I am an Ironman! - Again!
This was my first experience in an Ironman branded event.
The atmosphere was great from the moment we got there. I was so excited to be in this event, but also calm and so relaxed just taking everything as it came. It was busy, the expo was huge and you definitely knew you were at a large event. As far as triathlon goes, I have no other comparison. It rocked and kept me excited the entire time we where in Whistler.
Everything about the race experience was similar to Challenge Penticton. Amazing volunteers everywhere and very well organized.
The Race:
Night Before and T1:
I packed everything in my transition bags that I could think of as the weather forecast was all over the place, but all stated it was going to be miserable in the morning. Cold and wet. So in the end, I was in T1 with everything I could need to be warm enough on the ride.
Swim: 1:10:20 - wow, fast.
This was my first massive swim start. Obviously, I have done other races, but none with nearly this many athletes. Other than looking around and seeing so many people it really didn't feel any worse than any other swim start. In the end I guess you can only be personally surrounded by so many people.
T1: 11:24 - ummm, slow :(
So it was raining on the way into transition. I grabbed my bag and tried to find a spot to change. The tent was packed. It was actually really stupid busy. Maybe smaller events have some advantages. Anyways, since it was cold I put socks on and some homemade sock booties over my bike shoes, arms warmers and over my tri top that I wore in the swim I added my cycling jersey. Then I was almost ready when I thought (why do I think?), "maybe I'll be really hot with the extra layer as I had a vest on as well. I am over dressed!" Took off the jersey and put the vest back on and left the change tent.
Bike: 6:38:23 - pretty damn good
Immediately regretted the decision not to have the cycling jersey on. It was cold and raining, not just rain, biblical rain. Froze within minutes of getting going. Froze all the way to Callaghan where the first major climb was. To be honest, I was so looking forward to it. It would slow things down and warm me up a bit. On the way there I noticed my biggest brain fart. Nope not the jersey, I forgot my gloves in my T1 bag. How the fuck did I do that?!? My hand were now blocks of ice. So cold, I was actually laughing at myself because I could not move my thumbs or fingers. Had to palm the shifters and couldn't eat my nutrition normally. I just couldn't rip off the top on my gels. I was that cold. The roads were also very wet and slippery as well. Trying to avoid people passing me, me passing others and trying to avoid the large puddles, it was hectic. It was actually really unnerving to say the least.
Once climbing Callaghan, things got better for sure. The descent on the other hand, was down right terrifying. So fast, so cold and the conditions just made it scary. This continued until I hit Pemberton. It started to warm up and my hands and feet finally had some feeling in them. From there back to Whistler was pretty good. I felt really fresh until about the 155km mark. At that point I could feel the climbing in my legs and they were pretty tired, but I held my pace to transition. At this point I knew the fast run was done.
T2: 7:41 - still slow
No excuse for this one. Just took a lot of time.
Run: 4:35:57 - wheels fell off - but held it together.
Was a struggle from the first km. Nothing felt good, feet, glutes, quads, everything I could find any reason to stop running hit me. For the first time since Penticton, I caved. I was just not willing to hold that much pain. So I ran/walked as best I could. Was really frustrated with myself. I still am to be honest. I am stronger than this. Or at least I think I should be. I can run! I just wasn't willing to suck it up. FAIL. OK, trying not to be that hard on myself. I pushed through ok, I ran enough to have an good overall time. Still ended sub 13 hours. I am still really proud of myself. Just a bit pissed at the same time. Nothing pulled, broken or cut. All the pain was mental, not physical limitation to force me to walk. Grrr. I want another shot at this bitch. Bad.
Overall: 12:43:45 - Awesome. Enough said. I am hooked still. Would love to do this again and again. Just not every year. Loved the training and the race week.
As with everything good in my life, it's all due to the support of my wife and kids. I am so honored to have them in my life. Carissa is amazing and made the entire experience so special. Can't say enough about how great this family is. Love you all so much.