OMC News and Updates

Race Morning: Woke at 4:15 am. Weather was great. About 60 degrees and lake was calm. Attempted to get some calories in me with a Strawberry Boost and EFS mixed with CarboPro. Walked down to transition with Shana, got body marked, dropped off special needs bags and got bike ready to go. Luckly no blown tires from sitting out in the heat from the day before. Transition is a crazy place race morning!!! Lots of nervous energy. Once I had my nutrition on the bike and everything was in working order I found John and we relaxed for a bit. Pro’s started at 6:45 and it was time to get ready. Got the wetsuit on and headed for the lake.

Swim: 2.4 miles After the singing of O CANADA and precisely at 7am my long journey began with over 2600 other athletes. The water temp was about 74 and extremely clear. I was please with my swim. I stayed inside close to the buoy’s on the out and back and this kept me from getting beat up. I was very surprised to see scuba divers and various times beneath me!!

Bike:112 miles This was the most challenging and scenic bike course I have every ridden. It was a single loop. Starting out of town I had a nice tailwind. I tried to keep my speed under control and not go out to hard because I knew what was to come later. One section early on a couple of deer almost took out cyclist in front of me. I felt like I was back home. The first 40 miles I avg about 20mph feeling good and trying to stay on top of my nutrition. Then it started to get tough. I hit the climb to Richter Pass which is short but very steep. I felt good on the climb and tried to keep a steady tempo. After a steep and “white knuckled” decent the course takes you though the mountain valley of orchards and winery’s. After about 30 miles of rollers in the valley it was time for the dreaded Yellow Lake climb. It was a very long and gradual climb of about 12 miles. There were lot’s of spectators on the climb giving it a Tour de France feel. The tail wind I had for the first 40 miles was now a headwind. As I climb I looked down several times at my tires because they felt flat. No matter how hard I peddled I couldn’t get speed. The temperature heated up to the 90’s. I began to also notice a haze in the air that actually smoke from nearby forest fires that was being blown down the valley. This worsened throughout the race and was problematic for some of the athletes. I finally made the summit and headed down the long, twisty decent into Penticton that was complicated by crosswinds. By the time I hit town I was feeling overheated. I took time in transition to get fluids in me and headed out for he run.

Run: 26.2 miles The run is out and back. It takes you along Skaha lake to Okanagon Falls and heads back to Penticton. The run is mostly flat with steep climbs in and out of OK Falls. I was able to keep a slow pace for the first 6 miles but by this time I could no longer stomach anymore Gatoraide or gels. I had a difficult time getting calories in me and I began to feel sick to my stomach. Flashback to IM Arizona last year. I then went to run/walk mode. The rest of the marathon was not good. I will spare all the details. I finally made it to the finish line. Wow it was good to see the end! Shana had been looking for me at the medical tent because I was long behind my predicted times and had no way of knowing where I was at. Luckly she found me with about a mile left and got to see me cross the line.

We spent yesterday in the orchard and wine country. What a beautiful area!

My overall experience of Ironman Canada was awesome. The town, spectators, and over 3500 volunteers were incredible.

A big thanks to Shana for her support during the week. She was the cook, sherpa, photographer, shopper, blogger (not sure about the Green Lantern thing), cleaner, nerve calmer and supportive wife.

I am very much appreciative of the support of my family and friends. Thanks for your encouragement through calls, text, emails, etc.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN MONTGOMERY FOR COMPLETING HIS FIRST IRONMAN!

It was great to spend time with John, Nicole, Monty, Mac, and Gabe. It was awesome to have their support and share the experience with them. A HUGH thanks to Monty and Mac for driving the gear. You guys are great!

Via: http://jsdimc.blogspot.com/