Training Log Archive: jtorranc

Winterlude Triathlon in Ottawa

C • Tri 4

Skate leg of the Winterlude Triathlon. Usual routine - stayed with the lead pack once the wheat had been separated from the chaff after the mass start. The ice surface was in fairly rough shape, resulting in more falls relative to the number of people I was keeping tabs on that usual - 2 people out of a cohort of around 10. Went into transition in fifth or sixth place.

Run leg of Winterlude Triathlon, including run to ski transition. I made it onto the path still in fifth or sixth and quickly passed a few people on the way to passing Rick Hellard, the race director. The path had been cleared at some point in the night but there were at least a few centimeters of snow left, somewhat trodden down by pedestrians, so I regret the decision not to wear O shoes - I don't think the studs would have reached the pavement often enough to be really painful but I would have had better traction. Oh well. Had two collisions with slower racers after the turnaround - one guy's pack with his skates in it clipped my left bicep and a woman who didn't look right to see us coming as she exited the stairs up from the ice surface, with whom I collided in earnest, though we both managed to stay upright. Also saw Emily Kemp just starting her run - if she'd had long blades, I think she'd have been at least nipping at the heels of the eventual female winner. Rick passed me back around Bank Street. I stayed a few steps behind him for the rest of the run.

C • Unnecessary dangers 3

Winterlude Triathlon ski leg - the course had been groomed that morning but, with all the fresh powder that fell overnight, was still rather soft such that whichever ski you were trying to apply power through often gave way slightly beneath you. I made my depressingly usual inelegant way around the course, getting caught by four people. I must say I prefer the usual format with the run last on emotional grounds, since I get to finish the race as the hunter rather than the hunted but this was better for me objectively, since I didn't have to yield to overtaking skiers as often as I do when there's only the speed skating leg in which to try to get well ahead of them.

In any case, fifth overall - in the ballpark of my better results over the years. Though this year way warrant an asterisk on account of the Eastern Canadian Championships in nordic skiing that were going on at Nakkertok at the same time probably removing a few strong competitors from the triathlon field.

Got more clothes on and went back out to watch people, Emily in particular finish. Ran into Randy Kemp also waiting for her to come in. Impressive debut - not sure how much she beat the runners up in the female 15-19 but I believe she was fifth or sixth female overall despite the disadvantages of hockey skates and being, if I've got things straight, quite new to ski racing.

Easy ski in the afternoon with friends on the Gatineau Parkway.