Ironman Canada - TriathlonFull Ironman

Started as far to the outside as I could to stay away from the bashing which really helped. I had mostly clear water for a few meters in front of me most of the way which was good in a way - but bad because no drafting. That made my get tired about 3/4 way through the swim and the beach seemed to take FOREVER to come!


Swimming is not my strong suit, as you can see. But I've made some good improvements over the past year. I started swimming 4 years ago for triathlons and just last year I was swimming 37 mins half irons so I can't complain at all about where I am!

Good transition, strippers were awesome, friend of mine in the change tent helping me get in and out quick!

not much!

Started out the ride and was feeling good. Getting my nutrition in and keeping my HR relatively close to the target (about 5 beats up). Stopped in Oliver to use the facility. Followed my plan for nutrition and HR all the way to Osoyoos and was happy. Going up Richter Pass was good, lots of fans and I kept the pace easy and the cadence up while staying seated. Everything was good until the start of the Out-and-back where I didn't want any more Infinit, and no more clif bars! This is where I thought it was going to fall apart! Got to Special Needs and got my gels - managed to get about 1.5 of those before I didn't want those either. For the next 60k it was bananas and water. My speed was slower and I was feeling it more, but I was NEVER going to give up! Hit some good headwinds on the way back to town but I was focused on getting onto the run.

Figure out my nutrition.

Good transition, loved not having to rack my own bike! Was a bit disoriented though about where to go and what to do!!

nothing.

Well, good and bad here. Started strong despite the lack of nutrition later in the bike. Was running 7.5 min/miles and feeling good the first 7 miles or so. Took my gels and salt pills and 1 or 2 waters at each aid station. After 7 miles the hills started and I started to loose my pace a bit. Was still running though as I was DETERMINED not to walk even ONE STEP of the marathon! I passed a ton of people and it gave me even more motivation to keep going. Got to the turn around and grabbed my gels and energy drink. Drank the drink which didn't really help. Shaun was there and warned me that it was hot and to drink lots and try and take a salt pill every 15mins or so. The whole way back was 2 waters at each aid station along with a Gu Roctane or salt pill (alternating). I also got about 3 cups of coke in there as well. Started to feel better about 17 miles in because I knew it was only an hour left!! I was set to get my 10:30 goal no matter what. I hit the start of Penticton (about 35k) and it was time to race! (as much as my legs would let me!). Pretty much left it all out there the last few miles. The run along Lakeshore into the finishers chute is something I will NEVER EVER forget! I was SO PUMPED as I high fived the crowd including my fam. there to watch!

Who knows, I just finished my FIRST IM!!! I'll figure the rest out later!

Stood around and stretched a bit.


Nutrition. Need to learn how to bike faster.


WOW!!! What an experience! Amazing! I am still on such a high and its days later! It was such a tough day but I loved every minute! Having my great and wonderful Wife there made it truly special. And the fact that I could share it with her, and my parents and sister was great. The crowds and volunteers truly make this the best race ever....ever!