And that? Is a total understatement.
Thanks for the time, Lisa Richardson.
http://choosepemberton.com/2013/06/13/a-local-take-on-iron-man-christine-cogger-digs-deep/
Category: Triathlon
Ironman Canada from the sidelines
So, you’re doing Ironman Canada. Good for you.
You’ve lovingly convinced/dragged/coerced your loved ones/family/friends/crew to join you for the fun.
As a good, caring and unselfish triathlete, you aren’t going to force these fine folks to sit around in your condo or hotel room and watch you lie about with your legs up the wall while you sip your endurance beverage of choice out of carefully labeled water bottles, are you?
No, you are not.
This is a world-class resort with a lot of things to do and explore. Let’s be good people and send them out the door with a list of things to do while you rest up in those recovery boots, shall we?
The Kids
I’ll be the first to admit that I love spectating at Ironman. Sure, there are some boring bits, but those are squished between frantic moments of running around the course, cheering, admiring, eating, crying, coaxing, taking pictures and plotting an eventual comeback. My favourite thing to see, however, is kids cheering on mom and dad. They make cute posters, wear dorky matching shirts, scream at the top of their little high-pitched lungs. One day, I’ll be that mom with her kids screaming at her to move her ass. But then, they fall asleep. Everywhere. In strollers. On a patch of grass. In a restaurant chair. It’s awesome but also makes me feel bad for them: don’t they want to be doing something else?
It’s going to be August which means it’s going to be hot (probably) which means – LAKES. Hit the lakes! There are at least 3 fun beach parks that will keep those little people in your life occupied for quite some time: Rainbow Park (the start of the swim course, so perhaps not the best choice closer to race day), Lost Lake park (rent a bike and pedal your way out there, it’s the way to go), Alpha Lake Park (again, use the Valley Trail to bike out there).
Speaking of bikes, put those little suckers into bike camp. DFX camps are awesome and they’ve turned my kids into confident little terrors on 2 wheels. Arrange (ahead of time!) a bike rental for getting around town. There are tons of places to rent and most rent Chariot trailers, too: perfect for hauling picnics, gear and tired little people.
The Municipality here offers a lot of day camp options if your offspring aren’t keen on bikes. Smear on the sunscreen and kiss them goodbye. They are in good hands.
If you want a night out (which, yeah. I know. Not before race day! But maybe you’re like me and don’t think that having that 1 beer will ruin your race so you’ll go for it), call the fine folks at Babysitting Whistler. They’re priced like that because they are good.
There are so many activities that you can do with your kids, too. The Adventure Zone, Zip-Trek, Rafting, Bungee Jumping (if you’re that kind of parent), Yoga, Swimming, Bounce (if it’s raining which it won’t be), the PEAK 2 PEAK, and tons of playgrounds.
The bottom line is this: if your kids claim that they are bored while they are here, someone’s doing something wrong.
Your ironmate
(Editor’s note: Worst moniker EVER. If I called my husband my “ironmate”, he’d divorce me on the spot).
Moving on. I could go the usual route and write something like “treat your lady to a day at the spa bla bla bla” but WAIT. Not all who do Ironman are MEN. This is an equal opportunity blog. Ha.
So yeah, there are spas, of course. The Scandinave happens to be spectacular. But adult-folk can do lots of the same things I suggested for the kids. The mountain biking in this place is amazing. If you are keen to learn the bike park, go for it. Listen, I get that it looks insane and totally intimidating and super scary but there really is something for everyone (and if my 4 year old rode it last year, then so can you).
Golf. I hear there’s good golfing around here. I personally run out of steam at 7 holes, but if that’s your thing there are at least 6 courses for you to get frustrated at between Squamish and Pemberton.
If you’re a runner, let me be the first to encourage you to bring your trail gear and explore our valley. The trail running here is second to none and you can thank me later for telling you to go. In fact, why don’t you race, too? The 5 Peaks is the day before Ironman and a perfect excuse to get up the mountain.
If your person wants to cheer you on, well that’s just awesome. The swim start is at Rainbow park and, unless your fan club has a bike, I’d advise against going out to the start. Rather, have them stay in the village, enjoy a coffee and watch you and 2,499 or so of your friends fight for open water on the big screen in Whistler Olympic Plaza. That way, they can enjoy some village time while you pedal your heart out up and down our hills for the next 180 km.
