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Why am I racing Ironman Canada?

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 While driving the bike course with Stephanie Stevens and Al Truscott, Al asked why I was doing this race.  I already had a place reserved with Steph, we booked our flights a few days before IMSG, and I was already registered.  Al then said, well that explains why you are here, but why are you racing?  I had to think about this for a moment before answering.  I said, I signed up for this race, I am going to finish this race.  Not only was I committed to coming to this race but I was looking forward to doing it.

When Al found out that we were both doing Canada & Kona, he shared what his plan was for doing two races so close together.  One of the things he planned to do was only taper 7 – 10 days.  That sounded like a good idea especially since there were 2 weeks (16 & 17) where I missed some workouts due to family commitments and other obligations.  After RR#2, I loaded up a new IM training plan to end on Kona.  I ended up tapering 7 days.

 Swim:  58:27 PR by just under 2’.

I decided to go to the front of the line just to the left of center and stood waist deep in water waiting for the horn to go off.  When the horn blew, I dove in and started off strong, not sure what to expect.  There was some jostling for position but nothing bad.  2500+ people at the start of an ironman swim and it wasn’t a washing machine.  On the way out to the first buoy, I tried to make sure I was always on someone’s feet.  Because I was drafting I didn’t have to sight much.  Whenever I looked up we were right on the buoy line.  It was a little congested around the 2 turns but then it cleared up.  On the way back another girl and I were drafting behind the same person.  I decided to back off and just get behind her.  There was a small group of us swimming in a straight line all the way to the finish.  It was the easiest IM swim. 

Bike:  5:57:37 PR by :24

The first 40 miles or so are mostly down and pretty fast.  I rode this part easy.  Next is Richter Pass which I climbed at a steady comfortable effort.  Enjoyed the downhill and the rollers and was glad to make it through this section safely.  After the out and back, it is onto Yellow Lake, a long gradual climb.  This is where my legs are starting to feel a little fatigued.  After Yellow Lake it is a gradual downhill into Penticton then a relative flat to transition.  Power was a little lower but tried to take advantage of the downhill sections.

Run:  4:19:30

Legs felt good to start the run.  Had to work to keep my pace down at the beginning.   Still felt good at the turnaround.  Its decision time.  Do I keep pushing the pace or do I back off?  I still have another race to get ready for in 7 weeks.  My main goal is to limit recovery time so I can get back to training.  From the turn around to mile 20, I do a lot of walking, especially on the uphills.  It is painful to see all these people passing me.  I keep reminding myself to look at the bigger picture.  At mile 20 I decide to run the rest of the way except for the aid stations.  I just want to be finished.   I am tempted to start racing the last 2 miles as people are lining the streets cheering you on.  How can you not resist picking up the pace just a little?

11:22:25 PR by :01

I am glad that I have my Kona slot.  This was a fast race.  The top 2 in my age group were 10:22 & 10:25.

Rest Mon & Tues.   Wed I started back swimming and water running.  Swimming is back to where I left off before the race.   Water running has helped to work out the soreness in my legs.  I did the same thing  on Thurs & Fri.   We’ll see how my legs feel when I bike on Sat.

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