That’s how many times I’ve competed in the Kelowna Apple Triathlon. The only one on record that has signed up, started, and finished the race since it’s inception 26 years ago. There was only one year that the organizers cancelled the race an hour before start time because of a lightening storm, and flooding on the course. But, I was there, trained, and ready to go!
Had a great swim! I came out of the water a couple of minutes slower than my goal time because wetsuits were not allowed. Once the water temperature is above 22 degrees Celsius, wetsuits aren’t allowed, and swimming with a wetsuit actually makes you faster because of the bouyancy that the suit provides. So a 2 minute difference is not a big deal.
The bike was challenging. It was a hilly 3 loop course. By the 3rd lap, my legs were starting to feel it. But, I was able to beet my goal, and come off the bike right where I wanted to be.
The run was a tough grind. I was doing ok on the first 5 k. But the second 5 k, I was having trouble breathing, and getting enough air into my lungs. It felt like only half of my lungs were filling with air. Not sure if it was the heat, humidity, or maybe it could be a reoccurrence of a problem I had in the spring. Anyway. Without air getting into my lungs my muscles weren’t getting the oxygen that they needed, and my pace slowed a lot.
I managed to get myself across the finish line. I have never dropped out of a race, and I decided that today was going to be no different. Made it across, and met up with Lisa, and Matthew. They came out to cheer me on, and got some pics that are on Facebook.
Now it’s time to get ready for next season. My goal is to race at least one half Ironman race next year and a couple of Olympic Distance races. In order to do that, I need to drop another 40 pounds, and I plan an doing that by the end of the year.
About Rolf Issler