Ironman Calgary 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Placed myself quite far back at the start which was a mistake as I spent the first 200m swimming round people. After first bouy went right and found some space. Managed to get breathing under control and started to relax. Found distance between bouys difficult in terms of navigation but smaller yellow bouys helped with this. First ever 1.9km open water swim and only 3rd time I've actually swam the distance so overall I was really pleased. Would have stopped to kiss the ground if I wasn't being helped to pull off my wet-suit :)

Build up confidence to deal with the washing machine start, and swimming close to other people. This would probably allow me get into a rythm earlier and possibly draft off better swimmers.

Run up jetty gave plenty of time to take top half of suit off. Wetsuit strippers helped a lot. Grabbed bag. Put on shoes (weren't allowed to leave on bike) after placing helmet and sunglasses. Picked up bike (volunteers were excellent again in finding bikes) before running out to road. Felt like it all took a while but given length of transition unsure I could have gone faster.

Nothing

Felt good coming out of the water and immediately started passing people which was a mistake. Should have made to realise I was probably pushing a little too hard. Felt good up until about 70 km which is also the length of the majority of my training runs. I struggled to find time to get longer bikes in, and only actually completed two - one on the race route, and one of 120km prior to the event. Recovered a bit to finish strong along Glenmore.

I'm unsure given my training that I could have done anything differently on the day, other than possibly taken the first half more easily, but I think my split would likely have been the same. Before next event need to look at more long rides and taking it easy for first 10-20kms. Need to look at methods to achieve this - HR/Power etc.

Good transition. Stopped before starting the run to use the portapotty.

Nothing

Hot! Again felt like I was going out a little fast but the first few kms is downhill. Was keeping good 5min/km pace for first 16kms and feeling ok until Heartbreak Hill. Managed to get ice at a couple of aid stations which was great. Was initially planning on running back up hill from Weaselhead but half-way up HR was hitting 176, and I was starting to feel faint so I decided brisk walking was more sensible .... Spectator support as the steepness started to ease off managed to get me running again but was definitely starting to feel the pain. Thankful for last aid station. Managed to up pace right at end when only person who would have passed me on the run tried to do so with 200m to go. Dug deep because it wasn't going to happen ;)

Wasn't prepared to run that hard in that heat. On hot days did most of my running early or late to avoid the hottest weather. Only second half-marathon race I have completed and did it in about the same time (after the swim and bike) so overall still pleased with the result.

Poured several cups of water over my head to cool me down, and immediately drank a couple more. Drank some Powerbar Ironman Perform while walking around for 5-10 mins.


Lack of familiarity with distance and pacing involved. Not enough long bike rides. Heat.


Hands down the best thing at this event were the volunteers. They always appeared to be there when you needed them most. Big thanks to all of them. I will definitely remember my first 70.3. I entered for this event 9 months ago to get back into shape after injuring my back a few years ago. At the time I was unable to swim 25m, I had never biked 90kms, and it was over 10 years since my last competitive running event. There were times I was unsure whether I'd make it, even on the day I was definitely nervous starting the swim. I found the day hard, definitely amongst the most phsically and mentally taxing events I have ever done. But I did have time in the day to smile, and can't wait until the next time!