Tremblant Ironman 2015
Mt Tremblant is well known, world class ski destination just north of Montreal. What you may not know, for a week every summer this resort town is transformed into a world class Ironman destination. The walking village is riddled with fantastic restaurants, great shops and luxury hotels. All are within a short stone throw of the Ironman expo and transition. This makes for a spectators dream. Many places will offer a yummy lunch and a couple of cocktails while you wait for your athlete to pass by again.
This was my first visit to this venue and believe me, the course did impress. The race organizers have really nailed the organization. Transition is well thought out making navigation on race morning very relaxing. Well, as relaxing as one can expect. Believe me when I say my heart rate was near race pace before I hit the water. A short walk down the road you reach the beach and the swim start. A quick good-bye to my spectating posse and fellow racers and it was into the water for a warm-up. There is plenty of water right beside the start area for a good solid pre-race swim. The morning brought flat water and thick fog. The lake resembled a scene from Scooby-Doo. The fog hindered sighting a bit but also shrouded the opposite shore. I didn’t mind that. There was no “I have to swim that far…and back” feeling. Waves starts are not really my thing however, the track is wide and plotting a course through waves ahead was not too bad.
T1 is a slick procession. Again the race organizers have really thought this through. I was out onto the bike course without issue. The Mt T bike course has a bunch climbing there are no two ways about it. However, if you are cognizant of your output up these hills you can have a fast bike and still have some good legs for the marathon. The best part of going uphill is you get to go down the other side. There are several sections you can easily hit 80+km/h. The first loop on the bike was very nice. Cloud cover kept the temp at an acceptable level. Of course that would not last. As I started the second loop the sun came out and the mercury started to rise…and rise. The humidex topped out at a tad south of 40 degC that day.
T2 is a reversal of T1 and moved just as smoothly. Did I mention that the organizers have really figured this out? To say the marathon is challenging could be the biggest understatement ever uttered. The two loop course starts and ends with some pace-robbing hills. The only reprieve from the hills and heat is a flat shaded section in the middle of each loop. Before I knew it my shoes were changed and I was out on the run. Leaving T1 the heat felt like going for a run in a sauna. About 1 km into the run I was hit with the first bout of leg cramps that would pop up throughout the next 41 k. As I stood, bent over at the waist trying to stretch out my hamstrings, I looked to the curb. I was eye to eye with a small little girl. With great concern she inquired “are you ok?” I had to smile. “I’m going to be fine…Thanks” When the cramps released I got back at it. A big cheer from my little friend and her family really helped me get moving again. The end of the first fun loop brings you right down the main pedestrian road of Mt T. This spectator lined part of the course is awesome and really gives you a lift before heading out for second loop. The second loop had me popping salt pills like an addict. I probably should have bought stock in Sifto. My legs would cramp on pretty much every hill. Seeing some fellow TCOB faces on the course would briefly raise my spirits. I thank you guys for that.
The finish is beyond awesome. Down through the village that you had run 21k before however, this time you get to make that left hand turn to the finish. Instantly the suffering changed to elation and then it was over.
A huge congrats to Deb and Eric (not too sure how they looked so happy in those tough conditions), Glenn (smashed his last IM time and I think I saw him smiling on the run), Nicole (the fish) and Helen (a giant win and a trip to Hawaii).
Chris Jocelyn
