It is over…

Very early Sunday morning my wife dropped me at body marking at Ironman Canada, while she went and got a coffee for me from Starbucks. I then wandered to the bike area and stood in an incredibly long portapotty line.

Main Street 5:00 am Ironman Canada morning

At 7:00 am, the swim began. It was chaos. I was both kicked and punched inadvertently many times. I got out of the swim in 1hr 29mins, a bit longer than expected, but felt fine. A not so quick 6 minute transition and it was onto the bike.

Countdown to swim start

Coach Calvin told me to not get caught up in the enthusiasm around me and keep my pace. That worked well so when I hit a 32 degrees at the top of Yellow Lake 5.5 hrs later, I felt good. The bike took 6:43 in total. Another 6 minute transition and it was off to the 42km run.

Coming back into Penticton on the bike

The run was easy at first and got more and more difficult as the night went on. I ended up walking more than I anticipated and completed my marathon in 5:15.

Heading out on the run towards Okanagan Falls

The grand total was 13:44, which is 4 minutes faster than my previous best. All in all, not what I had hoped for, but a personal best none the less.
As for the Arthritis Society, I was able to raise just over $2000 in total. So thank you to all who supported me, donated to the Joints in Motion cause and anyone that might have read my blog. If you have a cause you believe in and a challanging event ahead, consider raising money for that cause. Every cent helps the cause and you feel wonderful about helping someone as well as completing your goal.

One more sleep…if I can.

Today was bike and gear check in day. Ironman Canada (IMC) is different than most tri’s due to the amount of gear you need and where it is supposed to go. Unlike most races, there is a plastic bag given for each phase of the race. There is a swim to bike bag which has all you biking gear, there is bike to run bag with all your running gear, a bike special needs bag and a run special needs bag and of course, there is a dry clothes bag. I have done IMC twice before and I still find it confusing. I am back at the rental house and rethinking…did I pack my…?

The bike, ready to be checked in.

Anyway, I am feeling confident in my preparation and am looking forward to finishing this race and the training that lead up to the race. Be on the lookout for my number if you will be following along. I’m number 1070.

The official 2009 Ironman Canada wristband #1070

Thank you to all that have sponsored me for the Arthritis Society and thank you for all the wishes of good luck, but most of all, thank you to my wife and son for tolerating me the past few weeks/months.
See you after the event!

Beverages on my bike will be way different after the race.