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Ironman Canada - TriathlonFull Ironman


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Penticton, British Columbia
Canada
Ironman Canada
69F / 21C
Sunny
Total Time = 16h 22m 30s
Overall Rank = 1964/2250
Age Group = W40-44
Age Group Rank = 116/129
Pre-race routine:

I dropped my bike off the night before and also left my transition bags on the hooks w/my number. Ironman is so organized! I was really impressed.

I didn't get much sleep the night before. I was so excited. When the alarm went off at 4am I was already awake and ready to start the day.

I ate my usual PB&J bagel and had a cup of caffinated coffee (I usually drink decaf). I had already packed my special needs bags so I didn't have much else to do but get dressed and go to the race site. Before I left I spent some time visualizing myself at the swim start and other points during the race. I was surprised that I wasn't nervous at all. I just wanted to get to the swim start and start stroking!

I got my body marked by a volunteer. I really felt official at that point - #2177! I headed over to the transition area to check on my bags and chart my course during transition. I then headed to the massive porta potty line - it was so long!! I figured it would take at least 15 minutes to get to one of them. A girl came along and told me about some other restrooms around the corner with no lines. I rushed over to them and sure enough, there they were - real toilets and everything!! I went right on it. I took that as a sign that the Ironman Gods were going to be smiling on me all day.

At this point it was only 5:30 and I didn't know what else to do until 6:00. I felt kind of ackward - I didn't know whether to put on my wetsuit or sit down and wait or what. Then I realized I needed to pump air in my tires and make sure my bike was ready to roll. Once I did that I went on and put on the wetsuit and headed over to the swim start area. I was one of the first peoople over there. I spotted Kurt standing on the sidelines - I was so glad to see him. I went over and talked to him for awhile. He gave me my pep talk and told me how great I am for doing Ironman (he's so sweet!) and sent me on my way.
Event warmup:

After the pros started the AGers were allowed to warm up. I swam out about 100 yards to get a feel for the water. It was super crowded. I worked my way around lots of legs and arms to get a pretty good warm up done. I still didn't feel nervous at all.
Swim
  • 1h 41m 34s
  • 4224 yards
  • 02m 24s / 100 yards
Comments:

The swim felt great to me. I know I'm a slow swimmer so I started to the far left of the buoy. I got bumped and jostled a lot the first 100m or so but I stayed calm and focused. I actually cracked a smile once I broke free of all the mish mash, I was so proud of myself! My plan was to stay to the far left of the buoy to avoid the crowds but I wound up right next to the buoy line. It turns out this was a great place to be. There was no one to the right of me and the buoys were right in front of me most of the time. If I even went off course a little bit there was a boat telling me to keep to the left. It was perfect! Well, until the boat went away - then I had to sight on my own. I was so happy to get to the houseboat at the first turn. There were scuba divers waving from below and people cheering everyone on on the boat. I made the turn okay but got a little off the buoy line for a very brief time. The second leg was a little harder because the sun was shining right at us. I made the mistake of assuming the boat on this leg would be as good to me as the other boat but it wasn't. I was swimming off course and the boat let me! How dare they!:) The water started to get really choppy - when I looked up I realized I was off course. I got back on track quickly but it cost me some time. I never lost my composure and felt comfortalbe the whole way.

When I made the second turn I was in heaven. I think I smiled the whole way. I made it to shore and shouted with joy! And who do you think the first person I saw was? Kurt! He was standing behind the wire fence just yelling his head off. I think he was happier than I was! I went over and gave him a kiss as I ran to transition.
What would you do differently?:

In the future I will depend on myself for sighting the whole way. Now that I am comfortable swimming long distance, I just need to work on getting faster.
Transition 1
  • 06m 47s
Comments:

