Race Coverage

"...Super Fast Until it is Not"....

Sunday, 27 July 2025 00:10

By Brandon Lee

Ironman 70.3 CDA was a fun one! Great course and super spectator friendly!
Came away 16 OA male 2nd in 40-44 AG, pretty stoked with the result, given a quick turnaround from DSM and not a lot of prep time or fitness built.

Swim was beautiful, water temp was around 65 degrees race morning and air temp was 48. Having done Square Lake 70.3 in 2024, conditions were quite similar so I knew it would be chilly on the bike starting out but needed to remember I’ve done it before. And not to worry about it. Had to back off the effort the last few hundred yards as my stomach was starting to turn a little.

I messed around too long in T1, with gloves and arm warmers and eventually just opted to go without anything except ankle smartwool socks. Honestly my feet got a little cold but that was it. My legs did remain quite stiff for the first 25-30 miles, and I imagine it was from being a little cold. The course is super fast until it’s not, a fair amount of long climbs but...

nothing super hard. Averaged a little under 23mph which was about what I expected. Good prep for Lake placid.

I felt great getting off the bike. Initially my leg turnover felt much better than DSM a couple weeks back. So much great crowd support and I couldn’t believe how fast the miles ticked off, loose my HR monitor it I clipped and I just stuffed it in my kit. Watch HR didn’t pick up but I think going by feel probably helped me today. Mile 8 I started to feel a bit fatigued but took care of my self at the next aid station and felt fine. My watch was showing average pace of 6:36 and but 6:27 pace is what I actually averaged. That was a nice surprise!

I had 12 family members present and that was the most fun. I’m so grateful for the support I receive, and love you all!

Thanks to coach @dkoppeltri for getting me prepared and for the support!

I appreciate all those who sent messages before and after the race- appreciate the support and love. Peace.

(Typed preflight, please excuse grammatical errors.)