Ironman Race Report - Bienvenue Mont Tremblant!

Vicky T

One of my most favorite things about running (and swimming and biking…) is that it provides the opportunity to travel to a ton of great places and see them from a different vantage point.  To me there is something really amazing, in a world filled with increasing amounts of technology, to be able to power your own body across the land – a marvelous perspective.

So my latest adventure took me to Mont Tremblant, Canada for the inaugural Ironman Mt Tremblant. 

Note:  This is not a traditional race report but more of my take on the course and area for those that may be interested in doing the race in the future.

PRE-RACE

Mont Tremblant is a quaint, French-speaking city about 130K northwest of Montreal nestled in the Laurentian mountains of Quebec, Canada.  It’s part of the second largest national park in Quebec, aptly named, Mont Tremblant National Park.  The area is most widely known for its skiing; however the rolling terrain with hundreds of lakes and rivers makes it a nature lover’s paradise.

The pedestrian village proper is at the base of Mt Tremblant which is located next to one large lake, Lac Tremblant.  The city also consists of the Village of Mt Tremblant (on an adjacent lake) and Saint Jovite.   With an abundance of beaches, trails, running and bike paths, it’s a triathlete paradise.

Village of Mont Tremblant  –  So Picturesque, Oui Oui

I stayed nearby at the Village of Mt Tremblant, about 5K from the transition area.  This allowed for a condo with a kitchen and laundry, which are high on the requirements list.   My one gripe with the logistics is that if you do not stay on the ski mountain, you must hunt for convenient places to park, most of which have hourly rates similar to the streets of Manhattan.  The days leading up to the race were beautiful – chilly mornings with sunny afternoons in the 70’s.  This was a huge change to get used to after leaving the humidity of NYC and had me a bit worried that it would be difficult to warm up on race morning.  But with bikes and gear bags checked, along with a good night sleep, I was set to start the race and had everything in order.

SWIM
  

The 2.4 mi swim was one loop in a lake with a ton of room and a wide beach start.   The practice swims provided clean, smooth water that was a pleasure to swim in and race day did not disappoint.    There was the usual craziness that surrounds a mass start so I did have some difficulty getting clear water and finding my rhythm, but once I did the swim went off without a hitch.

Mont Tremblant's Crowded Race Start

Upon exiting the swim, there was a 400 yd run to transition, which felt so nice after being horizontal for a bit of time, but it made for a long T1 (first transition).

BIKE

I had a feeling that Mt Tremblant was going to be a supportive venue, and as I exited transition my suspicions were confirmed.   The roads were lined with enthusiastic spectators for miles.  Overall, this was an amazing bike course.  The roads were super-smooth with fresh pavement in some areas.  I even saw some sections of the bike course being power-washed in the days leading up to the race.  It’s amazing what a huge difference fresh pavement makes – it’s so much more forgiving on the body and quite speedy – very needed for a long 112 mi day.

The bike course is two loops and can be thought of in five sections per loop.  The first section is down Montee Ryan to 117 (about 10K).  The section has a few decent rollers but easy enough to get momentum to take you from one to the next.   It also contains the first ‘no pass’ zone as it crosses over a narrow bridge.   It’s well marked and I never had to worry about overtaking another rider.  The next stretch is from 177 out to Labelle and back (38K total).   This is a wonderful section of freshly paved road with an extra wide shoulder.   This is where you can dial in your aero position and get in your groove.   There are one or two larger climbs where you do have to get out of aero but nothing significant.  This is where I really found my pace and was just loving the scenery.    

The next section takes you through an out-and-back on the main street of Saint Jovite, a lovely village that has the best restaurants and grocery stores.  This stretch of the course is quite narrow and lined with spectators.  The turnaround has a short steep climb, but then has a good downside to hammer.   There is also another no-pass section in this stretch.

Main Street, Saint Jovite

After finishing up in Saint Jovite, the bike heads back from 177 to Monte Ryan towards transition, the opposite of the way out.  However, once hitting transition, there is one last out-and-back of about 20K, the Lac Superieur loop, which is arguably the most difficult part of the course.  It’s a continuous series of short, tough climbs that require the use of every single gear.   For those who bike in the NYC area, it’s very similar to the climbs that head out to the apple orchard.  The out portion is a bit more uphill in steps and the return is some great downhill.  This section is pretty tough on the second loop but I was happy to have paced well and felt pretty good.  My nutrition plan was spot on and the aid station placements were just right.  One fun note is that the aid stations had hockey nets to throw your empty bottles – after all it’s Canada, eh? Next stop was T2 and I was eager to get out on the run.

RUN

Similar to the bike, the run is a fair course.  A mix of rolling climbs and flats but nothing crazy.   The run is also two loops with out-and-backs and turnarounds. The first 5K portion is a bit hilly with a decent climb, short but steep, just out of transition. Then the rollers take you out to the packed dirt rail trail.   It’s a 10K out-and-back, which is a great surface but a bit narrow.  This is where I hit my groove and began to knock off some steady miles.

It also was a nice opportunity to say a hello to my buddies who were racing.  The end of each loop wraps through the ski village and the last 1K is completely lined with spectators cheering so loud that you can barely hear yourself think!  It made for an amazing finish!!  My run pace tapered a bit at the end and although not a PR, I was happy with my effort and in hindsight I know that I have a bit of work still to do on my biking.

RESULTS

• Swim - 1:13:22
• T1 - 7:13
• Bike - 5:53:57
• T2 - 3:34
• Run - 3:45:54
• Total - 11:03:58

POST-RACE

Poutine, Anyone?  –  Yum!

Not to be outdone by the finishing chute, the post race food area was first rate.   There were subs, pizza, beer and the Canadian specially, poutine – French fries covered in gravy and cheese curd.   A must try if you visit…  Then to top off the evening, a fireworks display lit up the sky.   A perfect ending to a great day!!

-Vicky T

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More On the Ironman U.S. Championship

Heather M

Blogmaster's Note:  The previous Flyers Blog entry, by Stephanie T, higlighted the excitement of the Ironman U.S. Championships in NYC from the perspective of the organizer of a spirited Flyers volunteer contingent, and included an excerpt from the blog entry, below.  -Dave K, NY Flyers Blogmaster. 

I made my Ironman debut on August 11th at the Ironman U.S. Championship in NYC. My training was with a small group and I basically kept it “under wraps” since registering last June because I was an extremely inexperienced triathlete and, basically, a non-swimmer. Until this year, I’d only completed two sprint triathlons during the six years prior and did the backstroke in both! I needed to wrap my own head around the idea before I could breathe a word to anyone.

After 8 months of steady training — five half marathons; one 89-degree Boston Marathon; six Century Rides; one duathlon; one sprint triathlon; one Olympic triathlon; one Half Ironman; countless open water, pool and stroke clinics; and many other rides and runs — I finally felt ready!

I eventually came out of the IM “closet” on Facebook the night before the event by posting an inspiring quote by Eleanor Roosevelt (You Learn By Living (1960), 29-30):

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.... You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Ironman US Championship – August 11, 2012.

In response, I received a humbling display of encouraging support, kind words and heartwarming admiration. There was no turning back now, nor did I want to. The news of a sewage leak in the Hudson only heightened my desire to do the swim. I was afraid it would cancel, and by now I really longed for the chance to become an Ironman. I knew it would never feel legitimate if that 2.4 miles was dropped.

And what about all that IM gear I bought at the Expo?!

Would I even be able to wear it in good conscious?!

Could anyone legitimately don a Boston Marathon jacket if Heartbreak Hill was removed?!!


At 4:45 pm the day before the race when we received the news that the swim was on, I was practically giddy and doing a jig on the ferry ride back from bike rack transition. All this emotion and excitement, from a non-swimmer?! I sort of surprised myself. Normally fearful of the swim, I was now determined to see it through. I wanted more than anything now to have the opportunity to compete in and ultimately finish this long journey. The threat of losing it for 48 hours just fueled my desire.

Flyers Basil A and Ray S
Returning from Checking Their Bags and Bikes for the IM

Armed with fluids, carbs and sound advice from my coach, Flyer Scott C, and countless other IM veterans, I boarded that morning ferry with boundless excitement, snapping pictures of the twinkling GW bridge before dawn as we approached transition.

GW Bridge Twinkles It's Encouragement
As the Swimmers Approach Transition to the Bike

The day was epic and I summed up my experience here with some musings…  

The Ironman was humbling, inspiring, and amazingly rewarding. It was also, at times, excruciatingly painful. A day I trained for, for months. An experience I’ll never forget. Sewage spills, 4:00 a.m. ferry ride, jumping feet first into the wide-open Hudson, river currents! Sighting markers: Palisades cliffs and a great grey bridge stanchion – 2.4 miles Large tents for my “costume” changes, bare-assed in front of a gaggle of volunteer Sherpas, dressing, rushing, barely catching your breath, excitement – Transitions Parkway closed, helicopters hovering overhead, drive-by pit stops, occasional crashes, strewn cycling detritus, 40.2 mph, leg cramps, PB'n'J, frozen calorie bottles – 112 miles Humid and hill laden state park, soothing chicken broth, softly lit George Washington Bridge at twilight, my name in pink chalk on a top step, athlete camaraderie, running with friends, photographer friends, big cheers, bright posters, the FANTABULOUS FLYERS, sprinting to the finish with a pack of squealing children and more friends, smiles, the “voice” of Mike Reilly beckoning like a siren and finally anointing my own finish with: “Heather Marcellis, you are an IRONMAN!” – 26.2 miles Stealing a Kiss From World Triathlon Organization  Hall of Famer Mike Reilly 140.6 miles. 14 hours 31 minutes 10 seconds. What an incredible adventure!

Happy Heather Ironman

On that unforgettable Saturday, I looked fear firmly in the eye.

I’m now a true believer in the inspiring Ironman motto. Indeed,

“Anything IS Possible!"

-Heather M

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Spirited Flyers Volunteer and Compete at the Inaugural Ironman U.S. Championships in NYC



Stephanie T

I had never spectated at an Ironman event before, let alone volunteered at one, and I was brimming with excitement over volunteering as a Run Course Marshall at the inaugural (and, as we would discover a few days later, potentially only) Ironman U.S. Championship in NYC!

