First race of the year and first since Ironman Canada I was convinced to do this race by one of the race directors (Sarah) while I was at IMC last year she said it would fit my race style very well (Flat), Now I had looked at this race and the run section had some issues that I was not sure about(Off road pathway) but she said it would not be that bad so I signed up.
My dad (Head support) and I drove up on the Friday it was a good 10+ hours so I got some much needed sleep in.
We arrived in Oliver after checking in at the Pine Bluff motel(just outside of Oliver) I pick up the race package and check out the course We headed down to the swim course to check it out and go for a little swim, the lake looked nice and it was not bad temperature wise, we both got suited up (first time for my Dad) and did a little OW practise all was good.
After the swim I did the long roll/run to T1 its about 600m away and found what could be my first issue that being having to go over and through ares the wheelchair could not do well. We then went over to the run course and it was not looking good the entrance to the pathway was not passable by wheelchair and the path was narrow in areas and really not good for a racing chair, oh and the foot bridge with the steps would also be a problem, made some notes to bring up at the race meeting for the next day.
Decided to look at the whole bike course the next day and headed for a nice dinner then off to bed.
Saturday we drove the bike course I am feeling really good about it, one real climb the rest mostly flattish and rolling, We hit the lake so Dad can go for another swim (and he does after a search for goggles that are not lost). We then check in my bike and racing chair after a quick test ride all seems good and really to go, I head off to the hall where the race meeting will take place while my dad goes for a ride around the course.
I had time so I took a closer look at the run course, and the closer look just told me that it was not doable I formated a plan to present to the RD (Joe) and my argument for why it would not work as is and how I think it should be adapted.
Race meeting was good Joe mentioned that I would be on course so that people are aware of me and that I would be taking a few different routes.
After the meeting I meet with Joe (a very busy and stressed out Joe) I told him my concerns with the course (Swim to T1 and Run) I presented my ideas to adapt the issues and he was ok with it all(This was either due to lack of sleep or I like to think actually cared to make the course adaptive for me) This was huge as I find its either "No" or its "No" sometimes its a look of confusion then a look of "No" but this time Joe totally agreed and was very supportive other RD's could learn from him. Note I have raced with Joe and Sarah at outback events before and they have truly been very accommodating I asked for more then I would normally altering the course so that is was safer for me and others.
After we headed back to the motel, had some leftovers got my liquid nutrition together then off to bed.
Up early had some raisin toast(From the Bakery in Golden.. Soooo Good) headed on down to transition, got all my stuff organized and ready to go then down to the swim start.
Swim 48min in the water
- Got in the water did a little warm up to get my heart going and get more relaxed
- After a little delay the race was started, I started in the water as I can't run so I just start going, soon I am getting a little beat up, an elbow to the goggles a little grabbing and such it calms down around 200m in I am able to find my own space and start jumping on feet to see if I can get a little draft
- I could tell I was falling to the back of the pack but that is not unusual at this point and just stayed relaxed.
- At the 800mish turn I go and check my time so I look at my wrist and it seems that my new 910xt is missing F**K is a word that I used along with others, so angry I just kept going nothing I could do, I kept thinking what am I going to do on the bike as its also my bike computer, I figure I will just go without.
- I keep swimming and swimming it feels like forever
- I get close see my dad and give him the signal that I am coming in, he has rounded up someone to help get me out, strip my wetsuit and get some help through the grass up the hill(I was ejected at this point, just got back in the chair) and onto the road.
T1 9:30
- After a long push to T1 I get on the bike and go this transition takes longer due to the distance but overall it was good
Bike 4:37
- With no computer I had no concept of speed, time, HR things that I like to know so I was a little lost
- Started out strong I did not go full out as its 93km and needed to save something for the whole race
- First lap I get passed I pass others, at the first climb I get passed a lot more but feel strong and my energy is good, big down hill was good accept for what seemed to be a person in a truck talking to a racer that I needed to pass.
- Second lap I started to feel slower and could tell my energy level was going down, second time on the hill was harder and I could tell my arms were starting to get tired, this is also were mentally I get hit by this time I am the only one on the course well at least it feels like it I dont see anyone and figure I am DFL but that is how it goes.
- Last lap (12km to go) I get passed wow I am now DFL so I guess I was not before, at this point I don't really have a sense of time I figure I have missed the bike cutoff for a 3 time (and reevaluating this whole long course thing) T2 7:17
- I pull in figuring I am going to get pulled and find out I have made the cutoff, holly F**K I am happy and I really need to pee so I take care of that.
Run/push 1:44
- This was great I see people again, I am no longer DFL I am tearing pass people it feels good
- One hard hill to do twice but otherwise great
- Got to the finish and had my Dad slow me down as it finishes on a downhill and with no runout I would not be able to stop
Finish 7:27:14
Crossed the line, got a handshake from Joe (everyone did nice touch) finally got a half officially done!!!
Post Race
- Great after race meal burger and salads
- Won my category so I got a bottle of wine and a standing ovation so awesome, I am unusually humble but I earned it today Post race thoughts It was a great race I had wanted to go under 7 hours but will take 7:27 still a big improvement from my last few races, heck I finished
Next race is the Chinook Half
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