Thursday, September 16, 2010

Ironman Canada Race Report

This was my first Ironman so I cannot say whether it was better or worse than other ironman events.  I can say that it is hard to imagine a more beautiful venue for an ironman or a more conducive course.  Penticton, while difficult to get to, is absolutely beautiful.  It is much like Colorado in terms of scenery, but with more moisture.  The town is on the magnificent Okanagan Lake that allows for a single 2.4 mile swim loop and adjacent to miles and miles of open land supporting fruit trees, vineyards and horse farms nestled in a long lake strewn valley that makes for a truly enjoyable single 112 mile bike loop.  The run is an out and back course that largely follows the first miles of the bike course.

In addition to the natural beauty of the area, the local population highly values Ironman Canada and supports it at a level I haven’t seen since doing the New York Marathon.  The volunteers were everywhere and extremely supportive.  More impressive, particularly given the remoteness of the area, were the number of fans along the route; all waving enthusiastically and making noise for what had to have been a very long day for most of them as well.  I will never forget summiting the second epic climb past Yellow Lake and being welcomed through a funnel of people that reminded me of the crowds at the top of major climbs along the Tour de France.

I found all the high fiving and calls of encouragement particularly interesting given the fact that I was nowhere near the front of the pack.  I finished the race in 12 hours and 40 minutes; squarely in the middle of the pack.  The fact that these folks were still out there cheering for me was amazing.  More amazing given the fact that the temperature had plummeted to around 50 degrees and the rain was especially chilly.

The weather was a significant factor this year.  It was cool at 6am as we prepared for the start.  The water temperature was closer to 70 degrees encouraging everyone to get in the lake quickly.  The swim was magnificent.  I have gotten so used to the Rez that I had forgotten how clear and wonderful a lake can be.  As a result, even with all the crashing around that comes with a mass start of almost 3,000 triathletes, I had a ball!

The transition area was full of wetsuit strippers and other assorted volunteers making T1 smooth and efficient, but once on the bike the coolness of the morning took its toll.  The first part of the bike is predominantly downhill with some rollers and one significant climb.  Once warmed up, things went smoothly.

It was about 30 miles into the bike for me when the weather started to change dramatically.  The cold wind kicked up viciously, mostly a headwind (it seemed).  I was about halfway up the first of the two major climbs (Richter Pass) when it started to rain.  It was a cold rain, but not too heavy.  It did make for slick roads heading down the other side.  I heard that there were some accidents as a result of the slick roads, but I didn’t witness any.  I was lucky.  I decided at T1 to bring a biking jacket along.  I wore it throughout the 112 mile ride.

It rained on and off a couple of times during the course of the bike and the winds kept up throughout the rest of the ride.  Those fast folks at the front of the race largely avoided the brunt of the winds and rain, but for me and those behind me, it was a significant factor for the rest of the ride.

T2 was equally well supported and I was particularly happy to be off the bike.  The run course had water stops every mile or so with lots of cheering crowds and smiling volunteers to keep me motivated.  The course headed up a gradual climb out of town for the first couple of miles and then down from Penticton, along Skaha Lake to the next town of Okanagan Falls.  We picked up our special needs bags and headed back along the same course to the finish line.

Having an out and back course for the run was wonderful.  You had the opportunity to high five all those ahead of you and encourage all those behind you.  Also, I had a chance to preview all that I was in for for the last 13 miles.  The final two miles winds down through the heart of Penticton’s Main Street and along the lake front to the finish line.  As through the rest of the course, the crowds and volunteers were amazing.

I doubt that I will ever do another ironman, but as for this experience, I cannot say enough.  Penticton was a perfect venue, the support was incredible and the enthusiasm overwhelming.  My thanks to all who have supported me through the last six months;  particularly my wife and kids and the Fast Forward crew.