(Editor’s note: Oh yes, you know I’ll be writing my own personal review of the bike and run courses. Maybe the swim and the transitions too, if I’m feeling particularly detail-oriented. Wait! Maybe I’ll GoPro the whole thing! Actually, no I won’t.)
The bike will be tough to spectate – but let’s be honest, isn’t it always? Apart from coming into and out of the transitions, your personal cheer squad is going to have to find a way to get themselves out of the village without getting stuck in traffic and/or impeding the race. Unless they can pedal their way out there? I’d stick to cheering the run course. Which is going to be awesome! With shade! Pull up a lawn chair, crack a cold (non-alcoholic, of course) one and yell till midnight, at which point you can come and join me for some teary-eyed cheering at the finish.
Before and After
If you can, come to Whistler a week before to experience my favourite event of the summer: The Slow Food Cycle. It’s a week out from race day – surely the 35-ish kilometers you’ll have to pedal aren’t going to hinder your race prep, are they?
Load up the bikes, the kids, the trailer, bring some water and sunscreen, leave the lycra at home (I beg of you), slow down and enjoy being part of something that will surely be the highlight of your visit. Trust me on this one.
If you’re sticking around after Ironman, or visiting before, get out of Whistler and explore a bit! Pemberton has some great trails, a perfect lake (or 2) to chill at, Mile One, Blackbird Bakery, and so on and so on (I’ve bragged abotu these places before… I’d send you to Squamish but all I really know about Squamish is where to ride and I’m sure you can figure that out on your own.
There’s so much more I could share, but really it’s up to you to make the most of your time here. Get out here and do it!
And for the love of god, start waving to each other on the bike. It’s just rude not to.
Introducing the Higgins
David and Brandi Higgins have been fixtures on the Whistler Triathlon scene for as long as I’ve known about the club. Without their help and training, I surely would have drowned in my first Ironman.
Since meeting them on the pool deck in 2003, I’ve come to know them as good friends, racing partners and commiserating parents.
I’ll always remember one of my first “real” conversations with David, a few days before heading to Penticton for my race. I didn’t know him well and was actually quite frightened of him (he had that Russian-style of coaching which I’ve now come to embrace: “you suck but whatever – try this. It might help. But probably not. Just go faster”). We sat down on the edge of the pool and he basically said: “So, you are racing this weekend. Are you scared? Ask me anything”. I thought – and still do think – that was pretty cool and a really nice way to make a newbie feel welcome.
Brandi has become a good friend, fellow shoe lover and fun race-seeker. She’s a wealth of knowledge and has a commanding presence pool-side. Everyone needs a friend like Martini Brandi! She also makes a mean sticky-toffee pudding (which I happen to lurve)… One of Brandi’s pet peeves when racing at the same event as her beloved is that the announcers always tend to point out that they are married and inevitably shift their focus to Dave’s race. So, to that end, let’s lead with her interview, shall we?
1. What was your first tri – and why that one?
a. UBC…because it was there.
2. What was your most embarrassing race moment?
a. Realizing post-race that the suit I had worn was essentially see through when wet…don’t you just love neon!
3. Who is your biggest training/racing foe?
a. Me, myself, and I.
4. Bucket list race?
a. One that I am actually happy with the results.
b. It’ll never happen bucket list – Kona.
5. Best and worst part of training in Whistler/Vancouver?
a. The hills.
i. Best because once you’ve trained here pretty much no hill should bother you.
ii. Worst because it’s always uphill coming home!
6. Fave post-race food
a. PRINGLES! And Coke. Always a coke!
7. Race superstition?
a. Don’t know if I have any. When I played basketball I had to keep my legs shaved, because I was sure on the day that I didn’t I would sprain my ankle. The doctor was cute. Do the math.
8. If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
a. Paula Newby-Fraser cause she was f…ing fast and ate pizza the night before IM.
i. Caveat…do I have to train with her, or can I just ride in a car and talk to her while she trains? ‘Cause we all know I wouldn’t survive 5 minutes riding with her!
9. What’s your weirdest racing or training habit?
a. Taking my espresso machine everywhere I go.
(Editor’s note: Another reason I like travelling to races with Brandi.)
10. Who’s your athletic hero? If you have one…
a. Unfortunately, my athletic heroes have taken a bit of a beating…Marion, Lance. Of course, I still think Lance should keep his titles…if he was juiced so was everyone else and he still beat them, and Lance and the Livestrong foundation did a whole lot more for the general public than any other racer and their (non-existent) foundation did.
