Ironman Canada...a long overdue recap

Ironman Canada, a long and overdue recap

Yes, it was 2 months ago, but life has been busy and now that the off season has kicked in, it’s time to finally ink a report that reflects my experience completing my first ironman distance triathlon.

On August 28, 2011, along with 3200 athletes or so, I toed the line in the Okanagan for my first iron journey. I was lucky enough to get in town (Penticton) a week before the race to get used to the heat and take some time off from busy Vancouver. More over, I was surrounded by a big crew: my parents flew in from Quebec, my in-laws came to join us and my husband was there since day 1.

Leading up to the race, I had some excitement-or not. My bike frame cracked due to seat post issues. Thankfully, the crew at Speed Theory were quick to rebuild my bike and I could leave town as planned, a week before race day.

Morning of the race, I had my usual breakfast, sunscreened most exposed skin and off we went to transition. I was nervous... Big times. I was in the lake early and got to hug Klaus before the race. I warmed up and then settled in the front and waited for 7am.

Swim:58:23 9^th AG/67 OA female It was slow-ish, and I made a rookie mistake: after the turn around, I was stuck in a group that went off course until I decided that it was abnormal to NOT see the buoys. The pack stopped and on course we went. I lost some time there, but it definitely gave me the “eye of the tiger” for the bike leg.

Lessons learnt:

1)      do not trust anyone while swimming

2)      do not come in too far left to exit, it’s shallow and pebbles kingdom

T1: 1:58 2^nd AG/3^rd OA Females

It was swift, thanks to the wonderful volunteers in the change tent.

Bike: 5:42:03 10^th AG/391 OA female What a beautiful course. I had ridden the course multiple times before the race; however, it was so AWESOME, for a lack of better words, to race it. The course was busy and tons of people were flatting. I was lucky that I did not have any mechanical issues nor physiological ones. I smiled the whole course. I kept within myself and stuck to my power. A lot (TONS) of people motored up Richter. I was glad to see them later when we were ascending Yellow Lake. To my surprise, Eric et al. were at the top of Yellow Lake cheering me on. It made me soooo happy, especially seeing them so excited about the race. I saw some familiar faces along the course and it was great to get so much support from everyone. Going down Yellow Lake, I surprised myself passing riders on the downhill: so long Breaky McGee. Once I got into town and turned left to head towards T2, I knew I was about 5^th in the AG, but battling the head wind, I stayed within myself.

T2: 2:33 15^th AG/67 OA females Far from swift. Ended up walking a little too much before beelining to the change tent. Not a great T2, it should be under 1:45 as it’s only socks, shoes…belt and hat on the run.

Run: 3:36:36 5^th AG/67 OA females

The run was great. I really really enjoyed it-yes, some might think I am crazy. It was hot, sunny and people were walking. A lot. I had a plan involving gels, water and salt pills. It worked. I stuck to it, ran with ice in my bra and in my hands and watered my head. At the turn around, my parents were jumping up and down. I felt strong but knew that the hills were coming. I took one hill at the time and kept making my way towards Penticton. At mile 16, I passed my training buddy LG. I knew he was having a hard time and found it hard to take him over (I should be happy though, it was most likely the last time I take him over). With only 8 km to go, I passed 4^th place in my AG. I was still feeling strong and it gave me some push. However, the long and never ending false flat was to come. I could see 3^rd place but could not gain a lot. At some point, I even thought, "well 4^th is good enough"-well no, it would not have been. I thought of my year and I waited. I have made moves before to get “shifted” before the finish line, I did not want history to repeat itself. The mile 24 aid station was a saving grace. There was an opening, I took it and never looked back. I would be able to see where I stood at the Sicamous. After reading “I’m here to win” from Macca, aside from all the racing strategies, I learnt quite a few tips…such as ditching all the sponges and zip up my top to cross the finish line. Even though I had the time on my Garmin, I had not equated it to my final time. I crossed the line at 10:21:31. I had just completed my first ironman. What a day. Having my parents, Eric, Jim and Carole (in-laws), coach Lara and the whole community, in person or virtually, was just surreal.

I finished 3^rd in my age group and got the last Kona slot available. It was a dream come through.

Finishing time: 10:21:31 3^rd AG/9^th OA females

I want to thank Eric, Klaus, Lawrence, Lara, Rand and the Right Shoe crew for the support and making it happen. The Speed Theory staff for great service and fixing my bike 10 days before the race as if it was all good! Chris, for providing wise advice and supporting all my triathlon related business. Shaun and the PRM crew for great camps and awesome support on the course. My family, for being present, supportive and understanding. Finally, thank you to the Vancouver triathlon community, the support was well appreciated.

Aloha!