Introduction:
Subaru Ironman Canada, the longest existing Iron distance race not in Hawaii, starting in 1982. This racecourse was heralded to be a beautiful yet challenging course that was extremely difficult to get in to, in that it usually sells out at onsite registration. Well to my benefit things changed in 2008, and they did not sell out at onsite registration (I heard that they no longer allowed someone to register another person without being present.) Online registration opened on or about September 11th, 2008 for 450 athletes and then again within a week for 200 more. I got in during the first window, to the disappointment of my fellow Cyclonaut MultiSport members – Bill Terry, Tom Deluca and Steve Roulier who nonetheless were extremely supportive in my training for this race.
Shortly after registering, I had looked at the list of participants and found that in fact there were a few from MA and CT, I surfed around BeginnerTriathlete.com and slowtwitch.com for some contact information, with some curiosity. I responded to a post and had been contacted via email by one MA athlete, Kathy Graves – of North Attleboro that wanted to discuss travel/ accommodations plan. At that point, I had contacted the local Penticton triathlon club, and other things I had found on the internet to query if there were any hostel type accommodations or homestays available but got no response to date. When Kathy emailed I hadn’t gotten that far in my arrangements, as I was still seeking out a sherpa or even just a tag-along, to no avail, but in my favor my delay worked out beautifully. In May, Kathy contacted me again and shared about mile141.com where she had read some posts of people that are willing to host triathletes! I contacted two and took the second opportunity after a review from Doug Guertin who graciously kept me calm and focused in that quest. I was going to be hosted by the Cornell’s of Penticton, British Columbia.
Charles Cornell offered in advance to get me some groceries, CO2 cartridges, pick me up at the airport, drive me to/ from the race and many other forms of assistance all for $50 a night as a guest in his family’s home.
In the fall, I relay to my parents that I registered for IMCA and within weeks my mom learns that a fellow golfer’s son-in-law is also doing a race in Canada in August 2009. What are the chances? So they exchange more information before my parents head to Florida for five months over winter and determine that it is in fact the same event. Ma Totz and I talk and she shares this tidbit, and I never hear of it again over the winter months. In April as I set up her email in CT and find an email about “Penticton housing” from her friend Carol, who is travelling with her “in-laws” to watch the event. In June, Ma Totz and I go to play golf on Father’s Day and we run in to Carol and her husband, Dave. After a short conversation with Carol, we decide to share our contact information with her son-in-law, Gabe, who lives in West Hartford, CT. Within a few weeks Gabe and I meet for dinner and immediately we are friends in triathlon, this being his 10th Ironman and me on the road to my 4th. We both have been active participants in clubs in our local area in years past and present, he as a founding member of HEAT, and myself with Tucson Tri Girls and now Cyclonaut MultiSport. Despite our passion for or sport we have different goals. This year he hired a coach to excel from his above average performance to really work to his potential, and I planned to get through this year’s Ironman with my issues, no matter how much adversity I found along the way. We make plans to get together in Canada for dinner pre-race upon their arrival in Penticton. I now have “friends” in Penticton and no matter what, someone from home knows I am going to be out on that course, and they can reach my parents if need be that was an unexpected relief.
Registration, housing and solo travel were not my only hurdles in this endeavor. Bike transportation, months of limited training, work and the balance of life that I prefer to maintain were also on the track. I contacted TriBike Transport in January as I needed to figure out if they planned to add service from New England as more than the usual numbers of athletes were from the East Coast and let them know that their may be a demand for the service. I hear nothing and plan to fly with my bike to Seattle, pay a fortune for the bike on Delta and to rent an SUV to carry my bike and bike box to Penticton. On July 15th I get an email that TriBike Transport has expanded service to include pickups in CT, MA and NY. Woohoo! It may cost the same ultimately at $300 (+fees) for the service (versus baggage and rental car fees), but the stress that was relieved knowing the bike would travel on the ground in an enclosed trailer was really priceless. Ok, one more thing checked off, now just rent a car and get that ticket on mileage and you are off to Canada in less than 5 weeks. Yikes – that was a quick year, where did the time go?
The year leading up to Subaru Ironman Canada was great, but also full of challenges. The Inaugural Westfield YMCA triathlon was a huge endeavor for myself (and the Cyclonaut MultiSport Team) and I was glad to get back to my focussed training after months of focusing on it. I very much enjoyed my training throughout the past year from Masters swimming at Westfield State College, the Monday Night Ladies ride, many morning/ Friday night swims at Russell Pond, Wednesday Millennium Press Rides and weekend rides with many Cyclonauts. And even the solo long rides that build the mental tenacity that is the 5th part of triathlon that I feel really is the most important aspect of all, 4th being nutrition/ hydration and fueling.
So through the next months I was encouraged, discouraged, psyched up, psyched out, nervous, calm, ecstatic, and more. In June, I had participated in the Patriot Half Ironman and I chose to DNF as my left leg was bothering me, and I wasn’t sure why. My left leg never seemed to loosen up while riding and just seemed to get worse as the miles progressed. At first the inside head of the quadriceps was uncomfortable, then the piriformis, hip flexor and hamstring started screaming, and finally my lower back was pulling so tight, I felt that it was going to come undone, and my leg was going to fall off. I know unrealistic, but I couldn’t figure out what was happening, all I knew is that it was painful, and knowing my tolerance level for pain, I knew it had to be pretty bad, as I was not happy at all.
