Oliver ½ Ironman
June 3, 2007

The 2007 racing season got off to a good start with a “test” on Sunday June 3, 2007 in Oliver BC. This was the second consecutive year I have raced here and as has been the tradition in the past the weather can be well “variable”.
 

This year was not home to the hail & rain storms of the past, instead we were blessed with a sunny warm day. In actual fact it was to set a record with the old mercury hitting 38 C or 100 F  by the time we got on the run.
 

The day started well with a swim that took place in 3 waves. I was glad to be wearing my new blue seventy suit which made the swim so much more enjoyable. Oh yes did I mention I was quicker than last year with limited training and it could only be the suit.
 

The ride was great on my new Trek and I was in good position by the time I got on the run. The key to this day was to “pace” myself and have a solid day for my Ironman at the end of June. I was able to accomplish the pacing during the bike and the run and now the challenge was to do the same on the run. It was great training to actually work on yur heart rate and then be able to check it on the monitor. It became so I could actually guess my heart rate and be very close near the end of the ride. I highly suggest this for you n a race or in training so that you will develop a “feel” for your pace which will make you an even better athlete.

The run started off uneventful enough but the heat definitely took its toll. There were aid stations with hose showers for those athletes that needed it and a few people had to drop out because of the heat. Did I mention that generally the times were slower this year compared to last year?
 

In the end it was a great day, I accomplished all I needed to in prep for my next race at Ironman Couer d’Alene at the end of the month and as every race I learnt a little something. Is this not the key to everything, take a chance, learn something and use it at a later date?