IronMan Canada 2009

Ironman Canada has come and gone. Just like that. A year of training for many is over and now they are wondering what to do next. I have been wondering that exact question. What is next? I have some ideas.....

Anyhow, back to IMC. The weather was quite warm, in the 30's. The swim was good for the No Limits crew with very little issues beside the odd kick to the body and the occasional swim over.
The bike was hot and windy, especially on the 2nd half of the course. This was a challenge for many riders. Especially for a Tri coach who flatted and then rode too hard and ran out of gas at the top of Yellow lake.
The run was hot and smokey from the nearby forest fires, but actually most people did not find this was a problem. The heat did force some slower run times.

Here are the results:
Kyle finished in 10:31 and 23 in Age group. He raced hard and pushed very strong to get through the run.
Rob, finished in 10:54 and was very happy to cross the finish line. He was please with his Swim and bike and knows he can run faster (next time).
Kevin finished in 11:06 and was happy to be back at IMC as it has been 10 years since he last raced.
Kelly and Tara both pulled off great runs in the heat to finish at 12:27. Nice work Ladies.
Rookie Jackie had a great day. Steady swim, good bike and solid run to finish in 12:36. Nice job for a rookie Jackie!!
Dawn finished in 12:55 and was very pleased with her result. She may have been even happier with finding out how much she enjoyed training for long course. :)
Phoenix was back for IMC #2 in a row. She was determine to PR no matter what. Phoenix had a great swim, the bike was good for most and then slowed a bit near the special needs and yellow lake. Nutrition / heat played a role in a tough marathon finsihing in 13:54. That was a very tough finsih Phoenix!
Rookie Brian was ready for the day. At least that is what everyone was telling him. It is hard to believe this until you actually cross the finish line. Eh Brian. Well he did cross the finish line and held his head high with a great finish of 13:55.
Rose was excited to be back at IMC as she know that she may never do this race again. Good swim, really good bike and then struggled a bit on the run. Lesson learned Oranges and Pepsi do not mix. :) or :( . Rose once again finished IMC in the exact same time as last time 14:26. Very consistent Rose. :)
John was also back for his 2nd attempt since last year. Last year he had a very tough day but he showed his true strength and finished in 16:45. This year was different! He finished very strong in 14:29!
Coach Todd had a good swim and then was having a good bike then flatted a tubular. After a 20 min change (with the sag wagon mechanic) followed by a very quick rebound pace I eventually ran out of gas near the top of Yellow Lake (150 Km). It was fun while it lasted and another great learning experience.

Congratulations to all of the Ironman racers and good luck to all those who were standing in line to have their chance to play on such a special day next year! It really is an amazing weekend!!