My Best Race Ever
By
Leslie-Anne McKenzie
Once upon a time, there was a triathlete whose dreams and aspirations were to be able to say, “that was my best race ever!”
She trained hard and did everything (well almost) her coach told her to do. She ran, swam and biked hard each week. She even entered in stand-alone runs that even though she really disliked, she did because it was all towards the goal of being able to say one day, “That was my best race ever”
The 5th triathlon for the summer of 2012 was a half ironman, the 2nd one for the summer and within 4 weeks of the 1st one!
The triathlete thought this may be a bit too much to take on but since she had successfully completed IMC the summer previously she figured she’d be able to handle the training.
All the other races this triathlete had done were stepping-stones towards the Calgary 70.3, a qualifier for the World 70.3 championship in Las Vegas.
A sprint in Vulcan that shook out some race cobwebs as well as the thrill of “racing” her new bike!
A very cold Wasa, Olympic Distance taught the triathlete that cold water doesn’t really affect her. Running on what felt like “stumps” for feet was a new experience but encouraged her to press on in the race.
Great White North Half Ironman was the 1st time the triathlete had to bike in the rain.
Another sprint race one week out from GWN reminded the triathlete that it was a very good decision to do the sprint and not the Olympic, her legs would not have been able to “go the distance”. As a surprise at the Regina Beach Sprint, the triathlete was 3rd woman overall! Behind a 16yr old elite athlete and young whippersnapper 28yr old, both these ages do not even add up to 51! HA!
The triathlete really started to focus on the training for the Calgary 70.3, as after all, it was a qualifier for the World 70.3 championship! A dream for the triathlete, is to go to a race saying, “from Canada…”
Lots of training, including a wonderful, amazing weekend helping out at the IMC training camp which meant riding some of the course. The triathlete loved the experience and came away from the camp very ready to take on Calgary 70.3. The triathlete especially enjoyed the swimming sans the wetsuit!
The week leading up to the race the triathlete ensured she got lots of rest, hydrated and ate good food (minding the gluten intake). This was to try and eliminate the on going gut issues that have plagued the triathlete for some time.
During the week leading up to the race a transformation began. The triathlete had checked on some of the athletes who were in her age group. What the heck!? This had never been done before! She checked out a couple of the Americans and decided they may not pose a threat to the goal of getting to Vegas. A few more names to check picked one and the triathlete knew it, she would be given a good run for “her money” from this particular athlete. The athlete had placed 2nd in the same age group at Wasa. Although the triathlete was out of the water and off the bike ahead of her it was the run that determined everything. It’s always the run… (run, not rum…)
The transformation that began was the focus and purpose of the race. The athlete thought that if the soul purpose of the race was to “make Vegas” then what would she do if she didn’t make the cut? How would she be able to see the race as a learning experience or a challenge or simply a good old-fashioned half ironman?
Thinking long and hard about this choice, the goal then became, to do her best, have fun and enjoy the course. The goal became to have her “best race ever”.
The pre-race day meant heading down to infamous Ghost Lake, where the water was “colder than it has been” according to a local. After a relaxed entry, the water was cold but manageable. The triathlete felt strong in the water and knew that she would not have an issue with the swim on race day.
The bike (lovingly cared for by the most awesome staff at Bow Cycle) was cleaned, tuned and ready to go. A quick run through the gears before setting up in transition and handing off the bike to run bag all was good to go.
Before heading back to the city, the triathlete really began to believe that Calgary 70.3 was not a qualifier race for her but rather the race to really see what could happen if she allowed herself to have a race of all races. In other words put it all out onto the course to have her “best race ever”.
This is what she told herself and began to tell others so they would be able to see and hear her vision of the race.
The triathlete arrived home and treated herself to watching the Olympics, “putt zing” around the house, prepped race fuel and even had a small nap! What a treat that was!
A dinner invite to a friends house who had volunteered to be “Sherpa” for race day and off the triathlete went, token Pilsner beer in hand as it was after all “Game Day”. Her team decided to choke in the 4th quarter but that would not deter the triathlete, rather fuel her to show the Riders what it meant to finish something.