The volunteers are awesome! As soon as I got out of the water, I pulled the top of my wetsuit off and the strippers pulled the rest. They took my wetsuit and handed me my transistion bag - a girl could get spoiled, ya know! I had another volunteer help me take my suit off and put my bike gear on - including my helmet! Another group slathered on sunscreen before I grabbed by bike and headed for the course.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing. It was a flawless transition. I went back and forth about whether I should swim in my bike gear or change. I was glad I changed. I felt dry and comfortable and ready to ride.
Bike
  • 7h 59m 32s
  • 112 miles
  • 14.01 mile/hr
Comments:

Okay, I thought the bike was going to be my strongest event. It turned out to be my hardest. I was doing really well until I hit the out and back. A front blew in and the wind was just terrible at times. I kept telling myself to stay calm and focused and keep a comfortable pace. I did, but I think I could have gone faster. I was so paranoid about saving my legs for Yellow Lake and for the run. Everyone kept telling me how hard Yellow Lake is and I needed to feel strong. I did feel strong when I got there but the wind was still with me. I was looking forward to the downhill but I had wind in my face on the way down too! I had to pedal downhill!!! Its just not right! I finally got up some good speed and then I got scared because I'm a chicken about going too fast. So here I am finally getting a free ride and I'm putting on the brakes. Pretty crazy, huh? Oh well, I still had a great time. I never felt overly tired or overworked on the entire ride. I'm looking forward to riding it again sometime in the future.
What would you do differently?:

I could have pushed harder. I had the energy to do it but I played it too safe.

I would also use the downhills to my advantage. I've got to overcome my fear of going over 40 mph!!

My cornering needs lots of work. I need to work on distributing my weight properly.
Transition 2
  • 10m 7s
Comments:

When I got to transition the volunteers took my bike so I didn't have to rack it. My transition bag was handed to me and I headed to the change tent. I totally changed clothes. I wanted to be dry and comfortable for what I knew would be a long night ahead of me.

Again, the volunteers were awesome! They just take charge and help you get dressed just like your mom would. It was just outstanding.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing. I know 10 mintues sounds long but I think it was worth the time to change into fresh clothes after being on the bike for so long.
Run
  • 6h 24m 32s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 14m 41s  min/mile
Comments:

I am very surprised to say this - the run was my favorite part! I am not a runner by any means and my time is not stellar but I enjoyed every step. Altitude had a lot to do with this I'm sure.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I struggle with running. That's why I took it so easy on the bike. I thought that I would struggle so much with the run that I'd need all the energy I could get. I felt great. I wasn't exhausted starting the run. I was conversational and smiling the whole way. I was just thinking about crossing that finish line and getting my medal. At mile 18 Kurt showed up on his bike. I was so glad to see him! It was just getting dark and he popped up out of no where. He talked to me for about a mile and a half. What a kick!! It helped me a lot. I did get a little lonely out there once it got really dark. I felt like I was the only one out there. I could see glow sticks in the distance but they were quite a way up. To distract myself I just enjoyed the scenary. I was running along the lake and it was beautiful. I listened to all the night sounds of crickets and bugs and God knows what other creatures and I just savored the moment. It was truly special.

When I hit mile 20 I knew I was home free! I knew if I kept my pace I would make it there before midnight. I smiled the whole way in. What a great feeling! There were people along the street for the last 3 miles. They were calling my name and rooting me in. My stride was pretty slow but I was running as fast as I could. The crowd was cheering so loud for the last 50 yards or so - I felt like the Queen of the world! I threw my arms up and had the biggest grin on my face as I ran throught the finishing tape! I am now an IRONMAN!!
What would you do differently?:

I would run a little faster. This race was all about finishing. I had no times in my head except finishing before midnight. When I do it again, I will know I can push a little harder.
Post race
Warm down:

When I crossed the finish line my medal was put around my neck and a volunteer grabbed me and put some foil around me to keep me warm. He made me walk around for about 5 minutes and then lead me to an area to pick up all of my bags. I felt great. I set my bags down and went to look for Kurt. He met me at the food area and we ate some pizza and watched the fireworks. I didn't really stretch and I didn't want to wait for a massage.

