Brenda (a.k.a. ENRace Marshall) IMTremblant 70.3 Race Report
Short version:
PB overall by 5minutes.
First sub 6 hour HIM (5:57:30)
PB on swim by 2 minutes.
Long version
Travel down to race was uneventful. Trevor McLean and I left around 12 noon on Friday. Tremblant is a mere 2hrs away from Ottawa so we were there in plenty of time to get signed in and down to the water to meet team mates for a swim. Water was warmer than we had expected and the lake was clear.
Recon of course
There was no need for us to recon the course. We had been up there last year for the May long weekend, HIM and IM and this year for the may long weekend , where we rode the full course, and ran the full run course, so the only unknown was the swim venue, hence the Friday swim.
Team Lunch
My hubby was the race captain for this race, and he did a great job. He arranged for us to have lunch at Spag and Co at 12noon on Saturday. He purchased Canadian bits and bobs and placed them at every table setting and he displayed the EN flag and had the computer running a slide show of pics from the previous years HIM and IM.
We had about 21 people show up for the lunch. We got to meet Sebastian K and got reacquainted with Tim Cronk and girlfriend Heather and Skip and his family that we had met at the swim the day before. We also sang a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday to wish Steve and Mike McMahon Happy Birthday.
After lunch, we got our bikes and racked them. Since I had cleaned by bike the day before I was hoping that the rain would stop so I would not have to bring my baby out in the rain, but it was not to be. She had to get wet.
Dinner was set for 5pm with the OSC and our new bud Seb. We made the reservation for 5pm and glad we did. We did not eat until after 7pm. Rather disappointing. Kept hearing it was because of the race. Um…….this is not knew L
Days leading up to race were uneventful. Sleep well, ate well, rested. Morning of race went smoothly but I did have some little things happen after I left transition (NOTE: did not realize how dependant I am on my watch….see below)
Arrived at transition at 6am. Setup transition, walked through transition to make sure I knew where my bike was as I came in from the swim and bike and left as it was closing at 6:20am for my 1km walk down to the swim venue. As I am walking along I realize I have my running hat on, so I booted back and asked Robin (who I know from Ottawa) if she would put it at my transition area then was back on track. Got down to the water just after 6:30am and found the EN OSC. After some pics with the team and IMMT Mascot, Mike left for his swim and me, Trev and Nat headed over to porta potties for last pee break. (NOTE: I do not have my watch, as it is on my bike, because my garmin was in for repair and I needed it to remind me when to take in my fuel ). Feeling relieved, I head back to beach to meet up with Steve who promptly asks me…..when do you start. I say 7:35 and he says….its 7:22. HOLLLLYYYY SHITTTTT – I have never gotten my wet suit on so fast. As I am getting it on, I realize I have my running socks on (are you serious). I voice this out loud and say I guess I will just have to run without them, but my quick minded husband suggests I tuck them under my bike shots and then lay them out in transition while I bike so they can dry. Sounded good to me so that is what I did. Number 2 crisis averted.
Once my wetsuit is on, I give quick kiss to Steve and run over to the corral. Crap, where do I get in. Picture me running along the corral asking ….do you know where I can get in….do you know where the entrance is…. And get blank stares from the spectators. I finally get to an area that has an opening, jump into the water to activate my suit and then am called into the starting shoot and bam….we are on our way. No time to think about anything.
Swim: 44:43 (This is a PB of almost 2 minutes)
OMGosh, this was the most contact I have ever had in a swim. It took about 300 meters to get some clearance and even then there was someone to the right and the left of me at all times. About the first 100 meters into the swim I get pushed down hard on my back. I pop up and turn around and say ….. Hah!!! She says sorry and my response is….. Big lake, lots of room, no need for that!!!!!! (EN Race Marshall is born)
Transition #1: 5:35
Bike: 2:59:08
I found the bike course very congested, with people blocking and passing on the right. I was a bit frustrated and nervous at the same time. I did not want to get a penalty, so I did my best to abide by the rules of the game, but I can assure you that many where not. I had this one gal who rode the yellow line continuously. Early on the course I went to pass a girl on the left, and she voiced that the pass was to close and suggested that I pass on her right. I promptly said…that’s illegal and then she suggested that I pass on the left of the gal who was riding the yellow line…and I said she was blocking (#2 EN Race Marshall moment). I had no intention of getting disqualified or a penalty because of others. I was feeling great on the bike and no other incidents.
Transition #2: 5:24 (had to wait for a porta potty)
Run: 2:02:42
I was feeling fabulous when I left transition, which made me think that I did a good job of using PE and fueled well on the bike. I did have my watch for the run and glad I did. I was running to hot when I left transition, which was another indication that I paced well on the bike. Plan was to run from aid station to aid station with just enough of a break to get my fuel into me. I did carry my own gels, but used the Powerade, coke and water on the course. The hills going out on the course did not bother me, as I have been doing my long runs in the Gatineau hills. Found the railroad track out and back portion a bit boring and rather warm. Saw all Team mates, expect Tim. Not sure how I missed him. Saw team mate Trevor McLean walking and yelled……Trev do not walk unless you are at an aid station. His response….Im cramping. My response…..slow down (#3 EN Race Marshall moment) Took the hills slowly passed a lot of people who were walking (not a good bike if you cant run off the bike) Passed the local TriClub head coach with 2km left in the run (can I get a fist pump) and came over the finish line with a huge smile.
Very pleased with my day!
Comments
It was great seeing you out there. Great report and race!