Race Recap: Sylvan Lake Half IM

I dragged my butt out of bed around 6:30 a.m. I promised Karen I would be in Sylvan by 7:30 a.m. to hand over her wristband for her leg of the race. I was a few minutes late because of a detour into the town.

Catherine’s mom was helping her pull on her wetsuit when I arrived. Karen was chipper as usual and ready to shine. I just wanted to go back to bed. I was cold and my belly didn’t feel right.

RELAY – SWIM/BIKE

Our elite swimmer was the first woman out of the water giving us a great start to our relay. Then it was Karen’s turn on the bike. Last year she was about 3 hours so we figured she would be about the same this year.

After Karen left on the bike, I napped and ate my breakfast of cold oatmeal in my car before Catherine and I went to Tim Hortons. We had time to kill and I was hoping my upset tummy would sort itself out.

It was quite chilly in Sylvan so I was hoping it would warm up slightly. I only brought short sleeved clothing and shorts.

At Tims, I downed more water which I think helped sort my stomach. I also changed into my sneakers before we drove back to the lake. We still had some time to kill before I brought it home for the team.

We nearly missed Karen as we were too busy gossiping and chatting up other athletes. Oops! I think Karen wanted to strangle us.
RUN

By now I was getting antsy and needed to get moving. I started off at a good pace. I put my headphones on because I knew the first 10k or so would be challenging for me. I knew if I finished the first two laps under 50 minutes I would be good to go. My legs were tired as expected but I didn’t want to let this hold me back. My only concern was my right leg that has been giving me grief lately.

Ross from Grande Prairie was also running. I secretly wanted to best him but I knew I had no chance in heck that day (but maybe one day)

I finished the first lap in 24 minutes and the second in 26 minutes. The third lap was when I fell apart mentally and physically. I tried to channel my inner Amber Hunter to no avail. My right leg was in agony. I begged Catherine to catch up with me to pace for the final two laps. I needed the kick in the butt. When she caught up at an aid station, I told her I wanted to cry, as I laid down on the ground to stretch. Her words of wisdom? Don’t cry.