Ironman 70.3 Calgary - Triathlon

Unfortunately, there had been a drowning two days before (after our swim) the race and they closed the lake to pre-swims. They did a moment of silence before the start which was very nice - I was a bit emotional - such a tragedy.

I had a panic attack as I first started swimming within first 10 yards - took a bit to calm myself down and continue with swim - thought about stopping, turned around and looked a the beach, but thought of my girls and our rule of no quitting!

Waited for the mass to move through - burped a few times and then started swimming - once I started I kept a decent stroke and pace. Swim ended up very confusing - they added a hook that wasn't on the map and slowed me down toward the end because I had to swim back to large buoy and correct my course. Finished in under would I originally thought. My friend and training partner and I finished within seconds of each other - which was surprising with my panic attack and delayed start.

Most people with GPS watches said the course was long - so if it was truly long - It makes my swim time event better. I was pleased about my swim time as I was just hoping to be out of the water before my 1:10 cut off.

As I said, it was confusing course. In fact, I had heard the #1 women DQ'd because of swim course confusion.

Swim more in mass starts. Practice sighting more.

Transition was ok - I had a lot of women around me that seemed were a lot faster than I was, so my transition was all in my bag and not on the ground. I sat on the curb and did transition. I didn't think the extra time would make a difference for me.

I had to go to the bathroom but all porta potties were on outside of T1 and I didn't take the extra time there to visit them.

Not really anything - I thought it went pretty smoothly - all considering

Course was hilly - a bit hillier than I expected- but nothing I couldn't handle. In fact one of the big hills on second half of course I climbed at 19-21 MPH with 80+ cadence... I was wishing they all would have been that way! I passed a lot of people on the bike - I really liked the bike but my training friends say I climb really well... but I don't scream down them either.

I had to use the restroom after T1 and there were only porta potties at the aid stations so at 30K, I stopped. Looked at my watch and I had been on the bike just over an hour at this point. After, there were two significant climbs and both lasted forever- first one I handled fairly well, it had several segments - seemed like every time you crested and then went around a corner there was another climb which seemed to go on forever. The last of this big climb I followed a group and took it slow as the traffic was heavy and shoulder was narrow. I took advantage of the top and subsequent level route to drink and get my heart rate under control. On the second half of course there is a fairly long steady climb, I nailed! Actually the last couple of shorter climbs to T2 seemed harder than the two big ones but still managed to pass people on the bike.
I was also praying I didn't get a flat tire or something worse happen... There were a lot of volunteers on the course changing tires - especially the first 40K - after that I didn't see as many with issues - but Calgary had great bike support.

Practice drinking more nutrition - training more to pick up more speed on flats and downhills

I took this transition slower - knowing I was walking most of the 13.1. I changed socks and thankfully I did because they were full of sand from beach. I took more nutrition and headed out.

Practice more

Left out of transition knowing i was going walk most of the 13.1 miles. I also knew all of the people I passed on the bike - would be passing me now! I tried to run more of the first half than the second half. I did as my time was about 9 minutes slower on the second portion.
There were a couple of large hills - not long, but steep - walked up them - the course seemed to go on forever and never end. It seemed the last 2K was forever - the last 1k took FOREVER and was never ending!

Run more in training- run a few half marathons just to get the mileage in and have that in the bank for the run portion

After crossing the finish line and dropping a tear or two - my husband was there to give me my medal. It was wonderful!

They had great food and ate potatoes and such while waiting for my training partner to finish.


not enough training in the run or swim


The weather was great- partly cloudy about 65* and little wind. Great Volunteers!! Kudos to all of them!
I have been to Boise and CDA events and this one seemed a bit bare bones for expo/festivities and such - but it is the only non-profit so it is somewhat understandable. Being my first 70.3 it would have been nice to have a backdrop to take some finish photos similar to what was available in Boise in past years.
Could have been more "Bikes on Road" or "Race in Progress" signs on the first half of bike course near the big series of hills as it was busy with traffic and may have assisted with their speed.
Overall - My main goal was to finish within the cut-off times. I did - I had a spectacular bike - surprising swim and so so run/walk. Overall - I am happy with my first 70.3.