At this point in the season I had been feeling an issue on the bike on and off for the preceding weeks, but I had ignored it, and I would continue to ignore it for the rest of the season. The season continued and the discomfort never really stopped, it was uncomfortable to run, but not painful. Instead, it would cause immediate discomfort when I got on the bike if I had run in the previous 48 hours, versus the delayed effect it had on a normal (no prior run) ride. I made a conscious choice not to run much for the next few weeks/ months, unless I really wanted to or needed to for my own mental sanity unless the leg was not bothering me. I was never so lucky as to have the discomfort stop, so I didn’t train for the run. I knew I had to get through the bike, and I knew I could walk the run, I am too stubborn to not. And that is the story of my training for Subaru Ironman Canada.
I left MA on early Wednesday morning to arrive in Seattle about 12:00PM, a good early start to a 6 hour drive to Penticton, British Columbia via a Scenic highway along rivers and apple, peach and other produce orchards. Here is a link to a map, to show you where in Canada it is relative to Seattle and Vancouver:
http://maps.google.com/maps? f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Seattle,+WA&daddr=47.783635,-120.959473+to:Penticton,+BC,+Canada&geocode=&hl=en&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=7&via=1&sll=48.86034,-121.030795&sspn=3.679125,9.470215&ie=UTF8&z=7
All plans need to be flexible for things beyond your control such as rental counter lines of 1 hour and 15 minutes full of hungry tired, anxious triathletes who all want to get lunch and get on the road to Penticton. All I can say, is I was very glad that I had brought leftover pizza on the flight and eaten it for breakfast while on route from Atlanta to Seattle, otherwise I think I would have gnawed off my hand while waiting to have lunch. I had hoped to arrive at my host family’s home 8:30PM to no avail. I arrived to the desert of Penticton at 10:00PM to about 59 degrees that was extremely comfortable, as it was not damp at all.
Penticton used to be referred to as Peaches and Beaches; I compare it to the Arizona retirement communities outside of Tucson and such. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Charles, my host, and shown to the master suite of the house and was told I would meet the wife and kids in the morning, feel free to make myself at home and good night.
Thursday morning I was greeted by a smiling family of 4 and informed that it was, “currently 15 and 32 degrees was the expected high” – I said, “Excuse me?” In my slumber, I had forgotten that Canada measures temperature in Celsius; and I definitely had no idea how to calculate and convert between the two. And so my confusion began, I was certain to download a Temperature conversion list as soon as possible. After a nice breakfast with the family and an exchange of Ironman war stories between non-triathlete hosts (of past hosted athletes) and myself; I headed out. I had a few things to find, do and see on my schedule for the day. Lake Okanagan where the swim was, Okanagan Park for registration, bike pick up from TriBike Transport in addition to acclimation to the 32 degree, I mean 90 degree temperatures. I was sure to bring water bottles along for the anticipated waiting, and I was certainly glad I did. I am uncertain if it was anxiety that was dehydrating me or just the dry heat, but I was quickly feeling the symptoms of dehydration. I immediately became concerned for Sundays race conditions and my hydration plans. (Background information: Having just watched the Mt Washington Hill Climb August 15th where I knew an athlete who suffered from severe dehydration and then needed an IV instead of completing the event.)
The local (and not-so-local) volunteers were all kind, cheerful and full of pride to be there to provide their support through answering questions at the information booth, directing athletes into/through the registration tent, setting up the transition area and more. It was even more shocking to see those faces again and again supporting the bike check-in, bag check-in, body marking, wetsuit stripping, transition and even aid stations on the course on race day. Each one was excited to be a part of Ironman Canada, in their own special way, even though many of them may never have the desire to participate in the event itself. It is like a National event, the Canadian pride was apparent and there was dedication to delivering a quality event. It was interesting to observe the athletes in registration – not only how many had an M-dot tattoos, but how many had a maple leaf, M-dot tattoo. I met a young lady who was doing her first Ironman, and it was her birthday on that day of registration – I have no idea what her name was – except Birthday Girl, however I recall she was beyond my normal level of hyperness, but she made me giggle and relax.
After a relatively calm day, aside from the flirts with dehydration, I had gotten registered, picked up my bike and took some photos of the lake, took a drive along the bike/ run course and saw the road conditions and some local neighborhoods. I had stopped by a local running shop for last minute items and gotten an invitations to the Underpants Run, to the narrated van-tour of the course, and to a post-race vineyard tour, but the most useful piece of information came at this time, too. A six-time IMCA finisher and an 14-time IMCA finisher spoke with me in detail about the course, what to expect, forewarning of the false flats, the potential winds and the guaranteed heat in the rock walls of the Yellow Lake climb. I asked further about the Underpants Run as there were panties for sale in front of the store, it was a for a charity “Bikes for Kids” http://www.bikesforkids.ca/ where the proceeds supported the development of youth in the sport of triathlon. I bought a pair, uncertain if I wanted to participate or not, but I thought the charity was a good thing. I did participate, however I wore shorts under my panties. I joined Gabe, his wife and his in-laws for a delicious dinner at the Hooded Merganser (a bird) restaurant overlooking Okanagan Lake; I shared some of my new knowledge but mostly enjoyed the company. And then I rested, and was in bed by 10:30PM (still felt like 1:30AM on the East Coast, no wonder, it was).
