Congrats to all, and commiserations to you, Rick–been there and done that, right down to the race revenge plan.

My swim went well, although I have to apologize to Brian for being on his feet for the first couple of hundred meters (not drafting–on his feet in the sardine-like press of the start) until there was some open water to get by.  Then, of course, the best part of my day was over and the world started passing me by, although that was expected.

I surprised Coach Drew at his lookout spot, then saw Gabriela Speck a couple of times early on the bike (but no Esther), Jeff passed like a bullet on the way to Osoyoos, I think I saw Brian on Richter, Allie flew past on the way to Keremeos (hard to miss the coordinated jersey and helmet!) and I think I passed Amanda on the way down from Twin Lakes (the advantage of hauling all that extra mass up the bloody hill), although she got by me in T2 and smoked the run.  Then saw Dave on the Lakeshore out-and-back.

My run was, well, pedestrian.  The first half was pretty well on pace, but the bottom dropped out on the second half and “walking the aid stations” became “walking to the aid station, then walking away from it.”  Notes to self: 1) Never do this again; 2) If you do, work on run pacing.

The lowest point of the event for me was the ride up to Yellow Lake, or more correctly the bit before the climb, just after the out-and-back at Keremeos;  I was slow enough to miss the worst of the rain (three cheers for sloth!) but still hit the headwind–it was pretty demoralizing to be in a climbing gear on the relatively flat bottom portions and still muster only 12km/h.  More notes to self: 1) Really never do this again; 2) If you do, don’t fret the weather cause there’s not a darn thing you can do about it.

In all a taxing, exciting and in the end fun event, and now that the pain is subsiding and the memory grows fonder with the passage of time (i.e. I gloss over the nasty bits in my mind), I find myself thinking that, you know, it really wasn’t that bad.  Final notes to self: 1) Really, really never do this again, I mean it!; 2) If you do, smile for the camera.

See you at training next week and good luck to those going to the Worlds.  Have fun (and German beer)!

Cheers

Chris Manore

Sarah at Ironman Canada

Adjust your GPS to Jericho!

IMC and Nationals are over, with a few more tris and the fall season running season on deck.  If you have races coming up, make sure your coaches know your plans!

Not sure where a workout is located? Check the MAP and scan the legend for the workout location

Wednesday September 1: 6:30 PM Seymour Hill Climb workout!  Meet at Ron Andrews Rec Centre for easy roll out to the mountain.  Rain or shine- dress appropriately as it can get cold up there for the way down.  Interval or full ascent workout options

Thursday September 2: 6:30 PM run@UBC track.  Meet at Pacific Spirit Park HQ and warm up to track.  Super workout for tonight, ideal for those racing and those looking for a whole world of hurt!

Saturday September 4: 8:00 AM uncoached bike ride from Bean around the World on Cornwall

Sunday September 5: 8:00 AM @ Second Beach to preview Vancouver Tri course for Monday! This is an uncoached workout as it is a long weekend

Upcoming events

September 6- Vancouver Tri (Vancouver)

September 11- Whistler Gran Fondo (Vancouver to Whistler)

September 12-

• Cultus Lake (Cultus Lake)
• Mt Baker 542 hill climb (Glacier WA)

September 19- TriBC AGM @1:00 pm Dunbar CC in Vancouver

Yes, Time Trial is tough, but no one ever died during one. However, there have been several fatalities during the mountain portions of races. There were a lot of track cyclists who died back in the day, thats what riding without brakes will do. True, no one has died, literally, going up Cypress. So, how then do you settle this debate?

Well, when climbing, if you stop pedalling, you go backwards.

It’s well known that races are won in the mountains. When Cancellara or Zabriskie win the Tour, we can revisit this topic.

Fire away!

The following LETC members were selected to the BC Triathlon Team both for short and long course. Congratulations! More information and selection criteria here

5 sleeps to Ironman Canada

Many of you are now in taper of some sort, less volume and more pace work/intensity.  At this time, you may feel the need to fill your extra time that used to be used for training 100′s of km. However, it is important NOT to fill your newly found spare time or use your energy on other things such as taking up new sports, excessive walking/shopping, deciding to bike commute to work, partying (more than usual), etc.  Use the time to rest up and relax, take care of your injuries by seeing your physio or massage therapist, getting more sleep, repairing and preparing your equipment, etc.  NOW is the time for addressing all those little details and dealing with distractions (i.e. work, family, friends, etc.) that can interfere with your performance at this important time of the triathlon season.

Not sure where a workout is located? Check the MAP and scan the legend for the workout location

Wednesday August 25: 6:30 PM bike-run combo@UHill Elementary on Chancellor. Park elsewhere and ride in as parking is so limited you might as well not even try

Thursday August 26: 6:30 PM run@Jericho East on grass just west of the washrooms

Saturday August 28: 8:00 AM uncoached bike ride from Bean around the World on Cornwall

Sunday August 29: 8:00 AM @ Kit’s Beach OR volunteer at Yellow Lakes aid station for IMC (see blog post on this below)!

Upcoming events

August 29-

• Ironman Canada (Penticton)
• Cycling BC Provincial TT champs (Abbotsford)

September 6- Vancouver Tri (Vancouver)

September 11- Whistler Gran Fondo (Vancouver to Whistler)

September 12-

• Cultus Lake (Cultus Lake)
• Mt Baker 542 hill climb (Glacier WA)

September 19- TriBC AGM @1:00 pm Dunbar CC in Vancouver