-20C temperatures were only heard of and seen in movies when I was in Vancouver.  Even when I entered into the triathlon world during my university years I would wuss out on rides in the rain and the "winter".  Fast forward 4 years, and here I am running outside in double digit negative temperatures accompanied by winds that are so cold they can freeze your contacts or numb your privates. 

Here in Fort St John, BC, you have to learn to love your fluid trainer (and I specifically state "fluid" trainer because I would have killed myself had I been hearing that whirring sound throughout the freagin 6 month winter) and the treadmill.  The occasional treat I get is to run outside when the snow doesn't pass my ankles.  Truthfully, it really sucks here, but thanks to Clint's guidance, I was able to maintain focus, stay motivated and was strategically molded into an athlete ready for an early race season despite the northern weather.

The season started with a PB half marathon (1:21 earning me a 3rd place AG medal) early in Feb where I raced in Fort Langley.  I thought I was excited with my result, but Clint seemed even more enthusiastic than I was!! What an awesome coach!  Keeping the momentum, we worked hard for another 2 months and off to Wildflower I went. 

Everything went pretty smooth up till 2 days before the race when my throat started to get sore.  Sh*t!!!!  Healthy for the whole year and I am starting to feel sick NOW?!  Jumped on some magic pills from the drug store and crossed my fingers.  Throat got better by race day, but did have some minor cold symptoms, but it'll do.  Had a chance to drive the bike route and that really helped me during the race in terms of where to push and where to spin. 

Race day morning was early waking at 5am but I was glad I was in a motel getting good sleep and not camping.  Had my breakfast and fluids and did my final check before leaving for race site.  Set up my spot and "unloaded" right on time.  Arrived at the water right when the pros started, then it hit me, whoa, it was go time!!

The swim started bad.  Goggles knocked and had to readjust a couple times before water would stop leaking.  Missed the pack and swam mainly by myself.  Besides that I was actually swimming pretty smoothly and before I knew it, the swim was over!!  That was definately the most comfortable swim I have ever had in a race.  Watch clocked 35', not bad, was hoping for 32-33' but was feeling too good so not a big deal.  Transition had no strippers and I love strippers ; ) so it took me a little longer than i hoped having to wrestle my wetsuit off and sit down for socks.  Off on the bike.  Started feeling good, but only spun up hills, making sure I got my HR under control and remembering to save my legs for what was up ahead.  The first hill was not bad, just spin.  Then after that, some rollers, not a big deal, still only spun up the hills, then there was a tailwind all the way to nasty grade.  That was awesome, I felt like I was flying.  Still, I was not gonna push it and kept in mind the race didn't start till the run.  Basically I went to my easiest gears for the hills, got passed by quite a few people at nasty but passed most of them on the downhill and later on.  Really didn't find the crosswinds a big deal on the downhills as some others complained about, actually, I didn't even think about them until people brought that up!! They should come to FSJ and experience the wind here!!!  Anyways, legs were feeling pretty good once i got to the run.  The first few miles were steady at a 4:20/km pace, but once I hit those hills, I was reduced to snail speed.  The trails were TOUGH!!  Decided not to push the hills again (actually, don't think I could've really pushed it anyways) and worked the downhills (good tip Peter, thanks!).  Managed to find some strength after the first 10km, and really started my engines through the campgrounds and on.  Started to catch and pass quite a few people the last 10km, then that powerbar turnaround point was a killer!! Once again, downhill was my game and uphill was a shame.  The last 3 km was tough and I really had to dig deep but I finished strong.  Final time 5:11, another PB!!  I really enjoyed the race and it was definately a tough one.  Faced my demons of heat, hills, and cramping and conquered them all with a great race!!