Race Report: Ryan
Dockman Toronto
Welland Long Course – Multiport Canada Series - June 23rd, 2018
I’ve never raced in the rain, and thankfully we didn’t have
to this past weekend - even through I think I prayed for it once or twice
during the run;) Last weekend I raced the Long Course in Multisport Canada’s
Season Opening Race. The rain held off all morning and it turned out to be
perfect conditions for the Ontario Championships!
This was my 3rd
consecutive year tackling the 2KM Swim, 56KM Bike & 15KM Run. They offer a
Sprint (750m, 20km, 5km) distance but I like to test my fitness early season so
I know which sport needs the most attention. It was a great race, flat water,
mild temperatures, slight wind and some of Ontario’s best racers in a
competitive field!
I knew it was going to be a challenge as I was hit by a car
last year and had to have ACL Reconstructive Surgery in September (less than 10
months ago). Even though I think I’m Superman, coming back from Surgery takes
time. My Doctor’s tell me I need to have patience, but at 36 it’s taken a
little longer than I had hoped. Still I stayed focused on recovery in the off
season and I was ready to see how I could do.
Hat’s off to Multisport Canada for hosting another hiccup
free and fantastic event. The course is flat so it’s perfect for beginners and
pro’s, and venue has a grandstand that sits right in front of the swim &
run course - perfect for spectators!
The 2km Swim to start the season always test the nerves a
bit but I managed to hang in there. Coming out of the Welland Swim is a great
feeling, again you pop out of the water right in front of cheering crowd and
you can feel the encouragement as you hustle over to transition. My swimming
isn’t at par with some of the elite athletes but at 37 Minutes I was happy and
ready to take on the bike course.
Being a flat course I knew I could push myself and try to
keep up with the top racers. I tried but failed -haha. Some of the racers are
so powerful that it’s impossible to think you can keep up with them on 3-4
months training/recovery. I did manage to clock in a 37.5KM average rocking my
@BladeCarbonWheels which is nothing to sneeze at.
For those who haven’t raced Welland the bike course was
perfect again this year. Flat (great for beginners) with just a few turns, very
safe with police &/or officials at every turn or crossing and the aid
station at KM 32 gives you that extra boost as you prepare for the run.
I was most concerned about how my knee would hold up for the
15KM run. I’ve been running longer distances recently but I’ve held back on and
Brick (bike/run) training. Fortunately, it held up pretty well and I was able
to average a 4:30 pace. Unfortunately, this year Welland had all of Ontario’s
best with some runners running 3:30 paces so I still have some work to do:)
Multisport made a few
changes to the run course this year. Instead of 3 - 5km loops you have to run 2
7.5 km loops which I definitely prefer. I always dreaded the 3rd
loop when starting my second lap, remembering thinking to myself: “You mean I
have to do this 2 mores times!”. 2 laps are perfect for me and it loops right
past the grandstand at 4 times before the finish.
Sadly, John Salt an Icon of Triathlon Ontario Racing
announced he’ll be retiring from Multisport at the end of the Season. He founded Multisport Canada and built it
into an inspiring circuit for beginners and elites. Being offered an opportunity by John to join the
Multisport Ambassador team has motivated and inspired me to not only be a good
athlete but to show great sportsmanship! Thank you John for creating a great
series, the great years on the circuit and we all look forward to seeing you at
more events this year!
Next stop Gravenhurst!
Ryan