At this point my feet were really hurting and I was starting to tighten up. I needed to get home and lie down so that's what I did.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I held back too much. I have to evaluate my overall strategy. I held way back on the bike to save myself for the run and then I held back on the run to make sure I made it to the finish line.

The wind on the bike was limiting but I could have gone faster than I did. Now that I have the confidence I need, I will look forward to faster races in the future.

Event comments:

Ironman Canada does an outstanding job. I heard pros and AG alike saying this is the best Ironman by far. I haven't been to any other Ironman competitions but I think this one would be hard to beat.

The local community steps up to the plate and really supports the event and the competitors. They are genuinely concerned about your welfare and want to ensure that you enjoy the race. My hats off to the people of Penticton!

The pasta feast was well done as was the award banquet. I really like the DVD they gave everyone with the race hightlights. I'm even in the video - you have to look real fast but if you don't blink you can see me!




Last updated: 2005-09-01 12:00 AM
Swimming
01:41:34 | 4224 yards | 02m 24s / 100yards
Age Group: 122/129
Overall: 2132/2250
Performance: Good
Suit: Aquaman Full Wetsuit
Course: The course was a triangular shape with two long legs and a short final leg which made finishing seem easy.
Start type: Wade Plus:
Water temp: 69F / 21C Current: Low
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Below average
Waves: Navigation: Average
Rounding: Average
T1
Time: 06:47
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
No
Wetsuit stuck? No Run with bike: No
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
07:59:32 | 112 miles | 14.01 mile/hr
Age Group: 118/129
Overall: 2084/2250
Performance: Below average
Wind: Strong with gusts
Course: The bike was a beautiful one loop course . It has a good mix of flats and hills mixed in with 2 mountain passes. The first 40 miles are mostly flat w/one significant climb. Then there's Richter Pass. It is a 6 mile climb at about 6% grade. It was very challenging but early enough in the course to be manageable. From there you have the rollers - 7 significant climbs followed by some good downhill. After that was a long out and back. This is where the wind really kicked up. It was a very strong headwind for the entire length of the "out" portion. I lost a lot of time at this point. I just couldn't get moving! I knew my special needs bag was at the end of it - that's what kept me going! Yellow Lake is about 90 miles into the ride and it was a hard long gradual climb - with wind in your face!! Most of the rest of the ride is downhill into town.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Below average Cornering: Below average
Gear changes: Average Hills: Average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Just right
T2
Time: 10:07
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike
Racking bike
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
06:24:32 | 26.2 miles | 14m 41s  min/mile
Age Group: 108/129
Overall: 1809/2250
Performance: Good
Course: The run was a one loop out and back. It was a beautiful course that ran along the lake to OK waterfalls. It had some good hills but not too bad.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2005-09-01 7:34 PM

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Regular
58
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Lone Tree, CO
Subject: Ironman Canada


2005-09-01 7:58 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Champion
8766
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Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Woohoo!  AWESOME JOB!  Way to go!  You are the BEST!  You are an IRONMAN! Yippee!
2005-09-01 8:34 PM
in reply to: #239258

Veteran
109
100
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
No way around it. go get that 140.6 sticker and put it on our car cause you are an IRONMAN!
2005-09-01 8:48 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Master
1686
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Royersford, PA
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
You are awesome!!! Thats one of the most positively inspiring race reports I've read. Congrats!!
2005-09-01 8:54 PM
in reply to: #239311

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Official BT Coach
2210
2000100100
Englewood, CO
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Way to go Ironman!  All that training does pay off!  I am so glad you had a great experience, I had a lot of the same feelings you did in IMCDA!  Congrats.
2005-09-01 9:09 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Extreme Veteran
557
5002525
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
What an amazing RR, what an amzing race!!  You are an Ironman!!  Congrats!!


