RACE DAY

August 24, 2014

Race morning!!
Woke plenty early, no problem. HWC was still snoozing like a crazy cat.  Did some jumping jacks after a quick shower to fully wake. Dialled some cereal, coffee, toast. Julie got up and we strolled down a dark Lakeshore Dr. to "Special needs bag drop off" (they eliminated body marking, which makes sense) miss it somehow though.
Fixed tire pressure on Tarmac, touched up T bags and returned my pump and glasses to Julie.
The next hour or so is spent trying to convince the bowels to clean house. I walked around and stretched near porta-potties as I usually do.
Once I have my wetsuit on, it's time to move to the beach.
For some reason I didn't pay attention to the countdown blasted out by Steve King. There were so many people hanging out in the field that I decided to do the same. I forgot that there were many other racers doing other races. I got complacent.
I should have been waiting on the beach, not in a portta potty line up....

My SWIM start involved a panicked run through a crowded beach with 10 seconds to spare. (seriously) I'm such an idiot.
The swim went well with my new goggles (I could actually see), but ultimately was slow. Maybe it's time for lessons eh? Yuk.

The BIKE was OK but my bike computer decided to not function properly for the 1st time since I bought it many years ago. Aaarghh! . I was swearing at it for the first 50 km or so because I couldn't judge my average speed which is vital for a key finish. Also, had pain in my glutes for the first 100 k while aero. (Why?) No cramping though. Stopped at special needs but didn't need to. Wasted over 5 minutes. Stupid.

The RUN was a no show. (not a surprise as my training was eliminated by shin splints over a month prior)
As soon as my foot touched ground off the bike, I knew that it would be "a long walk home" (Bruce Springsteen song)
I jogged to halfway point but developed leg cramps at the 18 km mark. I hobbled till around 25 km then jog/walked a bit. Was totally shut down at around 30 km. I was finally able to pee orange (odd, since I've bin taking in many fluids). I guess nothing was being absorbed. 
After walking for a while and continuing my conversations with fellow stragglers, I was able to finally straighten my frozen legs and run the last 10 km. And a solid  finish it was! Albeit slow.
Grabbed my sister at the finish chute and into the recovery tent we went. I felt fine as if I hadn't really expelled many calories from so much walking. Anyway, # 7 done for what it's worth.

Sketch for Race Day

ANOTHER POST OF DAY 3

Sketch of my sister texting

Just pics of day 3...

Julie texting on Lakeshore path

Me and HWC OK Beach

Julie on the Channel Path

Julie buying me goodies at the Expo

GETTING DIALLED IN FOR A CHALLENGE

DAY 3
Sat Aug 23

Day before the event. Time to get gear bags and bike to the transition areas. A bit stressful, but this is my 7th long coarse Tri, so I'm not too freaked out. Somehow I still end up taking longer than I should to prepare which drives me nuts. Nice to have my sister around to offer a different point of view to a problem. HWC has ideas also, but they are not very helpful. She means well, I think.

T2 looks more like a bloody graveyard. Should fill up a bit still

Get these damn balls in place.

HWC inspects low budget T2 bag

Tried many times to add more pics but this terrible blog software won't allow it. Junk.
I guess that I will keep adding posts until all my content is logged. Sigh.

CHALLENGE TRIED 2014

DAY 1
Thursday Aug 21

Heading out to Penticton BC via HWY 3 as I usually do. It's a nice route with a strategically placed rest stop also named "Manning Park Resort." The road is twisty and hilly with interesting views and a high probability of head on crashes or cliff diving. Being awake is key as I almost went off the road one year. Me and HWC are taking it slow and hugging the white line.

I've Been here before... Lovely

Arriving in Penticton always brings back memories of past visits good and bad. The weather was great for the drive, but turned sour as we rolled in to P town. (I just made that up).

HWC remained dry but not happy

A soggy Lakeshore outside the motel

The motel we stayed at was called "Rochester Resort" I picked this place for the location and relative cost effectiveness. It has terrible lighting, a TV  locked to low volume, Stupid AC placement Unpredictable WI FI connection and no "half kitchen." Other than that, it served its purpose but I won't be going back. Of coarse HWC was furious.

Home Base

DAY 2

Friday Aug. 22

After getting settled in and somewhat organized, I took the Tarmac out for a short spin up HWY 97 towards Kelowna. It's mostly a mental thing, but knowing for sure that nothing odd has happened to the steed during the travel time is gold. After my ride, I returned to Home Base and had found that my cycling jersey was void of the very keys I needed to open my front door. I assumed that the keys had popped out (along with a money pouch). So, of coarse I am furious and need to fix this. After heading over to the office where fatso owner is nowhere to be found, I sit and boil over. After some yelling, it all turned out fine. My money/ key pouch was still in the room. No hospitality points for the owner though. Goof.

My sister arrived and will help keep me dialled in. It is also a nice break from her "Simpsons World" She will hang out with me in Penticton and enjoy the goings ons. I told her that this race is nothing like Ironman. The streets and cafes would be much more packed. This is a much quieter affair. I hate it. I need the bizarre energy. At least the coarse hasn't changed (except the finish).

Sketch depicting my confrontation with the motel owner