Friday morning it was 15 degrees again, which was only 59F at 6:15AM when headed for swim. I had to swim nice and early in order to be at Peach City Runners for 8AM for the Underpants Run. The Underpants Run was a riot there were hundreds of participants, some who took it quite literally and some who were more modest, and some that definitely had planned to attend for much longer than my 24 hours, by the looks of their costumes. We ran through the center of Penticton through a hotel parking lot along the lake and stopped to do some stretching and calisthenics and then ran back through the center of town back to Peach City Runners for a brief (no pun intended) finishers speech and thanks for our participation. That was an experience that I have been told is part of IMCA. I went over to Okanagan Park and decided to pay for Finisher Photos in advance, since I am a positive thinker and thought I would look at some Ironman Canada schwag. I got myself a technical running T-shirt with a red maple-leaf and a swimmer/ biker/ runner artistically displayed in it.
Later in the day the temperatures rose and the dehydration symptoms were back although I was hydrating with PowerBar Endurance and not just water. I then knew for a fact it was going to be an extremely tough day for all of us on Sunday. Friday afternoon I relaxed, I strolled through the expo saw Birthday Girl, Gabe and some other folks I had met at the swim, Nikki and Sherri and Roland (from Franklin, MA – formerly a Shoreline Shark) and some from the Underpants Run. Early afternoon I headed back home to get the bike prepped. I made the tough decision to remove the rear water bottle cage, as I knew there was an aid station every 10 miles on the course. I did this comfortably by committing to myself that I would finish 1 waterbottle of water or Gatorade between each aid station no matter what, recalling while I was strolling and not exerting myself in the 85 degree temps I was dehydrating. This meant 20-24 ounces every 45-75 minutes dependent upon terrain, I realized that this was heavy on the descents, but not too much on the climbs, which slowed my pace significantly, and I know I don’t get or take many opportunities to drink. I went for an hour ride at 5PM when the temps finally broke and started to cool. It felt phenomenal to ride there, the scenery was gorgeous, and I felt strong, ready and focussed. I drank about 24-30 ounces in that hour and didn’t feel any sloshiness after the ride. This boosted my confidence in my plan.
I enjoyed a great dinner at home with just Charles, as his wife and kids had departed and gone out of town to leave the home to me and the other athlete, Jay and his family who was also being hosted. We had grilled chicken and veggie skewers with risotto and steamed green beans, and salad. It was awesome to be able to eat a meal of choice at my leisure. Charles and I discussed Ironman at length as he shared that he moved to Penticton for Ironman, but was not a triathlete, so I was completely confused. Charles was hired to do an economic impact study of Ironman on Penticton and local communities. He solicited input from all participants of IMCA 2005, 6, or 7 – I forgot. He learned that the athletes were displeased with the requirement for hotel registration one-year in advance, and the 7 night minimum requirement and such. He had insight in to the IMCA experience from many facets and the discussion was fascinating. I now understood his motivation to host athletes, and was even more appreciative of his kindness. We spoke about annual the “street party” that was an Ironman Canada event, Charles planned to attend after dinner, I chose to stay in and get some rest again. It sounded like a great time with live bands, dancing, food vendors and more – a great welcome party for all the volunteers and celebration for the local folks.
Saturday I was excited for the forecast, the weather was to break and temps were to be cooler – high of 80s and chance of rainstorm. To me, this meant keeping the dehydration at bay and getting a chance to get hydrated for Sunday with out the concerns of exertion levels (as the days plan was to be calm and quiet) although my pre-race anxiety or excitement and anticipation was extremely high. I went for a short swim, one more time to clear the cobwebs in my head and be one with legendary OgoPogo – Lake Okanagan’s monster which I didn’t know existed until after the race, but I think it sounds like a good reason to swim. Jay gave me a lowdown of the swim course and the difficulty he finds in sighting the course as he is in the thick things with his sub 1-hour swim. This was great to know as I had learned on Thursday AM the course does not get fully laid out until race morning, so much for a preview. There were very small orange pylons/ buoys in place at the turns, but they were almost invisible from shore if you did not know where to look.
My anal-retentiveness of super-planning paid off so I was not stressed while packing my transition bags, so it went rather quickly. I had my ziploc bags for each transition and the uniforms I had selected alongside my nutrition for each leg of the race. This made Bike and Bag check-in uneventful. I saw my new friends – Gabe, hyper Birthday Girl, Nikki, Sherri and Roland who shared encouraging words and hugs and what color to look for out there. While familiarizing myself with the flow of transition I ran into a fellow former Tucson Tri Girl, Char Latham who was there to ensure her spot in IMCA 2010. The familiar faces were pretty cool, if out of 2800 racers, I could see the 5-10 people I knew in an hour, I figured that boded well for me, why? I have no idea; it just made me calm. Jay and his wife both IMCA veterans had invited me to have an early pasta dinner with them at their regular place, this worked out great and dinner was delicious. After dinner I went for a short jog, and got my powders loaded into my array of bottles for the morning.
One bottle of nutrition for the bike and one bottle of water or electrolyte supplement to change throughout the day (starting out it was water with leftover nutrition supplement). My special needs were organized as I had planned weeks ago, now it was time to pack them. A gel before swim, one tucked into wetsuit for during swim and bottle of PowerBar endurance for transition, where I am parched after the swim, plus Tylenol/ Advil. For the bike a spare CO2 and a spare tube and water bottle of nutrition mix including endurolyte powder, chamois cream in a ziploc bag and Tylenol/ Advil. For T2 a bottle of PowerBar endurance for transition, in case I hadn’t take in enough on the last screaming descent to town or on the push back into transition, plus Tylenol/ Advil. For the run a small tube of lubricant to prevent blistering of my feet, a spare gel, a toothbrush/ paste, a long sleeve shirt in case I was too cool or sunburned, plus Tylenol/ Advil. I felt that I was prepared for whatever the day would throw at me.
Sunday expected 17C at 6AM, with a high of 34C, so to us 62 at the start and 93 degrees at the peak of the day in Penticton. Too bad the entire course was not in the valley of Penticton, as the breeze from the lake would have made it seem a bit cooler. Instead some areas of the course were long climbs exposed to the sun, strong winds and other challenging stuff, including many false flats and short descents that didn’t give me quite enough momentum up the next climb. If I haven’t bored you already, I will continue to share in further detail my IMCA experience. For those unfamiliar with Ironman distance triathlons, it is comprised of a 2.4 mile (3.8km) typically open water swim, 112 mile (180.8 km) road/ tri bike, and a 26.2 mile (42.2 km) run.
This is my 4th Ironman triathlon and while I have done quite a few varying distance races that I have enjoyed, but there are things unique to Ironman that make it ever more spectacular than just the distances. The swim is typically one large mass start versus waves which can become a combat zone, with the flailing arms and legs of yourself and in this case a total of about 2800 other swimming racers plus race support of kayaks, surf boards, boats and scuba divers, etc. This swim is one loop (http://ironman.ca/swim.html) compromised of three legs (1612m, 450m, 1800m) and 2 right hand turns. This swim start was a bit different in that the area was significantly wider than I have seen at other events, however I have never felt it to be too narrow, I think that is because I am not very fast, so I blend in just fine with others.
Race morning a local reporter for the Penticton Herald interviewed me – I completely forgot about this until Sherri told me I was in the paper the day after the race. I was quoted for stating that “the calm before the race allows me to focus. It is surreal; it’s amazing to be part of something so exciting. I am trying to stay calm because I just want to jump out of my skin. It’s the first and last time, I’m going to see everyone today.” After my impromptu interview I called Mike Cousins back to say thanks for wishing me well via a voicemail and I ran into Sherri for a great pre-swim photo. I had someone take one from my cell phone/camera, which I sent it off to Western, MA, right before the Pro start.
I believe the Pro start was 6:45AM with a cannon blast although as per usual I do not recall it happening. I do recall consoling a woman 2482 who had looked terrified and was frantically scanning the crowd for her loved ones, originally to no avail. We chatted for :45 seconds, she calmed down, and we turned to look for her fans and immediately she found her spectators, and she waved excitedly. The Canadian Anthem sung beautifully by a 21 year old talented young woman, who also sang at the awards dinner, the Anthem is partly in French and English – it seemed. And then the usual – U2, Beautiful Day was played and that sets the stage for me, as this is the beginning to a beautiful day that I am so lucky to be healthy enough to be a part of. The startline of the swim is marked with a rope lowered with Ironman Canada pennants on it. Upon the start it is lifted high above the massive crowd of swimmers. I delayed my first strokes for about a minute from wading my way into much deeper water and for allowing the insanity to disperse.
I caught one arm to the head twice and I actually sped up and pulled away to avoid a third whack. I know that I usually get tired just past 1hour and 20 minutes and slow down a fair amount in response. This year I planned to supplement myself with a gel packet while on the swim for a caffeine and sugar boost about ½ to 2/3 of the way done, to get me over that hump and to finish the swim strong and get onto the bike leg. The course was numbered with 23 buoys, but I had no idea where they were placed for distance between, but I easily followed the course. I was on track for the entire swim, aligned with all of the buoys on each and every sight (about 8 strokes), and while rounding of the boats that marked the turns of the course. I felt very strong in the swim. I took in my gel at buoy 13 and at buoys 15-23, I was passing others on both sides. I felt that I was going to PR as I looked and saw 1:15 on my watch. I was surprised it was 1:40 when I next looked at my watch to stop it after I exited the water. Although surprised, I was beaming; I was done with leg 1 of the triathlon with nothing standing in my way. The volunteers were ready to assist with wetsuit stripping, pairs with hands raised lined the exit area, I made eye contact with one pair and headed toward them, with the sleeves of my wetsuit off and ready to get the legs off. In a flash I went from laying down to standing up with a wetsuit in hand, I said thanks and beelined it to my transition bag. I felt I had the swim of a lifetime, the full sleeve wetsuit which is usually too warm was great for the Okanagan water temps. But I must say thanks to Amy Veres for the use of her sleeveless wetsuit, after I had broken mine, that I used at Russell Pond as the temperature there makes me sweat terribly in my wetsuit.
I headed to transition uneventfully; I was pumped to get out on the gorgeously scenic roads that I didn’t preview beyond the first 10 miles. The volunteers again were amazing from offering to untie my bag, and get my things out, and pack them back up. They dressed me by helping pull arm coolers up, the back of my pink Cyclonauts jersey down on my wet torso, putting my race number belt on, helping with sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen and whatever else I have forgotten they did for me. I said my thanks, and ran to my bike, and headed out of transition and continued to thank the army of volunteers who were directing my across the mat to the mount line.
