What do you get when you combined 58 degree water, a mountain climb bike stage followed by 4.5 hours of hill repeats, along with elevations ranging from 2800 to 4500 feet above sea level? Answer Ironman St. George, Utah. It's pretty much been confirmed IMSG is the toughest IM on continental North America. We were ready for a tough day and we got it. On top of everything else add in the gusts of winds. One chap broke his clavicle bone on a down hill when a spectator got up from her lawn chair, wind sent it flying into the cyclists. By the way, this same guy walked the run course with his arm in a sling. True Grit. The water was so cold that many could not function in the change tents. Shivering and frozen limbs, many athletes had to have IM support to unzip wetsuits and assists with socks, jerseys etc. Many had to be physically assisted out of the water as they could not get blood circulation going. I'm thanking my good friend Mark Herbst for loaning me his neoprene swim cap. As i sat down in a folding chair, on either side of me the two guys were using the hot packs to warm their frozen hands. By the way the people and volunteers of St. George are truly amazing. Friendly, friendly and ever so kind. Our friends Mark & Nat had their breakfast bought for them the following morning by an elderly couple who had learned Mark had completed the Ironman. The event was extremely well organized.
The mountain climbs up to Veyo were punishing especially the second time around when we had a head wind. At the top in Veyo round two, the temperatures dipped and i was getting cold in my tri tank top. Only on the descent back into the City of St. George did the warmth of the sun begin to take the chill off my body. Strangely enough both Mark & I were having trouble with our bike saddles. I in fact stopped four times to adjust the positioning, whereby Mark's problems were a little more serious. The cross winds on the descent were at times beyond frightening. My top speed on the descent was recorded at 74.6 kmp. Considering 2 nature calls, 4 stops for Bike saddle adjustments, the climbing, my time of 6:44 for 180 km i was certainly ok with.
The run is my strength and this was a grueling 42 km. Imagine running up the escarpment in Hamilton. Honestly there were no flat portions on the run course. I completed the run portion in 4 hrs 17 minutes which surprised the hell out of me, because believe me i walked the vicious hills. My final time for IMSG was 12:42. Overall i was in top 26% in my age category and in the top 17% overall. Am i pleased. You're dam right i am.
On the drive back to the airport a discussion took place whether the extreme difficulty of IMSG would discourage or enhance future ironmen from signing up. Personally, i think it will attract more just due to it's immense challenge.
