Ironman Canada was my first Ironman. What a fantastic experience!
Preface
IM Canada began as a mistake 10 weeks ago. Me and 2 other friends purchased slots at the Boise 70.3 thinking we were buying slots for the 2010 race (not the brightest group of friends, it clearly stated 2009 on the literature). The next day we realized it was for 2009! After passing out, panic, fear, we decided to just go for it with no expectations and have a good experience. We put in a very, very good 9 week training period including a well planned 2 week taper.
The Race
Swim: The day before the race a local guy gave me a hint as to where to start. Greg, Jed and I followed his advice. Gun went off and the swim went off without a hitch! I had heard about all of the jostling that would occur when 2600 of your best friends are in the water- but it really never occurred. I crossed back over at the third buoy (about 10 on the way out) and hit traffic but stayed calm. Hit the turn (1608 meters) checked my watch and was at 25:00! This built my confidence and the rest of the swim was a blast. Came out of the water in 1:05:57, about 4 minutes under my goal time. Dilly dallied in transition and hit the bike.
Bike: We had driven and ridden most of the course in the 2 days prior so there weren’t any surprises. My training for the race revolved around my HR and wattage being my guide (using a powertap). Felt awesome immediately and tried to hold back. About 5 miles in I decided to up my HR limit by 5 beats and hope I wouldn’t pay the price. Richter pass was a blast and I was grateful to be climbing. Hit the 56 mile mark in 2:27. At this point I knew I was on a good day. Middle section was tough mentally, but still felt great and saw both Jed and Greg on the out and back. Hit the yellow lake climb and my ITB was hurting, so I began to get nervous about the run (I had 2 cortisone shots, 8 massages, 6 trips to the PT, and was only able to run two 16 milers as my long runs leading to the race due to the ITB). My nutrition plan (all First Endurance products) was going really well and my stomach felt great. At this point I decided just to keep the pressure on the bike knowing that the run might be a walk. Came in to transition and was surprised out how empty the change tent was. Was thrilled with my 5:03:53 bike. Took my time in transition knowing that I couldn’t expect much from the run. (For those into the numbers, my nominal watt average for the ride was 255, I weighed in at 181 the day before the race, am 6’2" and my TT weighs in at a touch over 19 lbs with pedals and cages.)
Run: Headed out on the run and felt fantastic. I had made a deal with myself to keep the pace over 8:15’s but I felt so good the first 2 miles I ran sub 8’s. By mile 3 fell into a nice rhythm and ran 8:15’s. Felt fantastic as I hit the turn around at 13.1 miles in 1:51. A friend had advised me on the run and bike and on the run I followed his advice to run on the dirt when possible and being an out and back to focus on 1 aid station at a time coming back. This advice was invaluable! At this point I began thinking I might have a good result. Saw Jed and Greg over the next few miles and then the darkness set in. Around mile 15 or 16 life began to be not so good. It amazes me now how I could go from feeling super to terrible in the span of a mile. Long story short, I ran 10’s the rest of the way in ouch! Crossed the line with a 3:58:10 marathon.
Finish: I had completed IM Canada in 10:17:26, 15th in the 40-44 group and 116th overall. This blew all of my expectations away. The experience was incredible and I can’t wait to do it again next year - but I’m going for a Kona spot in 2010. We attended the roll down for Hawaii and I missed my spot by one! 14th place took the last of 8 spots.
I’d recommend IM Canada to everyone. The people are fantastic, the location is beautiful and the race itself is incredible!