Training Log Archive: nosnhoj

Event: Ironman Mont-Tremblant
 

Picked this race since a friend (AW) had decided to do this race 10 years after his first IM. Had done the 70.3 at Tremblant several times so knew what I was in for (sort of). It was good to have so many other friends doing the race as well (Harps, JB, MB, PT); this would provide lots of laughs and motivation (can't walk when passing by all these people on the out-and-back run).

The days leading up to the race called for T-storms for the swim (go figure...it didn't rain all summer) but we can't control the weather so just had to go with it. It was nice to relax and watch the Hip the night before the race, although it felt funny drinking sports drinks instead of beer. I had a great sleep and woke up to mostly clear skies but there was wind. All went quite well getting to the swim start although after a quick stop to pick up Harps (or to use his washroom, whatever), we were somewhat late and needed a boost over the fence to join our starting group. In any case, we made it with at least a minute to spare...no time to get too nervous.

The swim began just fine and after about 5 minutes, was able to find some space and get into a regular stroke (not too bad for me as wave starts go but I still prefer a seeded rolling start). I felt I was moving along fairly well, mostly in a straight line) and was happy to be approaching the first turn...almost halfway. I did feel the swells as we not as protected as the start of the race and waves were really apparent as we turned to swim across them. It was also surprising how fast they were pushing me away from my line. Other than this, I did enjoy swimming through these. It was a short swim to the next turn around buoy and then we were swimming directly into the waves. Swimming in a straight line is always a challenge but this made it worse however I just plodded along and eventually saw, then reached the swim exit...so happy! I thought my time was slow for the swim but then saw JB on the red carpet run up to T1; before the race I thought it would be good to finish the swim at the same time he did (although he started 6 mins after), so figured the swim was slow for everyone.

After a quick T1, I was happy to be out on the bike. I had about 10 minutes of dry pavement before the rain started and then got worse, and worse and didn't really let up the whole bike. The good thing was that it was very humid so I was not really cold although I was likely wetter on the bike than in the swim. The first loop for me when quite well (~ 2:40) and still felt that I had kept energy for the second loop. The wind had picked up though and found the ride from the turnaround on 117 to St Jovite to be tough as it was directly into the wind. This is where I saw AW for the first time; it was good to see him this far out into the bike as I felt I was having a good race so far and thought he would think the same. Once I reached St. Jovite, I was again quite happy as riding through the town was quite interesting (and got to sit up!). I finished the bike fairly strong as my time up the last part was not much slower than on the first lap despite using the brakes more on the last downhill. It was great to finally role into T2 knowing that I was now safe from a bike spill (and it was also good to get off the bike!)

As I started the run, the rain began to lighten and then stopped shortly thereafter. It stayed cloudy though which made for good conditions on the run. For most IM runs, I start out way to fast and have a great first half but suffer through the rest. For this race, I was aiming for having to stop and pee twice, I pretty much ran the whole thing. Had a good pace for about 30 K and then started to slow but so was everyone so I was fine with this. I had my first glimpse or Harps at about 7-8 k and then it was fun to see everyone a few times out on the course. It was especially good to finally see the village on the last and once again, was ecstatic to run down the finishing chute and cross the finish line!

Ride on Monte Ryan to the 117 and back with Harps...just loosening up the legs but such a fun place to ride.

Run off with Harps. We got a little turned around and had to pull out the phone to see the map (I was just following Harper!). We made it back though and didn't need to run a full marathon to get there!

Swim with Harps, AW, JB, MB and the boss (Nik). Water was great!

Arrived at Mont Tremblant and was excited to get out on the bike. Rode the last part of the course up Chemin Duplessis which was great but may be challenging the second time up on Sunday!