So Bill Johnson (husband of Melanie Price, who is swimming Lake O this summer!) just finished Ironman St George (Utah) last weekend! And even though this race is only a couple of years old, it already has the reputation as THE hardest Ironman in the world! Of course, this is always debated, but regardless, it’s tough… even by Ironman standards.
Cold water (62F), at least if you aren’t a LOST Swimmer… not hills, canyons (think Grand Canyon!), I did the St George Marathon and I’ve seen those hills!… and the run is on the same hills… oh, and 90F… after training in the snow and on the trainer all winter = one tough race! Good work, Billy!!!
Cheers,
Rob
Here’s Bill’s race report:
So I had a crazy idea of squeezing in an early season race before my focus turned to helping my wife Melanie train for her Lake O Crossing. Now I’ll tell you that my choice was Ironman St. George Utah. This race was quickly labeled as one of the toughest on the circuit due to the possibility of a cold swim, a tough bike and a very punishing run.
The hardest part of any Ironman is the training and this one is no different, perhaps a little more grueling is that this one is done throughout the winter. So a time of year that should be used to rest the body and mind was full of unusually long training weeks.
In the fall I joined the HAC masters swimming group. Having a coach and being in the pool with other swimmers was great to keep me focused. Coach Carrie corrected my chicken wing stroke and tried her hardest to make me kick.
My training time on the bike was 99% on the trainer just spinning way. Right after my first time riding the St. George course on the Computrainer I knew it was going to be something “special”. The longest rides I could manage on the trainer were just over 4 hours… yes it gets very boring.
I thought the hardest part of training for this event would be running in the snow and cold! But I ended up enjoying getting outside and braving the elements… “makes you tough” was my motto. The best was my long runs with the Oakville running group on the Around the Bay route and JC bagels to warm up afterwards.
After a long day of travel, we final arrived at our accommodations; the city of St George is beautiful and the locals seemed very friendly and excited about the race. Even with all the logistics of 2 transitions, the registration process and getting set up for race day was a breeze.
Race day started early with catching a shuttle to the swim start. Last minute bike checks, nutrition set-up and getting all greased up with sun screen; all of this is done before the sun comes up. Once the sun breaks the horizon the panic sets in; all athletes head to the start corral at the same time. The start is just seconds away…
The Swim: 1:12:24 (PB)
After the gun goes off, I’m waiting for the washer-machine to hit me, but instead I get open water right off the bat. Many athletes seemed afraid of the 62C “cold water” and lingered on the shoreline until the start, but it wasn’t that bad (for a LOSTie anyways). Cool and crisp, it was very easy to settle into a great rhythm and just follow the fastest feet I could hold onto.
The Bike: 6:55:37
Out of the fresh waters into what is an already warm morning; the ride starts with a route back into St George 35 miles approx. There are3 longer climbs in this section but this early in the ride and the amazing scenery you hardly notice them. A very steep downhill to the loop, this is where the fun begins, the loop is 40 miles approx. The loop consisted of rolling hills, good climbs and some very mean climbs with the occasional downhill to rest. The breathtaking vistas make the climbing very rewarding. Even a couple low flying military jets flew over. I have never ridden anything like that descent back into town before; 8% descents on the aero bars over 70 kph = Amazing! Then do the loop all over again, second time around not so much fun.
The Run: 5:53:26
Right out of T2 the run is a beast. A gradual climb to a steep long climb to more climbing, some downhills, steep downhills, more climbing … no joke this run would be hard on a bike. And just like the bike course it was a 2 loop run so you do it all twice! On the second loop just past the turnaround on top of the bluffs you can hear all the commotion of the finish line. Something about the sound of Mike Reilly calling finishers down the shoot spurred me on; it got me to the finish! To see my girls anxiously waiting for me, that was climax of my journey.
This race was a real test for me, with temperatures well over 90F and no shade until late in the run. At one point, I wasn’t even sure I would finish the bike. And the run began with whatever virus I had earlier in the week. From porta-potty to porta-potty, I kept plugging away until my body would let me function. At some point in the second lap of the run though it became fun again, knowing you will finish has that affect. What a great way to spend a day! Will I do this race again? …certainly hope so!