The triathlete told her coach (also at the dinner) that the Calgary 70.3 was going to be her “best race EVER”. If Vegas was meant to be it would be, but the race would be her best race EVER.
Race day dawned and the triathlete saw that it was going to be a perfect day. The triathlete was somewhat sad as her husband was not coming this time, a family member birthday that required his presence. The triathlete stayed focus and was able to get ready.
A protein shake, coffee (sans the cream) her Sherpa was on time and they headed to the race start.
The athlete was thrilled to be surrounded by so many like-minded people. Family and friends who come to support the other triathletes, seeing the pros mill about and stand in the loo line like all the others the triathlete was inspired, excited and thrilled to bits about having the best race EVER! This was especially true after “Oh Canada” was sung.
A quick hug/conversations with another triathlete who was nervous about where to start in the water had the triathlete became a wee bit nervous herself but by getting “gobbed” by Leo the dog was wonderful and the triathlete was ok once again. Dogs are great they just share the love!
The triathlete saw the pros start and see the eventual overall winner come out of the water and head to his bike, wow, talk about impressive!
Getting the wetsuit on the triathlete had a moment, a span of a few seconds where the nerves took over and focus was lost momentarily. She regained her focus with the unwavering support of her Sherpa and her Coach’s most awesome Boyfriend who willingly stepped into help in any way possible. Wet suit on, hugs and high fives it was time to head to the water.
The triathlete’s feet and hands were cold from the morning air and as a result the water, dare it be said, felt almost warm against those appendages! Perfect! No shock just complete inner calm as the triathlete did a warm up and found her place in the water. That’s right, in the water, as it was a deep-water start. A first for this triathlete and to be honest it was excellent! Starting on the left (favourite place) the horn went off and the race began!
A lovely swim, relaxed pace, slowly working up to race pace (being mindful of the water temperature of 16c) the athlete simply enjoyed the non counting of laps and focused on the markers in the water ahead. She even passed some of the men who had started 10 minutes prior the women! For a brief moment out there, the triathlete had an odd sensation, one that she had heard of yet never experienced; a brief chill ran through her body. “Aha!” she thought, “This is what it is like to feel cold” Thankfully it was brief.
Next thing she knew, the final buoy was ahead and making the final turn she could see the crowd on the shore, and then could hear Steve King’s voice and the crowd cheering and clapping for all the athletes as they exited.
Approaching the boat ramp, two-hand touch and up stands the triathlete accepting help as she was a wee bit off balance. Wetsuit unzipped by a volunteer (Wow, that is service!) then stripped off by two amazing volunteers (two of many amazing volunteers) and her bike gear was placed in front of her. Wetsuit in the bag, the athlete as she was putting on her socks asked the vollie what other athletes had been doing, shoes on or off to run to the bikes? “50-50” was the reply. “Shoes on it is” and on they went and up to the bike.
A few moments were required to put on the borrowed aero helmet, glasses on, and soon the bike was being guided further up the ramp to the mount line. The triathlete ensured she was past the mount line to the side before getting on her bike; she was off towards the great blue yonder!
The bike ride was a most amazing, breathtaking (for the most part not from pedalling) experience. The sun was shining, few clouds in the sky, clean roads and the most wonderful gift~ wind from the west. That’s right a tail wind a rare event and thoroughly enjoyed by all that day.
The triathlete rode hard and smiled even harder as she rode the course. Passing folks, getting passed, she soon noticed there were few women around. A couple went by that she remembered, younger gals who seemed to stall a bit on the climbs but managed to pull ahead on the flats. Something to be said for the triathletes love of climbing and the method of spin easy and keep the spin going when cresting. As the ride continued it was mostly with “the guys”.
The triathlete “whoo-hooed” each corner and was thanking the local RCMP for stopping traffic on the major thoroughfares Cochrane. Climbing out of Cochrane was actually fun! The training paid off big time!
Precisely at 80km, she slowed to a stop and took another precautionary method, her 2nd Emo. No WAY did she want issues on the run and this was part of the plan, take one more before getting off the bike. Thank goodness for the 80km marker!
