June 2nd brought the 2013 2XU Open Water Swim in Sandy Lake. A little lake just outside of Buckhorn, Ontario - just outside of Peterborough. With the cool spring the water was a little chilly but that did not stop a bunch of us from taking the plunge. The event offered a 1K, 2K and 4K swim. I decided on the 4K as a mental practice for the Ironman distance. As Coach asked I swam my swim. I was pretty slow but I think back and wonder if it was I was nervous I would have an asthma attack. Forgot to take my inhaler before th race. While in Placid I did experience an asthma attack in the water and it was not pleasant but that was brought on by nerves so I need to get over it. My friend Kira decided at the last minute to race the 4K even though she had not put in the training. She completed the distance, made the podium and placed 1st in her age group. As for my swim I got it done and I know I can do the distance for my war with Ironman.
 |
| somewhere in Sandylake spotting |
Now the training was geared towards the Syracuse 70.3 Ironman. This race was a challenge and I realize when we race we are at war with the Ironman and sometimes Mother Nature. This race happened the first weekend of summer when Mother Nature decided it was time for Summer to blast through the front door. Up until this weekend she has only opened the door a tiny crack to tease us Summer was around the corner. Boy did it hit. For me the run was the was the most difficult. I could not run the course I had to walk. The saving grace was Susan telling me to put ice on my head. It did the trick but still did not have the energy to run. Kim's smiling face always gives one a boost to keep going too and then I saw Jeff. Jeff and I started this journey at the same time and it was just a relief when I saw him. I knew we would complete it. If the heat was not enough Mother Nature decided that we need to celebrate the race with her own brand of fireworks. I was out on the run course when it hit and kept walking. At no time did I feel threatened by the storm but I guess it was pretty nasty as they called the race. I don't know for sure but my understanding is as I was on my second lap of the run they were keeping the clock a ticking for us. I crossed the finish line in 8:30:33. Overall not happy with my time but I'm happy to have this one under my belt. My toes are happy its over as they blistered up bad. No picture of toes here - that was saved for my friends on facebook :-)
 |
| The spoils of war |
Now what ?
In a few weeks is the Grand Fondo in Ottawa. This is not a race just a ride with friends. I have chosen to ride the 170K route. I'm like a kid in a candy store because it goes through Ashton, Beckwith, Tennyson, Perth, Balderson, Lanark, Almonte, Blakeney, Panumure, & Carp. If I was doing the 220K route I'd include in my ride McDonalds's Corner, Tatlock & Clayton. This is my home country. I know these roads and this country like the back of my hand. This little piece of God's country is where my family roots have lived for generation after generation and I swear I feel them my soul. The route from Blakeney to Almonte will be extra special as that is the route I would bike to school in the summer and when returning home would stop at my cousins "Aunt Wilma and Uncle Bill"'s farm for awesome cookies and a drive home. The old white/red bike, which I still own, would get thrown into the back of the truck and Uncle Bill would drive me home. I realize this is where I developed my passion for cycling. Even before I could ride Dad would have me out on his cross bar sitting on a piece of foam. Dad cycled with me a few times into Almonte to show me the rules of the road & hand signals. Eventually he allowed me to ride that route to school (4+ miles) and eventually it was the road I walked and hitchhiked to see my friends in Almonte. I hope along the ride I just might see an old school chum or two.
 |
| Almonte's falls |
 |
| Almonte's lower downtown |
If you find what makes you happy, gives you that sense of freedom and that passion it makes a huge difference in your life & take you places you never thought would be possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment