IMMT 2012 Run Obsevations Only
Two day's of biking in the books, so Monday morning off to discover the run course. It is a two loop course for the full IM and one loop for the 70.3. My overall opinion of this course is "Love it". To put this run course terrain in perspective first, I consider the LP course flat with two hills and IMFL downhill! So here we go.
You leave MT and make your way to old Mount Tremblant. If you have done Muskoka the same type of terrain this is a ascent/descent climb out of town.Then after that work you are awarded with an old train track line with awesome packed stone and soil with false flats no real grades( you can fly here). Turn around point is Montee Ryan and you back track to old Tremblant. Then the ascents/descents back into town. You do it all over again! The scenery is awesome with lake views around you. The coverage on the run will have good shade spots and sunny areas. For trg it is well marked and you have stores along the way to refuel
For those doing 70.3 you should fly through this course as long as you have done your bike and run hill homework or could I be wrong
For those doing the full meal deal IM. I assume we all you will have done your bike and run hill homework and will rise to the occasion!
Comments
I was wondering about the old train track line - glad to hear it is packed soil/stone and not asphalt - was kinda hoping for that.
Looking forward to getting up there!
* First 2.7x miles are the hardest w/3 hills. 1st hile is very short but probably the steepest, right near the Lake (those who did the 70.3 probably didn't even notice it). 2nd hill is the longest w/a slight descent in the middle - maybe .5 - .7 miles long. 3rd hill falls between the first two in terms of length and steepness. None are super tough but we will feel them heading out on loop #2 for sure. Should make it easier to start the run in accordance with EN guidance on pacing.
* Next we desend to the old train/path thru the old MT village. The train/path is excellent IMO. Generally flat w/ maybe a slight descent on the way out an acsent on the way back. Love running on the softer service (dirt, gravel). Probably more than 50% shaded. I didn't do the last mile on either side of the turnaround at Montee Ryan but there might be a slight up/down there (based on the road that follows it).
* Once off the train/path you climb up about .40 miles thru MT village and then start a generally descending trip back to the Resort. A few short ascents but it will definitely feel like your descending overall. Special Needs is at the hotel just past the swim exit, after a small hill, u turn left, go thru hotel (inside/outside?) then turn right and head directly to the pedestrian village and down the steep hill, lots of spectators for sure, towards finish/transition.
During the race I plan to try to really keep running solid on the train/path given the surface, level ground & shade, pinpoint my walking on the top of each ascent on the way out and in - at the beginning and end of each loop. Not too many places for aid stations on the train/path so may want to have something on you at this point. I think the hardest part physically will be miles 14-17.5, and maybe mentally the 2nd trip out on the train/path.
I can only compare it to B2B and IMLP. Harder than B2B (which is 90% flat) but similar in difficulty to IMLP I would think. Obviously weather will play a major factor on race day on any course.
The course is overall nicely laid out and fairly flat, especially the crushed gravel section that is called Le P'tit Train du Nord. The problem I have with it is that with each step, my foot felt like it was sliding back and I had to work a little harder to keep the same speed. That might not be too much of a problem for about 8:15/mile or slower, but as your speed picks up, the effect gets worse. It might be a good idea to check it out once before the race so you're not surprised by it on race day.