She “cat and moused” a few other riders and finally passed “jacket man” (had a light windbreaker on that was billowing behind him) with approximately 2km left.
On the final approach before transition the triathlete began talking to herself, getting mentally prepared for the 3rd stage of the race. The run. The triathlete said out loud, “It’s only a 21km run.” “Last stage of the day” “You’ll be done in 2hrs 15mins or so” “It’s only a 21k”. “This will be your best 21km ever”.
When racking her bike, there were not many around, “How odd” she thought how could that be?” “Never mind, need to focus on the run now” and she was off!
The first few km’s in a run are always the hardest for the triathlete, she tends to go too fast and that is not good as she is unable to keep that pace. For that reason alone, the triathlete wears a simple watch. The 1st kilometre flew by and even though it was fun for a fleeting moment, the triathlete knew she had to slow down, as that pace would not be able to be kept. Slowly she manoeuvred her pace to something that was manageable and continued on. The sun was shining, very little wind, a beautiful but challenging run course, really a perfect day. A perfect day for her “best race ever”.
The triathlete was able to see some of the pros come in and as she headed out, the faster age groupers. “Kudos to them” she thought, I hope they are having their best race ever.
As the run went on, the triathlete started to feel the heat. Not a fan of the sun when running she began to think about what she needed to do in order to stay focused and to keep running. The aid stations were more like an oasis, with water, PowerAde, gels and some with ice all manned by the most awesome human being~ a volunteer.
The triathlete was seeking one aid station in particular, the Team TriLife station; She knew there was a little “sumpin’sumpin” especially for her. The neckerchief that she borrowed from her Sherpa for IMC was waiting for her, soaking wet and cold to cool off her neck. “Ahhhhhh, purrrrfect” as it was applied! Triathletes serving triathletes during a triathlon, it’s amazing! They truly understand what each participant is going through.
A walk break allowed time with her coach to get some inspiration (she was told she was 1st in the swim!) and of course coaching!
The run course is mostly exposed which meant the sun was beating down. The triathlete caught up to and ran with Conrad from Colorado. He was basing his run via a heart monitor that at a certain rate he would slow to a walk and when his heart dropped to a certain rate he continued running. This was perhaps one of the biggest aha moments for the triathlete. She really understood (let’s hear for experiential learning) the purpose and usefulness of a HR monitor. This kind man pulled this triathlete through to and past the turn around. She eventually had to leave him and before she left, turned and faced him, shook his hand and said thank-you.
It was just past the turn around that the triathlete saw a woman go by her, she noticed the age on the calf, 51. That was the 1st time she had seen someone from her age group on the run. Not bad, not bad at all thought the triathlete! She began to think that Vegas was not going to be and was at peace. She continued to focus on her run and do what she needed to keep up a good pace, finish strong and have her best race ever.
The triathlete caught up to “jacket man” (remember she had passed him on the bike and he in turn passed her earlier in the run). They continued for at least 8km together, keeping each other going, respecting the need to walk and pressing each other for support. When they came through the Team TriLife Oasis, the triathlete soaked up all the run mojo, ice, cheering, kudos etc that she could get. She did not take anything but fluid and this seemed to be working, along with the Emo.
The triathlete left the oasis cooled, calmed and pumped up about the rest of the race. Wet shoes and socks did not matter; the blister that was there was ignored (not bad enough to stop) all was good to go. Refreshed and rejuvenated, the remainder of the race didn’t appear to be that bad.
As the triathlete and “jacket-man” (aka Bill) continued a funny “slap-slap-slap” run was heard. The triathlete wondered who that was, “Odd sounding run. Perhaps they are injured,” she thought. It was a member of Team TriLife who caught up to her and told her she was 1st in the bike. “SERIOUSLY? OH MY GAWD!” A huge smile broke out and the triathlete truly believed that this was her best race ever.
The triathlete kept pushing the pace, Bill did the same, respect was given when one needed to back off the pace or even walk if need be.
Weaslehead hill loomed ahead; the triathlete and Bill agreed to walk it. Giving herself permission to walk was huge. Yes it had been done at IMC but that was after all, IMC.
