Well you could possibly say that I am one happy lady at the moment. For those of you who didn’t know, I raced and won Ironman Canada last weekend. This was my 20th Ironman Distance race and my 4th Ironman title, but definitely my most significant as I was finally able to beat Lisa Bentley to the finish line. For the past five years Lisa has run me down at Ironman Australia and I was finally able to ‘turn the tables’ and win on her home turf- sweet justice I say! The rivalry between Lisa and I has been fantastic not only for the sport of Ironman but also for me as an athlete. I have so much respect for her. She is a great athlete and always gives 100% so I know if I want to finish ahead of her I have to be 100% on my game.

I only made the decision to race IM Canada three weeks before race day- a late decision but one I am glad my coach- Brett and I made. We really wanted to use the race as a ‘tester’ to see how my new training program was working out. I flew into Penticton, BC all the way from Switzerland on the Thursday afternoon before the race- I basically had enough time to register, ride the run course, catch up on some sleep and get myself to the start line. I had no idea where the bike course went- this was a first for me. In the 20 Ironman races I have completed I have always ridden the course prior to race day.

Race day arrived and we awoke to what I thought was a pretty prefect day for racing ironman (many would later disagree with this)- the lake was still, only a slight breeze was blowing, the skies were clear and the temperature comfortable. I was really excited and keen to race- always a good sign.

The pro wave went off at 6.45am- 15 minutes before the age-group wave. I felt great and after a sloppy start, found my groove and worked my way up to a great pack. I actually exited the water on the feet of Wendy Ingram- a legend of our sport and a great swimmer. I knew I had swum well, exiting the water in second female overall.

Onto my bike- I had opted to keep my set-up on my BMC Pro Machine as it was for training in the mountains of Switzerland- road bars and STI with my Oval clip-ons. I didn’t even wear my aero helmet. I just wanted to keep things simple, not put any pressure on myself and just ride- and ride I did! I felt unbelievable from the start. By the 20km mark I was in the lead and I never looked back. The bike course was a ‘corker’- stunning scenery, great climbs, incredibly challenging and best of all, fair (no drafting on this course). I worked my way into it- knowing I felt great- my powertap monitor was confirming what I was feeling and I was really enjoying myself. By the 90km mark I had a 10-minute lead, by the 150km mark it was up to 15 minutes and by the time I dismounted back in T2 it was just shy of 18 minutes. I rode 5hrs03- the fastest of the day by 14 minutes. But would it be enough to hold off the fleet-footed Lisa? I decided not to even think about it and just concentrate on me and what I could do. Brett and I had been working on my running with some massive track sessions, hill runs and longer runs off the bike, and I really did feel confident I could run a solid and consistent marathon. I took it out fairly conservatively as I had been told that too many people took it out too hard only to pay the price later down the track when the hills started. I felt comfortable and in control. At the 15km mark the hills started, and I tried really hard to work these, but I also had to contend with a tough and persistent head wind, so at times I felt like the hills were working me. I knew I just needed to make it to the turn-a-round, and then I would be rewarded with a tailwind home.

Finally I was making that 180-degree turn and heading for home. Now would be my first and only real chance to see Lisa. By the time we crossed paths, she had whittled my lead down to about 10 minutes. OK- I tried to do the math- way too difficult when you are trying to hold your form together, suck in the O2 and move in a forward direction. Luckily for me I had fantastic support out there. Spectators and athletes were continuously encouraging me and telling me I could do it. It was amazing to get that kind of support outside of your own country. With each stride I just grew with confidence, and I was determined to make this one count. I gave myself no choice but to bring it home for the win. With 6km to go I was given a split of 3min05. I thought about all of the easy 6km runs I had done prior to the race- I could do 6km with my eyes closed. I took my last power gel as I passed through an aid station and then just gave it everything. With 3km to go I was given my last split back to Lisa- 3min45. I had gained some time back- nothing was going to stop me now.

The last 2km are unbelievable- you head straight down the main street of town- the crowds are out of control- I lapped it up. You turn onto the finish straight, but they make you run away from the finish line for about 500m before you turn for home. I wanted to get to that finish line so badly, but I also wanted to savor the roaring crowds as well. I crossed paths with Lisa for the final time, and that is when I knew for sure that the race was mine. I slowed down and just took it all in- it is almost surreal to win an ironman. It is just the most amazing and satisfying feeling- all of the hard work culminating with a hard-fought race right to the line. Your emotions are almost uncontrollable. You are so tired and sore but inside you are just exploding with excitement. I crossed the finish line in 9hrs25- 1st woman and 17th overall. I had won the race by 3min05- my sweetest victory to date.

I am now back in Switzerland and back into training. Next up is of course the big one in Kona.

Thanks again for all of your support and well-wishes. I Hope I can make you all proud again in Hawaii.

Belinda