11. What’s your favourite Whistler event/trail/race etc.
Event: KOS and the Lil Rippers run. And comfy numb when we were organizing it.
12. Describe your athletic style/career in one sentence.
Completer not competer. Or. I am a diesel truck: I am big, I am slow and I am in it for the long haul…and don’t you dare get in my way (hahaha).
13. Describe that nightmare you have before racing (i.e. I show up without pants)
The course runs through an amusement park on a cruise ship and I keep getting lost and realizing that everyone else is finished.
14. 3 words that describe you as a person
Loud. Caffeinated. Opinionated (aka know-it-all).
15. Dream sponsor?
Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo.
(Editor’s note: SEE??! Fellow shoe-lover).
David’s Turn:
1. What was your first tri – and why that one?
UBC, 1991. I was going to school there and the swim was going to be easy. Got a little more difficult after that.
2. What was your most embarrassing race moment?
Any time Nicholas finished in front of me. Fortunately it didn’t happen often. Other than that nothing. I seem to manage to keep my pants on in transition, haven’t fallen off my bike (yet) and not really hurt myself running (in the race).
(Editor’s note: That would be Paul Nicholas. You’ll be meeting him soon, if he ever finds 3 minutes to fill out my questionnaire!)
3. Who is your biggest training/racing foe?
Kevin, Scott and Paul, pushed me real hard and getting me faster. Went running with them when I started and the three of them killed me. Oh look there’s a hill let’s go up it. I needed to keep up with these bozos. Still can’t keep up to Kevin, but I am working on it. I don’t have a race foe I can think of – maybe Dave Kirk.
(Editor’s note: Kevin Titus, Scott Pass, Paul Nicholas. Whistler local’s one and all.)
4. Bucket list race?
Wildflower would be fun. Waimea 10km just cause it’s in Hawaii.
5. Best and worst part of training in Whistler/Vancouver?
Best part is the quality of people, you get some fast yahoos here who really just want to have fun. Worst part is the snow, lasts far too long.
6. Fave post-race food.
Burger, big greasy Burger.
7. Race superstition?
Need to eat a lot before a race. Pasta for the morning.
8. If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
You know I found all the people I want to train with. Though if I could make Brandi train with me all day, and she had to like it and not complain (that would be harder than getting anyone famous) – that would be fun too.
(Editor’s note: Awwww.)
9. What’s your weirdest racing or training habit?
I get a training routine and then I have to stick to it. Tues/Thurs/Sat Swim, Wed/Fri/Sun Bike, Mon/Wed/Sun Run. A little OCD.
10. Who’s your athletic hero? If you have one…
Changes depending on the day, time and year. For example in 1991 it was Alex Popov.
11. What’s your favourite Whistler event/trail/race etc.
I used to really like the Whistler 10k.
12. Describe your athletic style/career in one sentence.
Gun goes off, I am in the race, no race I am all fun and games.
13. Describe that nightmare you have before racing (i.e. I show up without pants).
I got nothing here.
14. 3 words that describe you as a person.
Talkative, competitive, know-it-all.
15. Dream sponsor?
Hershey’s Chipits, I like making chocolate chip cookies!
(Editor’s note: my children and I are thankful).
Thanks Higgi! Stay tuned for more…
Up Next: Superwoman
Alright. I had fun interviewing my first candidate, so here’s another one!
Christine Suter is a well known and very speedy Whistler-based triathlete/ultra-runner. Perhaps you are currently getting whipped into shape by her hands-on coaching. Maybe she’s drawn blood when making you feel like dying on the bike (seriously. She pokes your finger with a needle. It hurts and you swear. I know this from experience).
You’ve seen her around, I’m sure: always smiley, quick with a friendly word and wave. Usually wearing unusually large mitts on her bike. Recently gained semi-fame as the kayaking dog-rescuer of Pinecrest.
I know her as a friend and coach – that is, when I get my act together and need accountability and butt-kicking. She’s so good at making me push myself but understanding my need for some kind of balance.
An Ironman athlete several times over, she’s become an invaluable resource to many, many athletes in our community. So without further ado, here she is!
1. What was your first tri – and why that one?
UBC back in 1987
2. What was your most embarrassing race moment?
Squamish Tri in the swim to bike transition and I got stuck trying to get my lycra top on over my bra top- you know when it all rolls up and I could not get the top down- being a good swimmer I was one of the first female swimmers out- so there were lots of spectators.
