?
Jarrod: Training for this is has been tough. I had the flu twice and I’ve had some back issues. So this will be much less “racing” and more just finishing. It is cool doing a race in another country. Definitely out of my normal comfort zone.
During a day full of mental challenges, any favorite matras or self-talk you like to use to keep on pushing through?
Jarrod: The best triathlon advice I ever got was from a pro at Placid. He said to just concentrate on the task at hand. Break up the whole race. Don’t think about that marathon you need to run when you are half way through the bike. And that run is just four easy ten 10k’s. I tell myself anyone can do a ten k. It’s not easy to do but it will be an even longer day if you don’t.
What's your favorite multi-sport related purchase so far in 2025?
Jarrod: With my son in college and the two Ironman races this season (along with travel costs), my new purchases have been eliminated so far this year but I’ll say the best bang for the buck things I’ve bought in the last few years are the TriRig Scoops (closed back arm pads) and the Nike Vaporflys/AlphaFlys carbon-plated racing shoes. Both worth every penny.
Thanks for taking the time to share a bit about getting ready for Ironman Ottawa. Go get NUMBER ELEVEN!!