I liked this bike course. I admit I was a bit nervous about it since I'd never ridden it before. I'd ridden parts of it, but there is definitely something to be said for training on the course! I headed out Monte Ryan at an easy pace, keeping in mind that I had a long day ahead of me. The best part was that it was still pretty foggy and cool out. That lasted for about 30-40 kilometers.
I should say that it's amazing how easy it was to adjust to thinking in kilometers over miles. Maybe it's because I like numbers and doing the calculations in my head. Or maybe it's because you feel like it's going by quicker. I don't know, but it wasn't a problem for me.
I felt really good on the first loop. I was drinking and eating regularly and diligently taking my electrolytes, fully aware that it was going to be hot. The terrain on route 117 consisted of long climbs, long descents, and some decent flats. You can really move. On the one long hill I hit 42.5 mph, the fastest time I think I've ever clocked on the bike! The spin through Saint Jovie was a lot of fun. The spectators there were having a blast and it's a great pick-me-up at just the right time. The end of the loop is by far some of the toughest hills I've climbed. Nothing was long, but the grades were approaching 18-20%. It was a VERY slow slog up the hills, but after the turnaround, you get to take full advantage of the downhills!
I finished the first loop in 3:10, which was GREAT for me, but I had mixed feelings. I was either doing really well or I was going to tank. But I know that I didn't push that loop, so I was pretty happy wth that.
Thn came the second loop. I made my quick exchange at special needs and headed back out Monte Ryan. I was still feeling pretty good until the wind picked up on 117. It also didn't help that the sun was now high in the sky with very little shade. I was slower on the second loop, but I still felt pretty good. The real test was those damn hills at the end. Did they get steeper? That was the first time I've ever used my smallest gear in a race, but at least I wasn't reduced to a walk!
After making that turn back to the village, I just let it all go. It was a lot of fun flying into transition and I even remembered to spin my legs out during the descent so as to be ready for the run. I was hoping to be closer to 6:30, but my slow second loop clocked me at 6:42:18, still an Ironman PR for me!
After dismounting, I handed my bike to a volunteer and made my way to the transition tent. By this time, the temperature was well into the mid- to high-80's with humidity over 90%. I grabbed my T2 bag and found a seat in the change tent. I was planning on taking a minute to settle, then change into my run clothes, grab some nutrition and go out for a run. However, as I was getting my bike stuff off, one of the doctors came over to me to see if I was alright. I thought I was, but apparently I was very pale. Not a good sign. The doctor had me move to where they had a giant fan set up and then took my blood pressure (100/50, normal), checked my pulse (100bpm, high but not bad) and took my temperature (36 degrees, ummm...). I gave her a blank stare when she read my temperature. I was okay with the kilometers, but my brain just wasn't ready to convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit! She assured me that I didn't have a fever, but wanted me to stay for a few more minutes before going out to run. I was also told to make sure that if I stopped at one of the medical stations on the run course, be sure to tell them that I was checked out once already. I was a little worried that they wouldn't let me go out for the run and, to be honest, I wasn't sure I would be able to do it, but off I went!
Click here to read about the run.
Click here to read about the run.
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