(Edited to add: this happens to me all the time. In the locker room. Ahem).
3. Who is your biggest training/racing foe?
Greg Sandkuhl
(Edited to add: I sense I need to ask him these questions)
4. Bucket list race?
And some other dudes 😉
5. Best and worst part of training in Whistler/Vancouver?
Worst- Snow salt on the roads so a late start to outdoor riding and being cold!
Best- the hills because I have yet to race anything worse than where I live and the ride up to Callaghan.
6. Fave post race food
Since I usually cannot eat anything after a race- chicken soup.
7. Race superstition?
Don’t really have one.
8. If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
My husband Paul because he has not been able to do anything for 5 years and I miss being able to go out training with him!
(Edited to add: awwwwww.)
9. What’s your weirdest racing or training habit?
I like to sing one phrase of a song to myself over and over again to keep me motivated or I count my foot strikes while running to the count of 8 and keep on repeating it
10. Who’s your athletic hero? If you have one…
11. What’s your favourite Whistler event/trail/race etc
12. Describe your athletic style/career in one sentence.
Constantly seeing how far I can push myself and my body.
13. Describe that nightmare you have before racing (i.e. I show up without pants)
I sleep through my alarm and miss the start.
14. 3 words that describe you as a person
determined, too serious.
15. Dream sponsor?
Visa! Then they can pay for my flights, my hotels and my gear!!
Ok, so normally, I’d end it here but I needed some pics of Christine so I Googled her and feel it only fair to point out that she’s the only person I know to have ever competed nationally in… synchronized swimming. No photographic evidence available.
Thanks Suter!
Stay tuned for the next one!
But enough about me.
You may know her as triathlon age-group slayer Liz Cullen. 2x Ironman finisher. Or perhaps you remember her from her ski bum days as a long-time Whistler local (let’s face it: she may live in Vancouver but I’m pretty sure her heart’s up here).
Some of you may know her as The Sarcastic Triathlete (if you don’t, it’s a refreshing read: go there).
I know her as a training partner/racing ass-kicker/co-adventure planner and good friend.
She’s currently incubating a human, so we won’t be running any races in matching shirts in the early season, but I have no doubt she’ll be back in action in no time.
She’s the first subject in what I hope to become a regular feature here: interviews with some of my favourite folks.
Herewith, I introduce to you Lizzie.
1. What was your first tri – and why that one?
UBC Sprint tri in July 2003. Because my mom was doing it so I thought I’d give it a try on her old bike. I then did a random smattering of tris until 2006 when I actually started training for them.
2. What was your most embarassing race moment?
Oliver Half Iron 2008. I got a flat with 4km to go and decided to just ride it back to transition. There was one final corner 400m before transition and I washed out and hit the curb with most of the town watching. When I got up to head to transition my wheel wouldn’t turn so I had to jog in bare feet carrying my bike.
3. Who is your biggest training/racing foe?
This tiny little cycling powerhouse named Christine, she sometimes goes by SMO. Oh wait, that’s you. Biggest foe and best training buddy all in one. I have the swim, she has the bike and the run is getting close. When we both start racing again it could get ugly.
**Editor’s note: I can’t wait.
4. Bucket list race?
Other than Kona. Wildflower.
5. Best and worst part of training in Whistler/Vancouver?
Best: Kits pool!
Worst: rain. Lots of rain.
6. Fave post race food
Salt and vinegar potato chips
7. Race superstition?
Don’t really have one, but I do have rituals. I tuck notes of encouragement in my race kit even if they don’t get read and end up a squishy blob.
8. If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
How ’bout Heather Wurtele. Because she seems really fun and nice and I like feeling short sometimes.
9. What’s your weirdest racing or training habit?
Not sure I have any (others may say differently) I do like doing handstands in the water before races, might as well get a laugh in.
10. Who’s your athletic hero? If you have one…
Other than the obvious of Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and Kobe Bryant, top of the list: Chrissie Wellington, Natasha Badmann, Lisa Bentley, and so on.
11. What’s your favourite Whistler event/trail/race etc
Whistler Half Marathon. Although only in its 3rd year and overcoming course distance growing pains, it’s super neat to run through your own town with tons of supporters.
12. Describe your athletic style/career in one sentence.
Late blooming, somewhat competitive age group triathlete that combats laziness with lofty goals.
