Tuesday August 18
This is why we are here. Race day!
Overcast skies with a breeze and a refreshing 22 degrees with a promise of 28 degrees later. Rumors are out that the harbor is rough with white caps. Early pre-race breakfast for the girls who ride off to the race site at 08:00 accompanied by RossAnn. The boys race at noon so head off to the site around 9:30.
By race time the harbor has settled down to gentle waves and the clouds are blocking out some of the rays. The girls are off for their 750 meter swim. Our girls are strong out of the water led by Abby (11:33), Alecia (11:38) and then Nadine (13:05). The run to transition is along the boardwalk and out to the street, probably 200 meters. There is a strong lead pack and our girls are out in the middle third of the group. Abby is first off the bike (34:07), followed by Nadine (35:43) and then Alecia (36:45). The girls all ran well with Abby crossing the line 13th. Overall (17:34), Nadine 20th (18:50) and Alecia 23rd (22:52). Awesome race for all three. Great to see the green suits cross the line.
The boys hit the pontoon at 11:50 for their introductions and line up. Several minutes later the race begins. Obvious packs are forming in the water. The lead swimmer is from Nova Scotia followed by the pack. Joel is out of the water in 7th place (8:59) with Jeramie (9:40) and Sash (10:03) both out of the water just a minute later. Joel joins the lead pack and leads the pack after the first lap. Jeramie takes a header off the bike but manages to get himself back in the race without too damage. Sash goes ahead of Jeramie on the bike after Jeramie’s crash. Joel has a great bike finish (28:49) and joins the top 5 runners. He is followed up by Sash (33:49) who heads out on the run in pursuit of Joel. Jeramie is off the bike (34:04) and all three are safely off the bike and on their feet.
The clouds are gone and the sun is blazing at 12:40 pm. All three boys had excellent runs despite the heat. Joel pounds the pavement for the last 500 meters to hold onto 4th place (16:14) behind 2 BC and 1 Ontario runner. Jeramie crosses the line in 18th place (17:10) and Sash places 21st (18:03).
Final Times:
Joel Howlett (4) 55:06.00
Jeramie Anderson (18) 1:02:13.00
Sash Broda (21) 1:03:10.00
Abby Miller (13) 1:04:31.00
Nadine Brenaut (20) 1:09:02.00
Alecia Lukash (23) 1:12:44.00
What a day! Solid performance by all. Special mention for Jeramie who got back in the saddle and rode on. He said “I had to finish this one”
Thank you to all the support from the crowd and the families. Again, check out the pictures on the website.