2005-09-01 9:23 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Pro
4228
2000200010010025
Broomfield, Colorado
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada

Janine I am so proud of you!    You did amazing!  Way to hang tough! 

You are an inspiration

So, did you sign up for next year?

2005-09-01 9:44 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Expert
852
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Evergreen, Colorado
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada

What a great race report!!! I have honestly NEVER had the urge to do an ironman, but reading your race report actually made it sound kind of appealing!! You are such an inspiration

Seriously, it sounds like you had a fantastic attitude throughout the entire race, and really enjoyed the experience.  Congrats on a great race!!!!

I always think IM Canada would be a great course - my grandpa lived near Penticton and I spent a lot of time in that lake growing up!  Must be beautiful to race there

2005-09-02 12:09 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Expert
683
500100252525
Denver
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Congratulations on a fantastic race! And a great race report too! It's great that you were able to smile and enjoy the process as much as you did. Great job!
2005-09-02 12:18 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Champion
6931
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Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Excellent job IRONMAN!!!
2005-09-02 12:20 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Master
1320
1000100100100
Chilliwack, BC
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Way to go!
You so totally ROCK!!!


2005-09-02 1:24 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Extreme Veteran
393
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, Queensland
Gold member
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada

You are awesome J9QUEEN !!!! That race report was so inspiring!! My stomach is churning with nervous energy - I'm so motivated to get out there race!

Well done on becoming an Ironman!

2005-09-02 6:39 AM
in reply to: #239418

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Extreme Veteran
1491
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northeast Ohio
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Awesome race report! I had tears welling up in my eyes when you crossed the finish line. So cool. Congratulations.

Diane
2005-09-02 7:46 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Veteran
114
100
London, UK
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Great job Ironman!
2005-09-02 8:22 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Coach
10487
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Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
A W E S O M E !!!     Congrats
2005-09-02 10:11 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Excellent Ironman Janine!!!!  You are indeed an Iron Maiden Ironwoman!!  Congratulations on your wonderful tri and thanks for the great race report.  When can we expect pics?

Edited by Machiavelo 2005-09-02 10:13 AM


2005-09-02 10:43 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Master
1927
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada

AWESOME J-QUEEN!

YOU ROCK!

I of course looved your times cause they gave me hope! You are an Ironwoman! Congrats girl. Woo Hoo.

2005-09-02 10:58 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Veteran
251
1001002525
Burbs north of Chicago
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Wow, I have to tell you that was really great to read your report. I just got into this crazy sport this year and I haven't even considered making it to the point of doing an Ironman. I'm just trying to do my first Olympic, but that report was really great. The thing I learned the most is how proud you were of yourself. I have been working hard all summer and haven't taken much time to pat myself on the back. Thanks for the inspiration.
2005-09-02 11:04 AM
in reply to: #239258

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Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Wow! Just ... wow! You make it sound so easy.
Congratulations!
2005-09-02 11:06 AM
in reply to: #239258

Sydney Australia
Subject:
2005-09-02 1:17 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Elite
2553
20005002525
Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
Congratulations!  I really enjoyed reading your race report.  It was so positive and I could tell you were smiling the whole way! 


2005-09-02 1:34 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Member
9

Ottawa
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
You say you held back to much, but hindsight is 20/20. You were better off to save yourself for the last climb and run, as you did.

This is something no one can EVER take away from you - you are an Ironman.
2005-09-02 1:40 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Expert
916
500100100100100
San mateo California
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
I am..... amazed....   you truly are an IRONGIRL!!!    CONGRATULATIONS.....

GREAT STUFF....  WOW...
2005-09-02 1:45 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Highlands Ranch, CO
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada
WOW! YOU ARE AWESOME! I HAD GOOSEBUMPS THE WHOLE TIME I WAS READING. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!
LAURA
2005-09-02 2:06 PM
in reply to: #239258

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Extreme Veteran
534
50025
Brisbane
Subject: RE: Ironman Canada

Excellent race! Congratulations on a magnificent achievement!

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