13. Desribe that nightmare you have before racing (i.e. I show up without pants).
That I miss the race entirely usually because I got the day wrong and show up too late. I actually did that once to an exam in university so it’s not beyond impossible.
14. 3 words that describe you as a person.
Geez, what is this? A job interview? I consider myself a perfectionist. Ha kidding. According to me: humorous, uncomplicated, pregnant (for the next 2.5 months at least).
15. Dream sponsor?
Ben and Jerry’s. Ok ok, probably Saucony. You can never have too many bright fun shoes.
Thanks for taking the time, ‘Zard.
So friends: who shall be my next interviewee/victim?
Greater tuberosity and other fun things.
Greater Tuberosity.
Doesn’t that sound like it should be a name of a roller coaster at a super fun amusement park? “Step right up people and have a ride on the death defying GREATER TUBEROSITY! A feat of engineering, a marvel of adventure!”
The reality is that “greater tuberosity” is just a fancy name for shoulder. Which I fractured last week. Oops.
Considering I’m scheduled for knee surgery next week, my timing is spectacular and this has put a damper on the ski season. Just when I’d managed to rekindle my love/hate relationship with skate skiing… Plus, I get total FOMO when it comes to skiing with my kids – I don’t want to miss a thing. It drives me bonkers when they go without me.
I’m front loading the surgery with as much running as I can as I am not sure when I’ll be able to get out there again (super graceful, one-armed running). I devastated that I can’t swim (total lie). Garage biking is happening. I tried snowshoeing but almost died of boredom: I would have been a terrible coureur des bois.
Coming soon: road trip recap! In the meantime, enjoy some random photos.
In which I blab on about a variety of topics.
I spent the weekend in Vancouver with the kids, the plan being to take in the Stanley Park Christmas train, city lights and the Santa Claus Parade. Then, this happened:
Being sick when you are little sucks. It’s hard to communicate what you feel and you can’t help much beyond back rubs and cuddles. And midnight/2am/4am Tylenol and kleenex doses. Thankfully, they both seem to be on the mend.
Rory and Will rallied for the parade, Anja fell asleep…
—
QOTD:
(scene: Rory is having a hissy fit because we’d planned an adult evening without him).
Me, to Will: “What’s going on?”
Will: “Oh, Rory’s losing his marbles because you’re leaving”.
Me: “Hmm, well – are you ok with it?”
Will: “Me? Oh yeah. You should go, you guys totally need a break”.
(scene: Rory, on the couch, legs in the air)
“I feel a celebration coming on!”
—
Knee surgery looms in January. In the meantime, I’ve been running and kind of biking (and by kind of, I mean hanging on for dear life on the rollers while staring at a dot on the floor so as not to lose focus). I’ve also been trolling the internet and planning 2 types of race schedules.
1) The one I’d do if I were single, rich and responsibility-free (read: Phuket, South Africa, New Orleans, Texas, Mexico, Hawaii… just to name a few destinations).
2) Reality. I’ll be coming off of surgery, have 3 kids to focus on, don’t have that much race mojo anyway. Any suggestions? Oh, I’ve been talked into the Test of Metal after a 9 year hiatus.
—
The cooking project continues and I’ve been diligent about trying new recipes. In the process, I’ve learned a few things. First, don’t try to fool the kids with things like “These quinoa burgers are just like real burgers”! They’re kids, not idiots. Truth helps.Next, I’m much more of a 1 dish kind of gal. If I have to cook a main and 2 side dishes to all be ready at once, something is bound to be over-done, under-done, too hot, too mushy, etc. Plus HEY LOOK SOMETHING SHINY! I’m too easily distracted and there are always 3 little people talking to me at the same time between 5-6pm. Finally, I keep waiting for that love of cooking to spark. But I’m thinking this is one blind date that’s going nowhere…fast.
On the bright side, I made myself laugh the other day when Will came barreling into the kitchen demanding to know what was for dinner. I answered “Windowsills. Now get out of my kitchen”. Verbatim what my Mum used to say to me…
—
If, like me, you harbour romantic notions of living in Canada’s north, do check out Tandi’s blog. A healthy and funny dose of reality!
—
It’s here… another ski season. Day 1 for me started with these two and it was both painful and awesome. Anja delights in folding in half and laughing when she hits the ground. Rory seeks jumps like it’s his job. The two of them collided more than once and I ended the day with sore legs (snowplowing is evil) and a full body sweat. Here’s to more days on the hill and less days of plucking them off the ground!