Ok so onto the ride – the longest part of the day for most Ironman, although some finish the distance (112 mi) in the time it takes me to run a marathon (26.2 mi), I digress. This course is also different than other Ironman courses that I have done in that it is one long loop, with a 16-mile out and back 2/3rds of they through. I knew the course description well, I can’t say that I wasn’t confident, but I also can’t say I wasn’t nervous (way too many double negatives, but whatever). The areas of concern were the climbs of Richter Pass and Yellow Lake, plus the heat of the day, but I just planned to take it one aid station at a time. Between aid stations, I needed to hydrate, fuel and ride to the next aid station.
I mentioned that I have had a leg issue I have chosen to ignore for 4 months or so because I am stubborn and silly, that didn’t change on race day. I was just going to ride as I have been doing for the past 6 years to the best of my abilities and using the best skill I carry, sheer determination. Now I have stated that I felt the new bubble gum pink uniform was a bit flashy for me and I was uncomfortable in it, especially with the billboard across my backside. Well not anymore, I frickin’ love it! From the minute the “Pink” went on I was getting compliments on my kit, I felt like a rock star.
I rode hard but within reason as I knew it was going to be a long day. I was psyched to be riding, and seeing fans so early in the morning along the first 9 miles. It got quiet on the course as we hit he first small climb of McLean Creek, there weren’t too many fans out there, but that is Ok there were lots of cyclists. I am relaxed as I feel that many are working pretty hard for this short climb early in the course, too. After that I was rolling along and keeping up with others and passing some, too. The scenery is spectacular in all directions with lakes, ranchland, horses, plains, vineyards and orchards; it was great, the compliments on the kit continued, Kathy Graves and I played leapfrog a few times. I began to notice fans along the way that I felt I kept seeing, I finally realized some families were following their athlete who must be about my pace as their family kept leapfrog-ing me and cheered me on too. The first 35 miles ticked by in about 2:00, wow average 17.5 mph, this might be a good day! Ok only 5 more miles to the beginning of the 7 mile Richter climb, I have been drinking and fueling, I feel nice and warmed up, this will take time and I have got it. So the course turns to Hwy 3A when you get to the Husky station with the Canadian Flag, The flag was ridiculously huge it made me giggle that I had been concerned that I wouldn’t see it. I turned the corner arrived at mile 40, and the climb begins, you could see it for the past 8 miles coming up on it, but you couldn’t really tell the grade, but it looked reasonable. I climbed with a smile as I took in the “go pink” cheers and the sites, I once almost went off the shoulder edge while taking in a view, thanks to the guy behind me that said “watch it.” Remember that I am an engineer, so I knew I climbed the seven miles in 50 minutes, I was satisfied with an average 8+ mph for a “long, steep” grade and I felt good. When I got to the top there were a DJ who was calling out our numbers and cheering us on telling us we are almost at the summit, he said, “look at 2302 she is smiling like she owns the place”, I respond, “I just did Richter, woohoo!”
The descent was definitely welcomed; I was looking forward to spinning out my legs from the climb. I knew I needed to relax, refuel, hydrate and get ready for the “bitches” or choppers or extra large rollers, and the false flats that I had been forewarned about.
I was still feeling on track, and got the nicest compliment, “Wow, that was some impressive descending.” I replied, “Thanks a lot, I can’t climb well, so I have to make up some time wherever I can.” We then played leapfrog for the next 6 or so choppers, they were not that steep, but the winds were up, so they were definitely challenging. I could feel my leg and lower back seizing up on the choppers and I was anxiously awaiting the first bit of shade I could find to stop and stretch for a minute. Well that finally came as I turned onto the out and back at about mile 68, I saw the first bit of shrubbery on the edge of the shoulder tall enough to shade me. I stopped laid the bike down and stretched, quite a few riders, including Kathy asked was I “Ok” or said “that is a great idea”.
The five minutes lost felt amazing, too bad sprinklers made the patch of grass muddy or I would have laid down for a good long stretch. I got back on the saddle refreshed and pleased with my progress in 4:30 hours. I know that special needs is at about mile 74, so soon enough I need to have my bottle of nutrition finished to be sure to be on track, things are in order. I round the second corner on the out and back and see a tree big enough to cast a large shadow across both sides of the road, if there is no shade at special needs, I am going to get to this point and regroup there. The out and back is miserable. I was excited as there are tons of people going in the opposite direction, but many of them do not look strong, or happy. It looked like the heat and hills were taking their toll on many of the riders, but luckily I didn’t feel that way. To get the mileage accurate there is a ¾ mile out and back, and now I see those who I had been playing leapfrog with – they are a mixed bag, content and tired. One lady just lost her rhythm and ended up off the bike for this relatively short hill, she got back on so slowly that even though I planned to I couldn’t offer the Jim Sullivan helping hand as I went by. The rest of the out and back is roller after roller but it seems the climbs were steeper than the descents felt, I see an aid station on the return side and make note, that means aid and special needs were separate. Ok, I am visiting my shade tree.
