Another beautiful morning on the race day in Mont Tremblant,
which became somewhat of the tradition and my racing destination over the last
couple of years. In its second year this summer, Ironman Mont Tremblant had
been elevated to the status of the North American Championship race. And,
indeed, it did not disappoint, as it assembled some of the best professional
and age group athletes in the world. I should also say, that the organizers, in
concert with about 5,000 volunteers, created a fabulous endurance experience
for those who tackled the 140.6 miles, as well as for those who probably had an
equally tough job spectating. It was estimated that Ironman Mont Tremblant
brought together over 10,000 people during that Ironman week.
Yes, its hard to see the 10,000 people from here. Trust me, they are there.
As in the past year, this time we have also stayed at The
Refuge Bed & Breakfast in the heart of town. Our magnificent host Roberto, who by now had
become a member of our Ironman family, continued to amaze us with hospitality
and his charming home.
With a cup of tea at The Refuge Bed & Breakfast. A must-stay place when in Mont Tremblant.
The race day greeted me with a wake up alarm at the usual 3
o’clock in the morning. Actually, I did not even need an alarm bell because
what woke me up was the smell of breakfast being prepared for us by Roberto at
2 o’clock in the morning. Now, this is what I call exceeding the expectations.
After breakfast a quick trip to the transition area for a
final check of the equipment and to drop off the transition bags. This year, I
have returned to using a “special need” bag on the bike. The transition was
very busy with athletes pumping tires, warming up, and posing for pictures.
Next, a mile-long walk to the swim-start where I met Kasia for the final hug
and send off. The right lower back muscle pain I acquired the day before while
pumping tires, and the right, not fully healed hamstring injury were giving me
a significant reason for concern. I knew the endurance will only be a part of
the challenge the day was about to bring about.
Some are warming up. Others are yawning. But all will be ready in just a few moments. In a few minutes the "Snow Owls" will fly in formation to welcome athletes and to start the race.
It's even closer, now. A final spit in the goggles. Hope they wont leak.
Is my collar on straight?
The race started at 6:30 with the first wave of professionals.
After them, about 2,700 athletes started their 140.6-mile journey in a wave-swim
start. My turn came at about 7 o’clock with the sun just surfacing above the
mountain range. My objective was very simple. Swim fast for the first 1.2 miles
to avoid being blinded by the sun. So, I did, and was quickly able to catch
some open water and occasional feet. The swim felt very good. Since it was my
first full-distance Ironman race after the accident, my left shoulder was about
to be put to the test. And it worked out well. Upon exiting the water my
stopwatch read 1 hr 12 min. Not bad, I thought, as volunteers were stripping
off my wet suit. Next, a few hundred-meter
run to the transition. On that morning, the transition tent looked more like a
bee-hive with no room to stick-in the proverbial needle.
One of the best shots of the day. Time to begin emptying our tanks. The whirlpool just got turned on. Chuck has got a good eye for action. He just missed my wave.
Every part of the race is a competition. It feels good to be running after 72 minutes of being horizontal.
On to T1. And Chuck was there, again to take this action shot. Its time for a ride, now.
Once on the bike, the adrenaline kept on pumping while
riding among the hundreds of spectators lining up the streets. I knew the
crowds will soon end as we started climbing out of the village toward the
highway. Within the first 100 meters out of the transition I noticed something that
was not quite right about my front tire. I was not sure what that was but it
just did not roll right. I did not have to wait too long for the answer. A couple
of miles into the race my front tire completely deflated forcing me to stop for
a change-over. I only had one spare thus a single shot at it, so it took me a
little longer to make sure I did not bust my only life-line. After that, it was
more of a smooth riding trying to manage my legs in preparation for the run. It
turned out to be a windy day and it felt as if the wind was always in our face.
Riding into the wind with an aching lower back and hamstring required frequent
stretches. This coupled with a 10 min (+) tire change, four or five bathroom
stops, and a couple of 4 min penalties brought me back to transition to in 6
hrs 10 min of riding. Yes, I may have over hydrated. I rode this course multiple times before and
knew I was capable of a faster time, but it was not meant to be on that day.
The sun was high as I began the run, settling into a
comfortable 5 min 15 sec km pace. The back felt better just from being out of
the saddle, although the hamstring was a wild-card. Nevertheless, I kept on
pushing forward, maintaining an even pace for the first 30+ km. The nutrition
and hydration worked out very well. The last 12 km brought about some struggle
as my quads and hams began screaming and forcing me to take periodic walks at
several aid stations. Did I have enough long training runs this year, I
thought? But the end of the race was approaching with every passing kilometer.
And finally, came the last climb into the village and the descent into the
finish line packed with screaming spectators. Their screams were much lauder
than those of my muscles, so each step on the final descent felt like a walk in
the clouds. Although, in a slower than my usual marathon time, I was able to
move up almost thirty slots in my age group. Elated at last, I crossed the
finish line in 11 hrs 47 min.
One of the many ascents. The Refuge is just about 10 meters to my right. I could have stopped there for some refreshments.
Followed by as many descents.
A perfect timing. It may have meant four meters to go.
This is why we all do it and love doing it. Today, it took 11 hrs 47 min.
With Kasia, Linda, and Chuck. They traveled with us to Mont Tremblant just to cheer me on. Great friends, indeed.
The race-day in review.
Always a great opportunity to reconnect with old and to meet new friends from all over the world
The tire I had to change lasted only for the race. The next morning, it was back to zero psi.