- Have you ever seen anything cuter? No, you have not.
- —
- Wedding weekend coming up!
Ironman, eh?
So presumably, you’ve heard the news. Ironman Canada is moving to Whistler in 2013. This is pretty exciting news for a tri-nerd like myself. No, I won’t be signing up. But I’ll be involved in some way and will be following developments closely (and by closely I mean I’ll be following my favourite pros twitter feeds to see if they are coming and hoping the Ministry paves the road between Whistler and Pemberton).
Liz has written a very good account of what race day is going to be like and if you’re racing, I highly suggest you read it. Preparation is key!
Most of the people signing up seem to know quite a lot about Whistler (based on the forum chit-chat I read). Some are knowledgeable, some are grossly and amusingly misinformed (for example, the dude who thought a swim in Green Lake in October would be awesome!) However, no one seems to mention Pemberton all that much so consider this my open invitation to come to my little town and create your own training base!
Pemberton is small, fun, active and family-friendly. It’s a great place to live and train – trust me, since I do both here… If you come to town to train, look me up, maybe I’ll even invite you to a CITS run!
Herewith, some suggestions…
1. The swim.
Despite years of asking for one, Pemberton doesn’t have a community pool. If you are coming to our part of the world between October – June, you’ll be swimming in the 25m pool at Meadow Park. It’s a decent facility (with a hot tub and steam room) but stick to swimming during “swimmer’s hours”… that is 6am – 9am. Otherwise, you’ll encounter hordes of screaming kids and are liable to get landed on by an overzealous rookie on the rope swing. Plus, there are only 2 lanes open during non-lane swim times, so you’ll be battling for space with the head-up breastroker and the one length, board-short wearing sprinter.
If you come from June onwards, the open water swim possibilities open right up. Alta Lake is where IMC will be held, so best to train there. Like Liz said, watch those boats! They are pretty pointing and they go backwards. Lost lake is a great option with the added bonus of a nudie dock (if you’re into that sort of thing). But let’s not forget Pemberton! Mosquito lake is small but clear and beautiful. It just takes a little work to get to… 1 Mile is an ok option, if you don’t mind getting your face caressed by weeds, which I kind of do. Last but not least, Gates Lake in Birken is absolutely worth the drive north. Clear, quiet and big.
Oh – and you’re kidding yourself if you think wetsuits won’t be required at this race!
2. The bike
Perhaps I’m in the minority but I think this course is tougher than Challenge Penticton. It may not have Richter Pass, the 7 Bitches, and Yellow Lake, but the ride back to Whistler at the end of 180K is not to be underestimated, nor is the long out and back in the Pemberton Meadows. It’s pretty much guaranteed that the wind is going to be picking up just in time for the AG’ers to make the turn and that’s when the real drafting, er, I mean work will begin.
If you are coming up here to train, don’t limit yourself to the course. There’s some fabulous riding to be had around here. Riding from Pemberton to D’arcy is a gorgeous and tough training ride. Bring your $5 and treat yourself to a cold Coke at the D’arcy General Store before you start the ride back up to Pemberton. Challenge yourself -as we do every year – to ride from Lillooet Lake to Joffre Lakes sans timing device and see how close you can get to your estimated ride time up the 13KMs of switchbacks and climbing. Ride the Classic “Tour de Train” – ride from Pemberton to Lilloet, take the train back to D’arcy then ride back to Pemberton.
Of course there are lots of hills and rides to be had in and around Whistler. Join the Whistler Tri Club on Wednesday mornings… they’ll welcome you up Cardiac and Kadenwood. Fun times at 6:30am, I swear.
The thing with riding around here that everyone – triathletes, roadies and drivers – needs to remember is that the roads are going to be pretty crowded next summer. Everyone’s going to have to play nice.
I know tri-nerds are loathe to risk injury in the months leading up to their “A” race, but trust me when I say that the mountain biking around Pembi makes it worth the effort. And that’s saying something when it comes from a chicken like me.
3. The run.
The course description makes it sound pretty flat, but there’s a few kick-your-ass deceivers in there. By all means, train on the course. Run the Whistler Half Marathon course.