Finally the end of the out, now I can go back, but of course it is uphill to go back and the special needs is at the crest, with no aid available, just bags. Urgh! I ditch my empty nutrition bottle for my new powder filled one and collect my gels, chamois butter, pain relievers, spare tube and CO2, utter “thanks” and head to the aid station. At the aid station I realize I haven’t drank in about 25 minutes, as I was out of fluid, not sure why. I drink half a bottle and refill my nutrition bottle with gels and water with the help of volunteers, and grab a bottle of Gatorade. I head to my tree and reapply chamois butter in the privacy of the shade. One guy walks his bike through my private space – he isn’t looking too good, but he presses on, I hope he feels better soon. I get back on to Hwy 3A and still feel good, ok 85 miles down, 6 hours; I think keep moving forward! I recognize there are no checkpoints on the course (since mile 40) so no one knows where I am, how I am doing, and if I am gonna make it, except me. At 80 miles the climb to Yellow Lake has started, but it doesn’t end until mile 96. Oy!
I hear music in the distance and I can’t figure where it is coming from, finally I look up on the hill to my left and there are two men (I didn’t say redneck, but read it as such) sitting in lawn chairs drinking beers and watching us. I said “Aren’t you gonna dance for me”, with a “What’s that darlin’?” response, so I repeat “dance for me” and the guys did. That was motivational and hilarious. Then I have a descent and a climb, on the climb a guy passes me and says that was great to get them to dance, thanks. Umm, ok, I guess it motivated him, too. So now we are climbing for 16 miles it is about 3:00PM and the sun is high and hot, there are still not many trees shading any part of the road. I am seeing more and more people having body issues, laying on shoulder, huddled under a bush, walking their bike, but I am OK. I pass a guy I had been tailing as he stops, I ask if he is OK, he says yeah, but needed to stretch, just ahead the guy I had seen in my private spot was walking again, and looked cramped. I now stop and offer ibuprofen and/or electrolytes he gladly takes it all, and said profuse thanks. I leave… I still see people on the side – hmpph, my plan seems to be working well for me.
Ok, head back down, focus and get it done. I am definitely climbing now, I have been climbing for a while now, wow this is long, but I am OK. Hey is that Kathy walking her bike? Uh ohh – “Hey Graves family, nice to meet you”, I say. Uh ohh, I think it isn’t them, but it is her, she is struggling. She is out of water, and she has been throwing up, she asks when the next aid station is, I said about 2 more miles, I am only down to 2-4 ounces myself. I said, “get in the shade of that bush there and rest for a few,” I ask a spectator to keep an eye on her, and I continue the climb. I plan to tell any aid I see to sweep the last miles for many people I saw struggling. Wow there is a lot of traffic near me, ohh they are doing pilot cars, cool, that means I have a descent soon, and a lane to myself for it, very cool. I hear, “Go Pink.” I see the volunteers from the aid station near special needs and all of the families that had been cheering me all day. Pretty cool, rock star! Ok, I can see the curves ooohh the top is close.
So as a sidebar – I hear that the climb to Yellow Lake is like a Stage in the Tour de France with the spectators and excitement. Well maybe if you get there before 4:00PM it is like that, but I was lucky in that the cars recognized me and cheered for me, although there weren’t many standing on the road. So here it is Yellow Lake – it looks green, not so yellow but hey I was still thrilled to see it. Finally, an aid station, ok time to get rehydrated, and fly like the wind. I still have 16 miles to go to get back to town, although most is a descent there are still some small climbs and flats. Immediately the pace picks up, looks like the first mile of the descent was average 33+mph. It was beautiful, but hazy, the sky seemed to have a fog rolling in, I thought it was interesting – fog in the desert? So the pilot cars were doing their thing, I now had a following as I would fly by waiting cars only to be passed and cheered by them a few more times. That was so cool, although flat the last 4 miles to transition were tough, I was tired – it was a long ride. I am now alongside runners, some starting their marathon and many heading in for their finish. I know the pros were already done. I kept focused and came in to transition at about 5:03 PM, I have to be out of transition by 5:40PM to continue. I was fine with that.
Transition was good; I took my time to get prepared for a long marathon. Reminder – I didn’t train for this run, I knew it was going to be a long run/ with a lot of walking in there. I was tired from the difficult bike course. I was reasonably well fueled, but I knew my hydration level was ok, not great, so I took in fluids in transition, I had left myself a bottle of Powerbar Endurance it tasted amazing versus Sustained Energy and Gatorade.
I changed my shorts and jersey; I was thrilled I had selected my new favorite color Pink Tri shimmel. I lubed my toes to prevent blisters, and that worked for a bit. I headed out for the run, into town, and along the out and back by Okanagan Lake. I hear lots of “Go Totz”, as my race belt says my name, and “Go Pink” and I hear one, “Go Lisa” and I look up to see Sherri with her camera poised, she got a real smile from me immediately. I asked her what Roland was wearing – yellow visor and gray/ black shirt. I head out of town the only goal is one foot in front of the other and I target a pace of 13:30, this ensures that I reach the turn around long before by the 9PM cutoff.