Before she knew it, they were at the top of the hill and another aid station.
At the top of the hill, it was only a few kilometres to the end. Once again the triathlete had to “avert her eyes and ears” (said with a southern belle accent) of the finish line and Steve King’s voice. Once past it seemed an eternity before they came to the turn around. Bill was asked for a story and the triathlete said she could run with him but wasn’t good at talking and running at the same time (she can chew gum walk at the same time if that is any consolation!). The only story she could muster was the fact she holds season tickets for the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Taylor Field in Regina. Bill liked that!
The last aid station, last bit of water and liquid fuel the triathlete and Bill were ready to press on. She even got some of the volunteers to sing Bill “Happy Birthday” as it was indeed his birthday! That elevated our moods and we continued. With 2 km’s left, Bill needed to stop and walk, the triathlete didn’t want to or more along the lines didn’t need to, so she went on.
The finish line could be heard, she could hear the cheering, the cowbells, the clapping. She heard Steve King’s voice urging the pace to be quickened. The triathlete did just that, she increased her pace, used her arms to pull herself forward and she was crossing the finish line! She was done!
In recovery the triathlete leaned on Lynn, another stellar volunteer who assisted her to get water, some post race food and finisher t-shirt. The triathlete thanked Lynn for her support and got her legs up against a fence, took in some water and got her heart rate down to a comfortable place. She enjoyed the camaraderie of other competitors, volunteers as she reflected on her race. To her delight realized not one stop was due to a gut issue! She will certainly use the double Emo again!
The suspense of her overall placing eventually took over and she strolled over to the listings that were posted. She found her name and to her utter joy and through watering eyes she saw something that she thought was never possible, 2/13. 2nd in her age group! In a half ironman! She cried tears of joy with another triathlete friend, as she couldn’t believe what she had read. She had to go back several times to ensure she hadn’t made a mistake.
“This calls for a post race beer!” the triathlete shouted. “Who can lend me $5.00?!” The beer was cold, the triathlete over the moon with joy and more so when she saw her Coach, Sherpa and Coach’s Boyfriend. More hugs, more tears of joy!
The race continued on and upon completion the awards were given out. It was really great to see the professional triathletes on stage. These folks work hard at what they do and they appeared to have genuine admiration and respect for each other’s accomplishments that day.
When the age group awards were given, the triathlete was somewhat nervous with excited anticipation to hear her name called.
When it was called she leapt up onto the stage and smiled from ear to ear!
Once the awards were over, the names of the people who qualified for the World 70.3 Championships in Vegas were stated. Somehow the triathlete knew she would not be going to Vegas and in someway was almost relieved. The training would now be over, no more long rides; weekends could be focused on other things. She knew that the 1st place finisher was going to take the Vegas spot and rightly so, she had earned it.
The triathlete waited until all the spots were taken and was okay with not getting one. It was odd to see her Coach and others seem more saddened by this. The triathlete simply stated that all she wanted from this race was to put it all out on the course, to leave nothing behind, to swim, bike and run as hard as she could. In the end, she did all of that and was rewarded a placing in her age group in a distance that she thought she never would.
She proudly stated to all that day and has been ever since:
“I HAD MY BEST RACE EVER!”
Conclusion:
Swim: 33:41, 1st in Age Group, 30th Female, 116 Overall
T1: 3:11
Bike: 2:53:19, 1st in Age Group, 34th Female, 212 Overall
T2: 1:58
Run: 2:18:01 5th in Age Group, 55th Female, 282 Overall
Final Time: 5:50:08
Age Group Place: 2/13 Overall place 256/545
PB’d Swim from GWN (35:35) and Bike (3:01:09). The run was slower than GWN (2:14:04) but this was a more challenging course. GWN also had two pit stops that did not occur during Calgary 70.3. GWN overall 5:50:47, wow!
The triathlete in this story would like to thank all those that helped, inspired, and cajoled her along the course. Her Husband, Coach, all TTL’ers at the best aid station (aka oasis), and the other amazing volunteers who set up, spent time during and cleaned up after the race was over. Without your support this triathlete would be forever thirsty, hot and lost.
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