My excitement only grew as I approached the meeting point for the 10 Mile River aid station on 150th Street along the Hudson River at 12 noon, where I could make out twenty or so fellow New York Flyer volunteers in yellow volunteer t-shirts and neon orange vests grow in my line of sight.

 


10 Mile River Aid Station
135th - 150th Streets Along the Hudson River Greenway

As we shared the aid station with a couple of other local clubs, our Volunteer Captain Alfonso P led our group to three separate points along the running route between 150th and 135th Streets. It was an extremely hot and muggy day. We marveled at the fact that these Ironmen we would serve were biking and running as we spoke, on their way to completing a whopping 140.6 miles!

Ryan K chats with Volunteer Captain Alfonso P

I continued walking until we reached the third point on 135th Street, along with Meg B, Janet H, Julie C, Jodie F, Ryan K, Leslie L, Bill N, Francisco R, Joyce S and Victoria S. Upon discovering that we didn’t have any Porta-Potties in our vicinity and wouldn’t be provided snacks, both to our surprise, and because we still had roughly two hours before even the fastest athletes would pass our aid station, a number of us made a trip to Fairway Market, which was thankfully only a few steps away, and offered a made-to-order sandwich and salad section as well as clean restrooms!

Janet H, Jodie F, and Joyce S
Munching on Yummy Snacks Brought by Victoria S
(Smart Victoria!)

Prior to the athletes’ arrival, aside from stocking up on food and water and making restroom trips, we also discovered a major role that we would play during the event…as traffic coordinators! We directed police cars onto the bike path, motioned cyclists away from the runners and answered loads of questions from drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. The yellow flags and cow bells that we were provided with certainly came in handy for many reasons.

We Got Really Good at Directing Traffic!

The anticipation of the athletes’ arrival finally came to a head when we witnessed male winner Jordan Rapp fly past us! We were amazed at how calm he looked 20 miles into the marathon, and that he led the race by a significant margin of time! We burst into even greater applause, cheers and bell-ringing as the female winner Mary Beth Ellis ran by our cheering section.

Male winner Jordan Rapp is Escorted by Motorcyles and Bicycles

By 3:30 or 4:00pm, there was a steady stream of Ironman racers that passed our aid station. Some of us rang our cow bells nearly continually until our shift was over, until just after 6:00pm, in hopes that it would provide added encouragement. We flashed big smiles and loudly expressed our words of support. What we treasured the most were the moments when athletes responded to our cheers—a thumbs up, a smile, or a ‘thank you’—and when athletes were able to dig deep to finish as some felt compelled to take a break, seeking solace from the sun under a tree or against a pillar, but got back up to run again. As Flyer Victoria S wrote:

“They were so fatigued and drained, yet they were still ‘there’ and engaged…They were superhuman, yet wonderfully human. It was a privilege to be out there among them.”

It certainly was a PRIVILEGE to be among such inspiring individuals.


In the photo above, athletes start to reach our station druing the marathon portion of the IM. We saw shirts labeled with countries, tri clubs and even Hello Kitty, such as the one the runner on the left is wearing!


Francisco R, Stephanie T, Leslie L, Bill N and Julie C

Nearly 2,600 participants who completed the Ironman US Championship on Saturday, August 11th, 2012.  Tragically, one IM athlete died during the competition.

Among the participants were the Flyers own Basil A, Noel C, Jamie D, Heather M, Ray S and Edmund O, and Kathleen M.    Click here to see their amazing results.  Congratulations to the Flyers who competed in the IM, and thank you for allowing us volunteers to share this priceless experience with you!

For some extra sharing, here's what Heather M has to say about her Unforgettable Adventure in completing her first ever Ironman:

Heather M’s Unforgettable Adventure The Ironman was humbling, inspiring, and amazingly rewarding. It was also, at times, excruciatingly painful. A day I trained for, for months. An experience I’ll never forget. Sewage spills, 4:00 a.m. ferry ride, jumping feet first into the wide-open Hudson, river currents! Sighting markers: Palisades cliffs and a great grey bridge stanchion – 2.4 miles Large tents for my “costume” changes, bare-assed in front of a gaggle of volunteer Sherpas, dressing, rushing, barely catching your breath, excitement – Transitions Parkway closed, helicopters hovering overhead, drive-by pit stops, occasional crashes, strewn cycling detritus, 40.2 mph, leg cramps, PB'n'J, frozen calorie bottles – 112 miles Humid and hill laden state park, soothing chicken broth, softly lit George Washington Bridge at twilight, my name in pink chalk on a top step, athlete camaraderie, running with friends, photographer friends, big cheers, bright posters, the FANTABULOUS FLYERS, sprinting to the finish with a pack of squealing children and more friends, smiles, the “voice” of Mike Reilly beckoning like a siren and finally anointing my own finish with: “Heather Marcellis, you are an IRONMAN!” – 26.2 miles 140.6 miles. 14 hours 31 minutes 10 seconds. What an incredible adventure! -Heather M

-Stephanie T

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