I am walking, as I pass a local motel with a large gathering on a balcony – I hear, “Hey Pink, come on you can do it!” I respond you’re right, I will see you in a few hours.” Awe come on aren’t you gonna run?” Instead I did a cartwheel – note to self after a long hot ride, cartwheels are not a great idea, the stars came out early for a few minutes. I continued on, I was looking for those I knew on the course – I didn’t see anyone until about mile 6 – 7 (or about mile 19 – 20 for them) or so. I was thinking about what I knew people were wearing, as I was running on all downhills and I started seeing yellow visors. “Hey Roland – good work, you are looking good!” “You too, go Lisa.” “Thanks – I am feeling pretty good but it is going to be a long night,” and then we separate. I am thinking about Gabe – and there is another yellow visor – “Hey Gabe, good to see you out here, I made it this far!” He looks good, but his spirit wasn’t stellar, he seemed tired, then again so did everyone else. I tell him I am going to make, but he has to stay up late for me, we laughed and separated. Within 5 more minutes I see Jay – we share a high-five, he said he had to walk 3-6 miles, I forget now. I tell him I have as well and will be walking more before the end, he says he is proud of me, and that I looked good. We part ways with a smile and see you later.
Ten more minutes go by – and I see birthday girl. She is psyched, and yells to me – “I frickin’ love it, you are like my ironman angel” – I have no idea why, maybe because she is 13 miles ahead of me 😉 I then see Nikki from Iron Pirates Fastt, and had been passed by Kathy – glad to see that she was on the run course. Everyone I had hoped to see on the course I did see. Well now it is up to me. Leapfrog begins or continues with 2 guys, until we have a longer climb, I run it, they tease me, I said not to worry. I make the turn around about 8:05PM, so I have almost 4 hours to complete the second half of the marathon. I take a few minutes to relube my toes, and ball of my feet that I had been feeling some serious hotspots on. Too late, I have a massive blister, like I thought, oh well. I brushed my teeth with my special needs toothbrush – that was my treat, it felt awesome, except for the lemonade that I got to swish with, when I expected water. The run back was uneventful, “Taxymom” was driving nearby again and now shining her headlights on the course as it was pitch black out there. I had noted Taxymom on the bike course as one of the cars I had seen quite a few times. Looks like their athlete was still near me, that is good, that means someone is as slow as me. I asked about the plate – 4 kids, moms taxi service – not a taxidermist, I needed to know as I thought about it for the past 10 or so hours.
The rest of the run course back to town was uneventful – the sky was orange as the city lights reflected off the smoke hanging low over the lake to the West. I just kept forging on, I knew I had enough time if I kept purposefully moving. I get back into the more populated areas and it was nice to be greeted by fans, it had gotten quite lonely out there in the dark. I was still forced to keep my head down and drive on as I noted if I watched someone walking I would fall into their pace. This was ok, if they were moving along fast, but then I wouldn’t have caught them. I pass the balcony I had cartwheeled for and it is vacant, I think that they were at the finish line, oh well no more cartwheels for them. Now I am back on the home stretch, I have about an hour to complete about 3.7 miles. Ok, I can do that, ok head down, cause there are people ahead. Wait! What is happening to that person, are they leaning over, ohh that doesn’t look comfortable, head down, keep moving forward! Look up, hey where did that person go? Oh it is a woman who is on the curb, lying down and stretching, she must not be feeling too well. I will help her up when I get there, head down. “Hang on, I will help you up.” She’s up, but still leaning quite a bit to the left, but she’s moving forward. “How you doing?” I ask. She says exasperatedly, “I am concerned I am not going to make it!’ I said, “You are ok on time, come on let’s go.” We start to walk, she walks pretty straight, but drifts abit to the right with each step, but she is keeping pace about a step and a half behind me. She seems to be holding a decent pace, so I know she can walk but she is just uncomfortable, she keeps holding onto her hip/side. I offered assistance in some way; she seems shocked (The rules of Ironman are – no outside support, walk, run or crawl. I couldn’t pick her up and give her a piggyback, but I thought about it, but I do respect the rules of the sport. So all I could offer was support). I said, “Maybe you will feel better if you can straighten up.” So I go to her right side and put my left arm out, she grasps it with her left arm. I try to keep my arm out straight at shoulder height, and her right arm is on my left shoulder, this worked a bit to relieve her. But she keeps kicking my left calf with her right foot, we try this for about 7-10 minutes, everytime she kicks me she says, “Sorry.” When she is walking ok, she says, “I am really afraid I am not going to make it.” I continually reassure her, “We are doing ok, and we are going to make it together.” After a bit, I ask where she is from – Regina, Saskatchewan and I saw her name was Gail – I relay like my mom (That was neat to think of my mom at that moment).
We continue, she says, “Maybe on the other side I won’t kick you.” I offer, “I will try whatever you think will work better for you.” I switch sides, she puts her left arm over my shoulder, and I wrap my right arm around her waist. It seemed like instant relief to her, she was much more comfortable this way. We continue, people clap for us, some stop and look like they are confused or shocked, I still have my head down, but I am moving along completely upright, and she is a leaner. I smile and say, “Thanks, we are going to make it together.” She keeps being worried, I keep reassuring and checking my Garmin on my left wrist and we look good, we did that last mile in 15 minutes, and we have only about 2 to go now about 35 minutes. We are back into town now, the streets are closed, and there are limited spectators in this area as the grandstands at the finish line is the place to be in the 16th hour of Ironman. I know where we are, where we need to go about 1.2 miles – I tell her, “2K, can you do 2K in 25 minutes? I know we can, we are OK!?!”
