I know the race isn't for a few weeks, but thought I'd start the buzz early while pain in my legs is fresh.
I did a "legs-on" reconnaissance of the run & the bike courses. The event is both a 70.3 & a full, so notes apply to both. For reference I went 11:20 there in 2016. (perfect weather). If you are an 11/12 hour athlete, you may find this info. somewhat helpful.
Where are we having the ST Reader's forum get-together at 2PM on Saturday July 27th ?
http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast
I did a "legs-on" reconnaissance of the run & the bike courses. The event is both a 70.3 & a full, so notes apply to both. For reference I went 11:20 there in 2016. (perfect weather). If you are an 11/12 hour athlete, you may find this info. somewhat helpful.
- Bike. This is a NEW course. Hilly & grinding. Only fools (or those with exceptionally poor bike handling skills) would do choose a road bike. I was thinking Scott Foil with Zipp 404s. Nope. TT bike with disc. I'm a 5.5 - 6 hour rider on other courses (155 pounds). Strongly suggest a 30 cog. Two climbs of note for you. a) The Callahan: Not super steep nor ALL climbing. Took 35 minutes on a 190 watt budget. b) Last climb before arriving back to Whistler. Perhaps the steepest pitch of the course. Two final things about bike course. a) I experienced LOTS of sneaky crosswinds. Was sitting up for a lot of the downhills. Could have been the traffic. Maybe a less aggressive position is needed. Sad to piss away hard-earned speed. b) It was hard to establish rhythm. Undulating, I was changing gears *ALWAYS! Wished for electronic shifting.
- Run. Deceptively slow. Lots of shade. The first section around Lost Lake is a bit hilly. A mix of crushed gravel & pavement. Running path is a bit narrow in places. Twists and turns as well. I envision congestion on race day. Once out of village area, there's a "no-brains required" section. Tune into your body and make it happen. But wait.There are energy sucking wooden bridges. Lift your knees! Rest of the run to the turn-around is gorgeous. You are either in a forest or along the lake with jaw-dropping mountain views. Your payback is the return to the village. Deceptively slow. False flats. Don't despair, it's not you. Once you get about a k from the village you have a few not-so-insignificant pitches. Don't despair. For most of us 11/12 hours folks, strength trumps speed. Watch the Dave Scott video on running for an Ironman, then write me a cheque.
Where are we having the ST Reader's forum get-together at 2PM on Saturday July 27th ?
http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast