Victor's Triathlon Journey: 2017

Friday, December 8, 2017

Ironman Western Australia 2017 - Dec 3, 2017

What a day it was!

The swim was canceled due to a shark sighting.
Then it was a rolling start on the bike from the swim exit.

BIKE - 2 LOOPS OF 90KM

The first loop of 90km was ok and I averaged 33km/hr but thereafter it got hotter. The maximum temperature was 36.4 degrees Celsiuswith extreme UV and many dropped out on the bike leg. There were no clouds to shield the UV nor were there trees to shield you from the harsh sun, only bushes on both sides of the road.

I could not eat my Hammer Perpetuem which I had been using for my training rides. The body only wanted water and electrolytes, but could not absorb them fast enough. I rested at every stop from 110km, had only water and Endura electrolyte drinks and 3 gels given for the bike leg. I threw away my Hammer Perpetuem.

There were bush fires during the ride and I learnt later that some of the slower riders had their ride cut short as the roads affected by bush fires were cordoned off.

I just hung on to finish the bike leg in 6:10. Disappointed, yes, but I had rot accept that I could not deal with the heat as well as some others.

RUN - 4 LOOPS OF 10.5KM

The run started in the blazing sun with no breed on the coastal road. It was mid 30s Celsius run for a third of the run till the hear waned.

Ran the 42km in 5:43

Glad to finish! It was a furnace

1461 athletes
1 DQ
20 DNS
243 DNF
1197 Completed

17% DNF (which is very high)

#IMWA2017