I recall that there is an out and back along the lake that I anticipate is going to be very emotional for both of us, as it will be lined with tons of spectators looking for their athlete or just being iron supporters. We will see those who have been behind us the past hour trying to catch us. I am uncertain if any or how many athletes passed Gail and I in those last 3 miles. It didn’t matter to me, we were going to finish – Gail was going to officially finish her first Ironman. We turn the corner to head up to the out and back, athletes are heading home all around us, we continue to get cheers, smiles, clapping, tons of accolades, I felt like a rock star, again. We get to the out and back the crowd erupts, I have tears in my eyes, we head to the turn around – people Gail know approach. She says, “I am Ok”, we keep going. A race official comes up and says, “You will have to pick it up if you want to make it!” I turn and look at my Garmin and look at him and say, “We are moving at a 13:30 pace and we have 20 minutes for less than a mile – we are going to be fine! Thanks though!” Gail says, “Should we run?” I said we don’t have too, but we’ll see. I had not told Gail about the blister on my foot, she didn’t need to worry about anything else. We turn around, I said “Can you see it, see the lights, that’s it,” we have like 12 minutes to get there about ~.4 miles. We see the oldest woman in the race – Sister Madonna Buder 79 years old, close to our heels. Somehow we discuss finishing solo or together, we agree that we will stay as we have been. She begs to run again, I said, “Let’s try it”. We hobble along at a decent run. I say, “OK – we can do that, but I have a blister the size of Jupiter on my foot, so let’s walk until the PowerBar arch, and then in the chute we will run up and across the finish line together.” She agrees. We have like 2 more minutes to go and it will be over, and we will be Ironman. I hear the announcer talking about Sr. Madonna, we had just passed her on the out and back, she had quite the crew with her and she is running, so we need to finish before her. The PowerBar arch is here, let’s go and we break into a stride for stride run – the crowd goes wild, that was cool. We cross the finish together, arms around still and outer arms up and cheering. Immediately Gail turns to me and gives me a huge hug, I return it, and we get our medals and schwag bags. I tell the volunteers to hold her up, and that she needs medical, and I do to, for blisters. I think I cried at the finish, I know I was ecstatic. It was surreal, I was a midnight finisher, I didn’t see anyone else but Sr. Madonna finish :24 seconds behind us. That was the hardest part, I wanted to cheer those last finishers in, but they wanted us to get medical attention immediately. I was so torn, but I didn’t want to leave Gail, so we went to get the posed finisher photo together and solo, then medical. By this point I think I recall hearing it was midnight and the last official finisher had already crossed. That was so anticlimactic, even though I was so full of emotion.
I finished a bit slower that projections, but a finish nonetheless, and a new medal to add to the collection. That was the toughest race I have ever done. Thank you all for the constant support, pride, enthusiasm, encouragement and more. The flood of emails, calls, texts, posts and reach out from fellow racers has been great. I am still digesting all of the feedback that I have gotten. I really feel that no matter what my future holds in Ironman triathlon events, nothing will ever compare to the experience I had in Penticton. I was where I was supposed to be, doing exactly what I prefer to do racing and having the opportunity to support someone else in their endeavor – something I love, and nothing can ever take that away from me. Ok I do not have a photographic memory, but I did make mental notes. With the Garmin Forerunner 305, I can go back and relive some amazing rides but reviewing the course and recorded speed, cadence, elevation, etc. I didn’t ride my bike with a camera, I went out before the race and after to drive portions of the course on the way out of town.
Thank you for your time, Tater! Totz! Pink! Lisa! – however you know to call me!
Total: 16:54:06 S: 1:39:13 B: 8:14:34 R: 6:38:27
Roland 1042 12:28
Gabe 771 12:48
Jay 937 12:50
Deanna 2521 12:54
Birthday Girl?
Nikki 2565 14:51
Shaunene 2482 16:21
Kathy 2686 16:23
Gail 2585 16:54
Gail, she was an inspiration, and she made this my all time favorite Ironman finish, and I can’t imagine a better day. I was impressed with her tenacity and spirit! She made my day. I just think that was the way it was meant to be for both of us… Gail had contacted me by Tuesday AM, and we continue to correspond 3 weeks later. I am anxiously waiting to hear the rest of her day Pre-Lisa.
I made the local paper, the news and the Athlete video for Ironman Canada.
My new friend Gail and I appear near the end of this 10:14 video, 4 images after “Go! [insert name here] Go!” poster. http://www.ironman.ca/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imcan&vidname=RaceVid-2009-CAN-low&playtype=wmv&w=320&h=260
Here is a link to my pictures on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2035012&id=1382882092&l=f1088b32a2
You are my hero Lisa. There is NO WAY I would have made the cut off without you. I can’t thank you enough for your drive and determination to get m over that line. What an emotional moment. We made the video by the way… Lisa and leaning girl make it! I will never forget that moment. It was a pleasure and such an honor to share with you. Hope the feet are healing! Oh yeah, lets do it again sometime! You are my Ironhero.
My first message from Gail Leibel
Here is where you can compare all participants and check things out.
http://www.nasports.com/results/index.php# 
A super sweet end to an amazing day.
This is my new friend Gail from Regina, Saskatchewan we met at about mile 23.5 of the marathon, she needed a little support and together we finished