Subaru Ironman 70.3 Muskoka - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

I'm not a strong swimmer and have only been swimming for a year now, mostly to prepare for this race. My swim goal was survival with no panic. I've panicked in the water in both of my previous tris this season. Lots of lake practice between the Muskoka 5150 earlier in the season and this race gave me a lot more confidence. I took it at my own pace and tried to stay far enough left of the buoys to not get too trampled. Was passed by the leaders of 3 waves behind mine but kept an easy pace and stayed calm. The first stretch was quite difficult to sight due to the sun (even with tinted goggles). Nothing exciting, only a couple of ankle grabs the entire swim. The last stretch seemed to come up so fast...hardest part OVER!

Nothing for this race. Know that I need some stroke correction and coaching to do better in the future.

Wetsuit strippers are incredible, they do SUCH a great job. The infamous T1 hill wasn't THAT bad but it was very very cold running up the asphalt in bare feet. It took me a few extra minutes to pull on my arm warmers over wet forearms but it paid off on the bike - it was a chilly morning and I was comfortable and cozy with them on.

Dry off my arms to make putting those arm warmers on easier!

I had practiced the bike course once before so I knew what was coming. With the adrenaline pumping and a confidence boost for getting through the swim so well, the first 30k just slipped by - didn't feel too affected by the hills. After the monster hill outside of Dorset (1/3 done!) I really got into a groove, zoned out. Halfway mark came and was just thinking that I was having such a great race when the horrible squeal of a flat tire came beneath me. Damnit. My husband ALWAYS deals with mechanical issues. I managed to change the tire in about 7 minutes, with some bloody fingernails to show for it. Then I get my single CO2 cartridge ready and pssssssssssssshhhh - it goes everywhere BUT in my tire. I yell out for someone to toss me a CO2 cartridge or a pump. A very nice young guy pulled off to the side and fumbled with his bike pack to give me a spare cartridge. My hands, also fumbling, failed to get the gas in the tire. Strike 2. Really wishing I had more experience swapping tires at this point but trying to stay under control (not very successfully). Start shrieking for somebody - anybody - to toss me a pump. A very gracious fellow briefly pulled off, tossed me his pump and shouted his race number for me to return it (I gave it to the race officials at the end, I hope he got it!!). Finally managed to get my tire all pumped and on the road. In total this set me back 20 minutes and put me mentally in a bad state until Baysville came along (2/3 done!), then I settled back in to a groove to mentally prep for the run. The last few hills on the stick of the lollipop are horrible. Nutrition/hydration plan was working for me, felt strong.

Practice changing flats and learn how to use a CO2 cartridge properly. But hey - same thing happened to Chrissie Wellington her first time at Kona!

Nothing spectacular. Had to make a pit stop which took an extra min.

Scope out where all of the port-a-potties are before the race, I should have used one closer to the run start.

Once the run starts I know I'm golden, this is my strength. I was passing people left and right and kept getting looks like "Who is this young girl flying by me?" The hills didn't seem to bother me, I had done them before and knew what I was up against. Gels with caffeine gave me the extra kick I needed, I could really feel the jolt and felt like I was on a serious high. I passed a few ladies in my AG and was feeling super strong. After the turn-around the worst of the hills are over and I was overcome with the emotion that I was actually going to complete my first half iron! I had to slow down to get through the steep sections along the Fairy Vista trail - a lot of short, steep inclines. There's a huge kicker at Cookson Bay Road but there was a fabulous volunteer shouting encouragement at every athlete at the top. No walking the entire time though! Only one more monster hill to finish it off...you can see the crowd at the top and hear the music coming from the finish line...start looking for my husband as I'm coming down the finish chuet and can't believe I'm about to finish this. One final burst of energy to sprint through the finish line.

Nothing, I had a fabulous run. I'd be happy with that half marathon time without the swim and bike beforehand, now I'm keen to see how much I can push myself at half marathon running races.

The husband was cheering for me just feet from the finish line so I found him immediately. Called my mom and then had a really strong urge to sit down but tried to walk around for a few minutes. Not at all hungry but forced down some "healthy cookies" and a bit of pasta from the athlete food banquet.


Being a weak swimmer. Need more cycling experience to be stronger but I'm working on it.


This race is amazing, there's a reason people travel across the world for it and I'm very lucky to be only a few hours away. Huntsville is a fabulous little town and its people welcome all of the athletes with open arms. Volunteers are fabulous - it's great to see so many kids out helping and getting enthusiastic about it. Hills are a little overkill, that's all. The entire race weekend is very well organized. Imagine I'll do it again after treating myself to some easier 70.3 races in the next few years :)