I arrived in Penticton ten days prior to the race. I got a bit of an opportunity to head out and do some training on the course, as well as scoping out some of the more challenging parts of the course. I really must applaud the person who decided to include not one but two climbs over separate mountain ranges in the same race. All before running a marathon, of course.
Four days out from race day, while out riding and battling the winds at the back of the course (did I mention the wind?? As if the climbs weren't going to be challenging enough!!) I got bitten by a wasp. Now this is something that doesn't really happen to me. Enough so that I hadn't realised up until this point that I was allergic to wasps. Being a trooper (and I didn't rate my chances hitch hiking), I rode another 70km with a throbbing leg.
I woke up the next morning to find from my knee down to my foot my leg was twice the size, very red and very hot. Being a typical triathlete, I did what all triathletes do, and went down to the pool for a swim, ignoring the glowing red puffy thing attached to my knee. Apparently this was the incorrect thing to do (as was finishing my ride the day before) as told to me by the doctor I then had to visit. In short I was given some pills to take that "may cause drowsiness" (read: they knocked me out senseless every time I took them). Additionally my appetite vanished - for those who know me, this is a serious thing as I am usually always eating. Not ideal pre-race prep! However after two days the swelling had reduced enough for me to put my foot into my bike and running shoes.
Race morning dawned and for once I had no nerves. This was either due to spending the last three days in a drug-induced fog, or due to the fact that everyone involved with this race was so supportive and friendly - it is hard to get nervous when everyone wants only the best for you.
The swim was rough with a lot of chop but I managed to settle into a small group with Jen Annett, Trish Deim and Janelle Morrison.
Out of the swim I got on to my bike but soon lost Jen, Trish and Janelle who proved to be powerhouses on the bike.
I knew this was going to be a hard day at the office when 60km into the bike I began to feel like my legs were working really hard. And I hadn't even hit Richter's Pass yet.
Things looked up a bit when I caught sight of Trish on Richter's Pass proving I had made up some ground again, but I soon lost her on the long descent over the other side. Note to self: load bike with bricks for descending...
By the time I hit the final stages of the 20km climb at Yellow Lake I was concentrating very hard on not thinking about running a marathon. My legs were hammered.
The final 20km of the bike had some good descents back to transition, enough for me to convince myself I actually wanted to run a marathon.
Off the bike on to the run course I couldn't quite seem to hit my targeted pace, so I settled for as close as I could and tried to enjoy the beautiful scenery along lake Skaha. I managed to make up some ground, passing Trish a few km's out from the turnaround, putting me in 5th place. I caught sight of Jennifer Luebke in the final 4km and I managed to gain some ground on her, but not enough to move into 4th. Finishing 23sec behind her for 5th place with nothing left in my legs I could only be happy.
For my first pro race I definitely learnt a lot and was happy with the effort I put in. After talking my nutritionist Mel, I can see now that taking those pills a few days out interfered with my body's ability to absorb things. Wasps are now my least favourite creatures!
Well done to everyone who completed the race!
I want to say a huge thank you to the team who put Challenge Penticton on. I feel honoured to have been able to race in the inaugural race here. The entire team, the volunteers and the community were just absolutely awesome. In particular to Kelly Hall the pro coordinator for the fantastic job she did, and for opening her home to us. I have never seen anyone work so hard but be so enthusiastic all the time! She really made this experience very special for a lot of us pros. Also to Judy Sentes who made us very welcome in her home and in her family. Roger and I have gained some lifelong friends who we hope to see again next year!
Finally thanks to my sponsors SkyCity for getting me over to Canada; to Bob's Bikes for all the prep they put into my bike; to Saucony for my fast running shoes and racing apparel; and to Adidas Eyewear. And to all my friends and family who provide me with so much support and encouragement. Lastly to Roger who always believes in me, making pursuing my dream possible.
