IRONMAN CANADA
Whistler, B.C
24/07/2016
When Bill told us at his birthday dinner that him and Jody are doing IM Whistler I thought he was crazy. After some big talk and many mojitos Mike and I had both entered into the insanity.
"It will be EPIC" said Bill.
"It will be EPIC" said Bill.
Step 1: Train
Bill and Mike have never done a half iM so there was work to be done. Bills approach was slow and steady, Mikes was to wait till the last 4 weeks before the race, right around the time most people start tapering.
Mike and I 2 weeks before the race, eating watermelon after Mike joined me late in my ride and took my legs out.
Step: 2 Getting there
Somewhere along the way United lost my bike. They promised next day delivery but broke that promise. Mike flew in the following day and saw my bike on the conveyor belt. But not his. So Mike and Cazz brought my bike up and Mike was left patiently waiting for his.
Step 3: Swim practice
The air was cold and the water was colder, certainly not what we're used to in Cayman.
The air was cold and the water was colder, certainly not what we're used to in Cayman.
Bill, Jody and Myself testing the water on Friday. It was cold and windy, but clear and fresh. Weird not being salty and having to shower after.
Mike and I went back later so Mikey could test out some suits. He was still blaming me for getting him into this situation. I didn't feel like putting my suit back on so I swam in my shorts. Mike cried so much about the cold that I had to give him the swim cap off my head. Baby.
Bill, Will and I took a spin up a hill to test the bikes and the legs. Notice the warm clothing.
Step 4: Check in
Bike Check in at T1. Mikes bike still hadn't arrived at this point.
Mike finally got his bike an hour before check in closed. But it was wrecked - missing bearings and a bent hanger. While Mike tried to fix it Cazz and I went to the bike shop and rented him a spiffy carbon road bike. Here he is attaching the aero bars. This pic was taken at 4:23pm - bike and bag check in closed at 5pm.
Step 5: Survive the Race
Swim
Bill, Mike and I went into the water together. It would be a long time before we saw each other again. At times it was like being in a washing machine, and it was elbow day. The swim was a 2 looper, so it got a little tight, but mostly it was smooth sailing. time : 1h11min
Bike
The bike was the hardest ride I've ever done. Some crazy speeds down, and some single digit speeds on the way up. Some stunning views. I only saw Bill 100kms in on the bike. I offered him some of my timbits, but he declined???? More for me. Those doughnuts got me through the hard climb back into town. 6h54min
Run
After the bike I felt like I'd already run 20k. I started out pretty slow But still got some cramps half way through. So I did the old man shuffle all the way to the finish line. There was a bear spotted on the run course. I was toast if it decided to attack me. Bill saw the bear, but I think it was more afraid of him so it ran away. I walked the last 5k.....I was tired and didn't feel like running anymore - Forrest Gump style. Time: 5:58 (brutal)
After the bike I felt like I'd already run 20k. I started out pretty slow But still got some cramps half way through. So I did the old man shuffle all the way to the finish line. There was a bear spotted on the run course. I was toast if it decided to attack me. Bill saw the bear, but I think it was more afraid of him so it ran away. I walked the last 5k.....I was tired and didn't feel like running anymore - Forrest Gump style. Time: 5:58 (brutal)
Finish time 14h18. Only 6 hours behind the winner!!!
High-fiving buddy who spent the day supporting with mom.
Post Race.
The McFarland clan at the finish line.
Bill was pretty wiped after his heroic performance - not bad for an old man
Here he is taking a nap with his grand daughter Poppy.
2 days after the race me, Bill and Mike went downhill mountain biking.
Bill and I hit the dirt pretty hard but had tons of fun.
It was a great way to cap off a great trip
One could even call it EPIC.