Hooray. It’s taper time once again.
Today’s 30 km run and 4 km swim marks the end of my Ironman Canada training program and the start of my 2 week pre-race taper. And it can’t happen soon enough ’cause like Jessica, I am tired.
Saturday was supposed to be my last long day of cycling so I drove up to Penticton so that I could ride the Ironman course. Unfortunately I ran over something around the 50 km mark and it sliced open my tire. I tried to repair the tire however there wasn’t enough integrity in the sidewall to hold any air pressure when I pumped up the tube. Nothing for me to do but to call a cab and head back to Penticton. My ride was pretty short however I did manage to take a few photos along the way. Here they are.
Check out these eager triathletes who are swimming at 6 am. That is way too early for me to even think about getting into the water. The lake does look really pretty though.
There weren’t any other cyclists out riding at 7 am on McClean Creek Road. But there was plenty of deer!
The sky was very pretty along Vaseux Lake. It was fascinating to watch the fog moving in and around the rock bluffs.
Having given up on training for the day, I drove out to Blasted Church which is my fave local winery. I consoled myself after a crappy day of cycling by purchasing a case of their 2006 Merlot. It was turning out to be an expensive day.
Then it was time to begin the long drive home. It was great to see some cyclists out on roads. Here is one guy that is grinding his way up Richter Pass. Go man go!
Once I was over Richter Pass and onto the “Rollers” there weren’t any more cyclists out. I guess it was just too late in the day to be out there. Sure was pretty out there.
In two weeks time I and two thousand of my closest and personal friends will be out on this same road riding as fast as we can towards Penticton. I can’t wait. It’s going to be fun!
Wow – your pictures really show the beauty of the IMC course. In seeing them I now have the urge to put this race on my to do list.
Congratulations on making it to the taper is a solid condition. I will be looking forward to following your progress on race day.
You should do it Al. I think that you would really enjoy the IMC course. It’s easy on the brain too because you don’t have to remember what lap you are on since there is just a single loop for each discipline.