Looking Back-Ironman Canada 2007

I rushed out those IMC race reports without really talking about what worked and what didn't. So before I forget, here's the straight poop.

What didn't work

My wetsuit choice. I decided to wear my Orca sleeveless for the race, because the water was warm and I don't like the restricted feeling of a fullsuit around my shoulders. I experienced leg cramps after 2000m, and the most frustrating thing is, I had my Orca P-Flex with me, back in the suite. The P-Flex was race-proven at Ironman Wisconsin 2005 (1st place) and Ironman Arizona 2006 (2nd place), and I swam nearly 8000m in it during an ultra-swim at McKenzie Lake last summer, with no issues whatsoever.

What worked

Fortunately the swim is only ten percent of the race. My strengths are the bike and run, so despite getting out of the water in 1072nd place overall, I rode up to 153rd place and ran to 76th place, and seventh in the 45-49 age group.

What didn't work

My stomach. I ingested a bit too much water during the swim, so I had a full and slightly nauseous feeling for most of the bike and the first two miles of the run.

What worked

Rather than drink my usual two bottles of Gatorade per hour on the bike, I took in gels and water, and continued to do so on the run. Less volume in the stomach, and because of cooler-than-normal temperatures, I was able to get away with less hydration. Besides the all-important carbs, the gels now have electrolytes, so everything you need is in those little packets.

What didn't work

Nearly 2600 athletes on the bike course. I know this was the 25th anniversary of Ironman Canada, and everyone wanted to do the race, but please let's cap it to about 2200 going forward. It was nearly impossible to stay out of draft packs between Penticton and Osoyoos, and from the end of the rollers to Cawston.

What worked

The bike course, and the headwinds. Fortunately the early draft packs got blown apart on the climbs at Richter Pass and on the rollers, and the wheelsucks who weren't exposed there, succumbed to the strong headwinds or the final climb at Yellow Lake.

What else worked

The course. Still one of the few single-loop Ironman courses for all three events. This wouldn't be possible without the support of the communities of Oliver, Osoyoos, Cawston, Keremeos and Olalla.

The volunteers. First class, as always. No wonder this race fills up instantly.

The spectators. Especially on the climb at Yellow Lake. I felt like I was pushed up the hill from all their energy. Also in Penticton, lots of familiar faces.

The weather. Overcast, not hot, made for fast run times and very few DNFs.

The legs. I very nearly negative-split the marathon.