The Challenges of China

We’re less than a week away from Ironman China 2010.
How exciting!

I would have loved to be on the starting line again this year, but I’m taking a year off from racing, so I will be a virtual spectator via www.ironman.com. It’ll be an emotional day for me I’m sure, as my memories from one of the toughest yet rewarding days of my life are evoked. This was my race report from last year, a day I’ll never forget.

China is a strange beast. The forecast in Haikou this week has days fluctuating between 18-29 degrees c. So what should you expect? Anything! The top piece of advice I can give is to be prepared for anything and everything, but always expect the best- we get what we expect after all.

Training Prior to race day

The Crowne Spa is the host hotel, where the race office, carb night etc is held. It has a pool that’s close to 50ms long- perfect for turning the arms over prior to race day.
I didn’t swim in the river at all before race day- let’s just say it doesn’t look especially clean, so I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Riding- the roads are mayhem. Cars, buses, bikes, mopeds, goats, chickens and pedestrians traveling in any direction other than which you’d expect. But if you can ride with at least one other person- safety in numbers- I would recommend riding cautiously to the transition area. Once there, the road that you ride out of transition on, on race day, which is also the start of the run course, is a good spot for training. It runs parallel to the river, it’s got a good surface and pretty much traffic free- great for stretching the legs.

Running- the easy one. I think if you turn right out of the Crowne Spa Hotel and then keep going you come to a coastal path which is quite nice. I always felt relatively safe and ignored by the locals. There are also treadmills in the hotel gym if the weather is bad.

Food in Race Week

I’m going to assume that you’re staying at the Crowne Spa Hotel…I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner there leading up to the race. I didn’t think this was the time to be testing the local cuisine. There’s several cafes/restaurants/buffets at the hotel, so plenty of variety. The only thing lacking was any kind of shop for snacks. I shared a cab into the city with some friends I made, and we managed to find a small supermarket with some labels and brands we recognised.
I drank only bottled water- really cheap- even to the extent of declining ice. I also cleaned my teeth with bottled water.

(My pre race dinner was Hainan Chicken- my lucky dish:):) That leads me to another tip. Saturday night dinner was packed out in the hotel restaurant, they were totally overwhelmed and took forever- so get in early.

Race Course

I didn’t see any of it before race day. I decided it was just too hard! There’s nothing that you need to see in terms of technical difficulty. A couple of guys did manage to ride off course last year, but I honestly don’t know how.
Don’t worry about the traffic- it will be gone on race day. They are amazing with keeping the roads clear and immaculately swept.

The swim looks like a horror to be honest. Listen to the advice regarding temp. and wetties. Water temps last year were very warm, but wetties were allowed for AG athletes. Is it worth overheating for a couple of minutes that may come back to bite you later in the day? Currents were also strong last year- so much so that you felt as if swimming on the spot. Make sure you listen carefully to advice in the athlete briefing on best lines to take since they are not necessarily the shortest route. If the swim is a horror, just “set and forget”.

Bike – super smooth highway, that’s undulating. The village section has a couple of tight corners and some small climbs. It’s actually a nice break from the highway. It’ll be a fast course with perfect conditions. Be aware that because it’s a smaller race field, you’re not going to get the usual packs forming. Be prepared for a solo ride, then you won’t be shocked on race day if you do find yourself on your own.

Run- I would call it flat. There are some false flats, but there’s nothing like any climbs or pinches. It’s very exposed for most of the course. If it’s hot you’re going to feel it. The hottest part of the course is the first 10kms that dips into a slight valley- like an oven.

Race Day

Be on the first bus to transition! The volunteers are inexperienced and things just take a little bit longer than they should. Plus if you have any kind of mechanical or drama you’re going to need time to sort it out.
Last year the portaloo keys went missing! Bring tissues:)

Slow down at the aid stations. As I said before the volunteers are not so experienced, and the aid stations not so long. Its worth taking it easy to get what you need. Last year the water was in 600ml plastic bottles- like the one’s you’d buy. This was fine since the road is smooth enough for it to not bounce out-even with the lids off.

I used special needs on the run- but it was a bit nerve-racking! Most of the volunteers don’t speak English. I had to try and communicate that I wanted my bag on the next lap and not right now. I didn’t know whether when I came past again it would be gone? Perhaps if it’s something you really have to have- keep it on you. My bag was there for me.

You’ve really just got to maintain an inner calm and confidence- and be ready to roll with the punches.
Have a plan A B and C, and race smart.
You’re racing in Asia, so issues may occur, stay relaxed as you can, it is what it is, and I expect it’s the same for everyone. Control what’s controllable.

Be prepared for mostly Chinese spectators largely staring at you! On the plus side. You are out there racing against yourself, for yourself and it’s a very pure experience.

I loved the adventure of racing in China.
Listen to your body out there and heed any warning signs your body sends out. Silly risks are not worth it. In extreme conditions it becomes all about survival, and if you want that Kona spot…you need to survive and just keep moving!

If it were easy everyone would be doing it- and there would be no challenge!

Enjoy

Charlotte

P.S If you need to buy gas at the Expo, be there as soon as it opens.

P.P.S Get all mechanicals fixed before you get there.

P.P.P.S Sodium is your friend.

P.P.P.P.S Hoping you get 25 and cloudy:)

P.P.P.P.P.S Send me an email if you have any more questions. Happy to help.