But Pemberton has some great trails to train on and miles of roads (here’s where that out and back on the Meadows comes in handy… have someone drop you off at the turn around and you can run back to town. It’s not super exciting but it’s scenic and dead flat – what better way to practice leg turnover!) While it’s true that most of the running in Pemberton tends to out-and-back style, we local girls have managed to string together some pretty long loops over the years. Look us up and we’ll let you in on our secrets…
A tried and true and tough long run? Go from Pemberton to Whistler. It’s not very exciting but it sure as hell gets the job done.
4. Nutrition
We triathletes are known to eat and eat well (and often). How much do I love finishing a long run or ride knowing that I get to end the day at Mile One Eating House? A whole lot. You won’t find a better burger and micro brew combo! I’m sure they have some veggie options, I’m just not that interested in what they might be.
We happen to play host to 2 fantastic coffee shops, too… Blackbird Bakery and Mount Currie Coffee Co… Try both, you’ll wind up with your own favourite.
For such a small town, we can boast about having 2 grocery stores, a natural foods/supplement place, a couple of yoga studios, a gym, a physio clinic, the world’s best masseuse but if I told you who that was I’d have to kill you because he’s already busy enough, a totally weird General Store and last but not least, 3 gas stations.
See? Doesn’t it make you want to come and play?
What I did on my summer holiday
My summer holiday this year revolved around spectating and supporting at IMC. Turns out it’s the last one and it did not disapoint. I was pretty excited when I got the green light to head up a few weeks ago. I was kid-free for the weekend so despite 13+ hours of driving and no sleeping-in, this really did feel like a holiday.
I was excited to support Liz as she had done for me years ago. To watch the other athletes, to take pictures, to yell and cheer and clap. I was a bit apprehensive that being around this race would make me sad and ultra-envious that I wasn’t racing and in reality have no plans to “go long” in the near future. So I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself relieved not to be getting in that water with the other 2500 athletes. I really did enjoy my day of chasing athletes, riding my bike and eating an ice cream cone when others were feasting on gels and warm, flat coke. Maybe it was because I am not race fit, or maybe it’s because I’ve lost my racing mojo, I’m not sure. Either way, I did enjoy my summer holiday immensely.
I loved seeing the families out there supporting their loved ones with silly shirts and signs. I don’t think I’ve ever really noticed it as much before but it really blew me away how much these people get into. I hope that when my kids are older that they’ll do something like that for me, if I’m out there again. You can bet that if any of them do something like this, there will be shirts, banners and signs GALORE. I don’t care how embarrassed they get!
I’m so proud of Liz for turning her race around after 2 flats. To be able to put a smile on and enjoy the day when it could have gone entirely the other direction takes a mental fortitude that I’m not sure I possess! So kudos to you, ST. You did awesome. You’ve inspired me to improve while keeping the fun factor high and smiling while I do it.
A few photos to remember the weekend by.
The list
Everyone seems to have a bucket list, a 100-things-to-do-before-they die/get married/have kids/etc. I don’t have a life bucket list (yet) or a 100 things list (yet) but I guess I have a bucket list of races, events or adventures I’d like to do before I kick it. Or stop being able to do these silly things, whichever comes first. Herewith, my list.
(Ed note: This list changes on a daily basis, per my mood and general interest level).
Yes, I’ve run this one before, but this time I’d like to do it without being 4 months pregnant.
The sand in the Vaseline here is that I’d have to qualify. I’ll work on that. Hmm.
A Marathon or trail race in Hawaii
It’s bound to be hot and humid. Fun!
For my 40th. Or thereabouts. Right Lizzie?
Why Utah? I have no idea really, other than it seems like a nice course with the added challenge of altitude.
The Mid-Mountain Marathon in Park City, Utah.
This trail is stunning! Why not run it?
An Ironman or Marathon in Europe.
Huge crowds, historic cities, lots of beer.
The Across the Lake swim in Kelowna
I have never been brave enough but figure I should do it one day.
An Ironman that gives me an outside shot at qualifying for Kona one day.
Maybe when I’m in the 80-85 age group.
What about you? What’s on your list? I want some suggestions and by suggestions I mean invitations. I realize this list is mostly running, time to work on my biking and adventure list – primarily more Chicks in the Sticks!
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No big adventures planned for the weekend (unless you call getting up at 5am to volunteer at an the Squamish 50 and then heading home for a wedding and dancing on a mildly sprained ankle an adventure) so I’ll leave you with some random pictures.
Have a great weekend! The last weekend of Olympics 24/7… cue the withdrawal.
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