Sorry for the long read but I had a lot to say on this one.
Here it is, my Ironman Muskoka 70.3 race report. The morning started at 4:40AM. Breakfast, final prep of water bottles and application of race tats. Then we made our way over to summit center. Upon arrival I went directly to transition to do my set up. After coming out of transition I met up with my family and some friends and I put on my wetsuit and we made are way down to the water. As we get to the water we get separated from our family as the split the participants from spectators. I said my final goodbyes to my family as I was ready to go to battle with the Beast. 7:10 was my wave start. They put us in the water just after 7:05. Floating around getting ready for the start we were all wishing each other luck and to remember to have fun out there. Heart rate started rising as I knew I was about to take on something I’ve never seen before. And then we get the signal to go. Luckily, I was in a position where I didn’t have to many people around me and got some open water. My heart rate settled, and I knew it was time to go to work. After the quick loop in Fairy lake then we went down the river which I remember some people saying on the FB group to stick to the right of the river to avoid the current so I did that (not sure if it’s true). Coming out of the water once again the adrenaline rush comes back making my way to T1.
Bike
Coming out of T1 I see Doug officiating at the bike mount (always fun to see a familiar face). And off I went, once again I settled in very quickly and knew it was time to put that training to work. I remember I had said to Ruth she would probably catch me by Baysville, and I knew Michelle was coming for me too. But I was determined to hold them off until after Baysville😀. Out on course me and James were very close passing each other back and forth and chatting (which was great, as I said fun to see familiar faces). Then came Baysville the first aid station but I was good I don’t need anything, so I pushed on. I was even better since I hadn’t seen Ruth or Michelle yet😂. But it wasn’t long after Baysville that they both flew by me.
Turn around 45km in. I saw some a guy behind me coming into turn around way too hot he locked up his brakes and blew out his front tire. Note to self don’t ever do that. I pulled over at the aid station after the turn around to fill up my top bottle and pick up a Gatorade. It was approx. a 45second stop and then back at work. The second half was uneventful and went by quickly in my mind.
T2 man was I happy to get off that bike. I love my bike but enough is enough. Had a quick PB and J sandwich and off I went.
Run/walk 😂
My first 5Km was ok It was a good mix of run with a bit of walking. Met up with a French guy from Ottawa (Ben) and we stuck together until about KM 6. We would give ourselves goals of how far we had to run before we could walk. But then my back started acting up on me. (my core wasn’t doing its job.) I felt like I got cross checked in the middle of the back. So, for the next 9km or so there was definitely more walking them running. But I managed my pain and the heat from 1 aid station to another and kept moving. I kept looking at my watch and calculating to make sure I can make cut off. Saw a lot of Baydogs out on course and it was a feeling of encouragement every time. Then at KM 15 Jason shows up out nowhere with one of his boys and started running on the other side of the road from me. And he was also giving me running goals. Mostly from one light pole to another. And let me tell that was literally the wind beneath my wings that carried to the finish line. Thanks again Jason that was awesome!
The finish line
As I was coming down the chute, I saw Jona, giving me encouragement and he started running with me. When I saw that Ironman red carpet my eye lit up and my pain went away. I crossed that line and so much emotion came out of me that I let out this extremely loud yell. I feel bad for the young lady I handed the banner too as I almost looks mad/angry. As you will see on the finish line video that Stacy Kinnear captured. (Thank you Stacey) But I swear I wasn’t. I was so happy and felt so proud. I had heard Josee as I was coming in but I had not seen them, so I was looking around for my family. Then I heard Shannon say come here you as she was standing there with my medal. (that was awesome). Then I saw Josee and the boys gave them all a big hug. What a perfect ending to a perfect day. Loved it, when does registration open for 2020. Now I have a time to beat 8:06:10.