Race Review | Victoria 70.3 Ironman

"Wait, there's no swim?" 

The Victoria 70.3 Ironman is beautiful. But the good things I have to say about it end there. Which is something I never thought I'd say, given Victoria is my hometown. Had my spouse, coach and childhood friends not been there, I think this experience would've been an incredible letdown of an experience. 

Here's my short list of rants:

1. Athlete Village. It was small and quiet, almost creating an awkward rather than epic atmosphere. I had bike issues so spent a lot of time in T1 the day before - which is usually an epic, lively place to be! But there was nothing going on. Thankfully I don't race for the atmosphere, but I know plenty of folks who drop $500 on these races for the brand experience. Unfortunately, Victoria had little to show. 
2. There's No Swim...now, I ain't complaining. I had the best day of my life out there because of this. But again, paying $500 you should expect to get the full experience. And when there is a swim, make sure you don't swallow water. Elk Lake has been closed, on-and-off for hazardous waters for years. My frustration wasn't that the swim was cancelled, but that they waited until the day before to announce it, when the water levels had been 'unswimmable' for over 6 months...

Otherwise, the course is wonderful. It is hilly and hard on the bike (make sure to save your legs for the Willis climb - practice steep grade!) and the run is quite technical for fatigued legs. It is stunning. Expect rain, but be stoked if it's sunny, because then the temperature will be phenomenal. There are great volunteers throughout, and again, the scenery is stunning. Parking is a nightmare, and accommodation in Victoria goes quick, so be sure to plan in advance. I won't be doing Victoria again, partially because of how inconvenient it is to travel on BC Ferries, and partially because I want to swim!