The Race Report - Ironman Coeur d'Alene

The Race Report

My race report is not going to be your standard blow by blow account of my day in Coeur d’Alene. I will give you the Reader’s Digest of the event, but the most of this blog will be reserved for the observations surrounding the race.

The Reader’s Digest Version

The swim was slower than expected. Rather choppy conditions and my first swim in my new wet suit didn’t help. Still I don’t think I would have done much better either way.
Swim time 1:29:26 T1 7:48
The bike was great! Despite having a front flat two miles in I rode very well. Strong legs and felt extremely comfortable.
Bike time 6:13:44 T2 3:32
They had been calling for afternoon thunderstorms but nothing developed until 22 miles into the run. Even then it wasn’t too bad. I started out too fast but managed to get myself wound down and managed a strong pace. I still had lots at the end which gives me confidence that I can do better yet!
Run time 3:55:48
Final time 11:50:15 – over 1 hour and 13 minutes off my previous best!

The Observations

Triathletes never cease to amaze me with what they will buy. The last time I was there I bought the Trigger Point massager, which while I swear it helps me, still looks like a cloth covered rolling pin and a hacky sack. And all for a mere $100 US! The recent push was for compression socks. I am sure they work and someone is getting paid good money to push them, but has anyone looked in a mirror? I would have gotten beat up in gym class if I showed up like that. Now I think there is an opportunity here to complete the outfit with some Bavarian shorts with suspenders. I’m sure I can fabricate a reason why they would make you faster.
As I mentioned in the swim portion I bought a new wet suit. Cardinal rule of any endurance event, “race with the equipment you use all the time.” If I had a nickel for every new piece of equipment on the course on Sunday, well I would have a lot of nickels. Of course I swam miles 1, 2, and .4 in my new suit. I don’t think it hurt me as my other suit was just not going on!
Ladies, what happens to you guys in the swim!?! Does every guy out there look like your husband or ex-husband and you finally get your revenge. If I had a nickel for every time I got kicked in the nuts by a lady in the swim, I know I would have twenty cents. Yup, got “Jewelled” 4 times and every time there was a white cap on the perpetrator. If that is truly your aim, get me on the beach as it is much easier to recover there.
Despite the issue, mentioned above, I am always impressed by what a kind and caring community the Triathletes are. People are always quick to say something encouraging when they are passing you or when you pass someone. I like that and it makes me proud to be counted amongst those folks.
Energy gels should only come in two flavours, chocolate and vanilla. It never fails when I have to take one that is supplied by the race it is some new bizarre flavour. I’m not quite sure what flavour I picked up, pineapple and orange or something but it was disgusting. Trust me, vanilla and chocolate are just fine. If Power Gel is working on a jalapeno cheddar flavour, please stop all development now.
Coeur d’Alene has to have some of the best fan support I have ever seen at any event. All along the course there are people cheering, playing music, banging on drums, you name it. And believe, when you are feeling a little low it certainly helps to buoy your spirits and keep you going. Thanks to all those folks!
After all the months of training, I always owe a big thanks to my family for the support and encouragement they provide to me. They are very understanding of my routine and never complain when I pass up on one thing or another to get another run, ride or swim in. I know I could never do any of this without them!

So there you have it, another Ironman in the books and I am certain I want to do more. Next on the agenda is a half in Sylvan Lake next month. I’ll take a couple days to recover and then back at it again.

Have a great day!