One of the most gruelling Ironman 70.3 courses in Canada can be found in Whistler, B.C., with steep hills testing the mettle of anybody who cares to push their body to the limit.
That’s what Corner Brook’s Lisa LeDrew was looking for when she decided to enter the Ironman Canada 70.3 Sunday in Whistler.
The fact that she lived on Canada’s West Coast before and was captivated by the beauty of British Columbia was also a key factor in her decision to compete in her first Ironman 70.3 in a place she believes is one of the most stunning places she’s ever seen.
LeDrew posted a final clocking of 6:27:01 to finish 27th out of 76 females competing in the 40-44 age bracket in a race that she found extra tough with a scorching temperature of 34 C on race day.
It was a journey where she climbed some 1,200 metres on a hilly bike course, so she knew this was the kind of test she’d been hoping for and she got it.
“You put the heat on top of that and it was a complete ‘sufferfest’ for everybody,” LeDrew said Monday morning from Whistler. “I’m pumped that I did it.”
She said she felt good throughout the race, but had to take full advantage of the aid-stations every two kilometres along the route, cooling down her body with ice and water.
“I just said don’t stop until I’m done,” she said of the challenge of adjusting to a heat she’s never experienced before in her short time of making triathlon a big part of her life.
It was hard on the body. It was the greatest distance she’s ever covered, but she was proud of herself because she said she put in a lot of hard work for six months and seeing the finish line at Ironman Canada 70.3 was a primary goal of hers.
She’s already convinced herself she wants more. She figures a full Ironman is next on her agenda — a big feat when you consider it would be twice the distance.
“I’m pumped for the next one. I don’t know where I’ll be doing it, but I’m definitely hooked now. It was an incredible experience,” she said.
Ironman Canada 70.3
Lisa LeDrew
Finish time: 6:27:01
27th place out of 76 (F 40-44 age bracket)
154th place out of 489 (by gender)
512nd place out of 1,148 (Overall)
