Race 20: 2011 Wildflower Long Course

Date: April 30th 2011
Distance: 1.2 Mile Swim, 56 Mile Bike, 13.1 Mile Run

Starting off the season at wildflower was a tradition, but attacking the long course was something that was new for me. I took on the challenge of a half Ironman the year before, but this race is known as one of the hardest half Ironman races in the US. This race was going to be a challenge, but I was training all winter with this race in mind. Before the race I felt in the best shape I've been in for a race, and was eager to get started.

The swim start was hectic. The boat ramp was a little crowded with our age group going into the water, but by the first 250 yards, the field started to spread out and I was able to go at my own pace. I didn't push very hard as I knew the hilly bike ride was up next and came out of the water in 45 minutes.

The bike ride was known for being very challenging. During the winter, I trained for a hilly course, but nothing like this. Early into the race was a very steep 1 mile climb, followed by rolling hills for many miles. When the course finally did turn flat, it was into a heavy wind. When that nightmare was over, the course took another long, steep climb that seemed to take ages to finish, and when it did, my legs were shot. Every hill that came in the next 16 miles to the finish I cursed.

The run, which again was covered with hills, was very hard. I was already spent, and within the first mile caused my run to turn to a walking pace. I would pick my speed back up when I could, but half way though the race was a dreadfull climb that gave me a break from running, but still kept my heart rate up.

2 and a half hours later, I would cross the finish line. I was so excited, but had no energy left to show it. The small amount of energy I had left went to finding a chair and sitting for a long, long time. I may have been in a lot of pain, soreness, and dehydration, but I was not defeated. And that was all I needed from that finish.

Links:

Original Blog: http://ironmikecanada.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-119-eaten-up-spit-out-pulled-apart.html
Website: http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/WildFlower2013-main.htm
Official Results: http://raceresults.eternaltiming.com/index.cfm/20110430_AVIA_Wildflower_Triathlons.htm?Fuseaction=Results&Class=Long+Course+Individual~M25-29