{"id":3090,"date":"2025-07-07T01:44:23","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T01:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/followfichte.com\/?p=3090"},"modified":"2025-07-24T19:18:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T19:18:28","slug":"seven-tidbits-about-ironman-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/seven-tidbits-about-ironman-ottawa\/","title":{"rendered":"7 tidbits about Ironman Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Welcome to Ottawa!<\/strong>\u00a0Whether you\u2019re racing your first Ironman or just racing your first one here, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re coming to town. As a local and someone who&#8217;s done several Ironman races elsewhere, I wanted to share a few things that might help you prepare \u2014 not just for the course itself, but for the quirks of the city, the weather, and the your race experience overall. This isn\u2019t a full course preview; just the stuff I think maybe useful for those not from around here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/ironman-ottawa-2025-preparations\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2862\">Videos and course files<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/collections\/4958682\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RideWithGPS local routes collection<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/collections\/3168510\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RideWithGPS IM Ottawa routes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1Oq7KQCmMUIF6KBRjkic4USuWv42PzZ4&amp;ehbc=2E312F&amp;noprof=1\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The map above will help you familiarize with Ottawa \u2013 I curated it to provide some personal tips about local bike shops, places I like to eat at, public bike repair stations, meeting points of countless local run clubs, places to swim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Heat, Humidity, and Wind: Classic Ottawa in August<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa in August can be\u00a0<em>brutal<\/em>. It&#8217;s not just the heat\u2014it\u2019s the\u00a0<strong>humidity<\/strong>, too. It clings to you on the bike and saps your strength during the run. Add to that the potential for\u00a0<strong>windy conditions<\/strong>, and you&#8217;ve got yourself a race that\u2019s less about raw speed and more about pacing and adapting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also\u00a0<strong>very little shade<\/strong>\u00a0on large parts of the bike and run course. So hydrate like it\u2019s your job. Take electrolytes early and often. Use ice at the aid stations. Take advantage of your personal needs bags. Trust me, it can make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While as of today (1.5 weeks to race day) the weather forecast looks favorable for us athletes, don&#8217;t be surprised by hot conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Bumpy Roads and a Flat Course (Mostly)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa\u2019s roads&#8230; well, they\u2019re not the smoothest. If you\u2019ve raced in Europe or are expecting fresh tarmac like in Mont-Tremblant or Lake Placid, be prepared for some\u00a0<strong>bumpy sections<\/strong>, especially along\u00a0<strong>Kichi Zibi Mikan<\/strong> before the turnaround point. It&#8217;s a beautiful stretch by the river, but it\u2019s rough. Make sure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your\u00a0<strong>bottles are secure<\/strong>\u00a0(tight rear cages or velcro or rubber bands can help),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You bring&nbsp;<strong>a spare tube and CO2<\/strong>&nbsp;(don\u2019t count on luck),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re&nbsp;<strong>comfortable changing a flat<\/strong>&nbsp;yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The course is&nbsp;<strong>mostly flat<\/strong>, but not pancake-flat. There are some&nbsp;<strong>false flats<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>short inclines<\/strong>, and a few spots that break the rhythm a bit. If you\u2019ve done Ironman Cozumel, this is hillier. Much flatter than Mont-Tremblant or Penticton. Probably closest in feel to Ironman Florida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re in town early, good&nbsp;<strong>shake-out rides<\/strong>&nbsp;include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gatineau Park Loop<\/strong>\u00a0(for climbing and views, the local cycling paradise),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Route to Wakefield<\/strong>&nbsp;(quiet and scenic),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GE &amp; Kichi Zibi Parkways<\/strong>\u00a0(actual race segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Find a RideWithGPS <a href=\"https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/collections\/4958682\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">collection of my favourite local routes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Swim: River Current and Morning Glare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The swim is a\u00a0<strong>single loop<\/strong>\u00a0in the Ottawa River. You head out\u00a0<em>against<\/em>\u00a0the current, then come back\u00a0<em>with<\/em>\u00a0it. It\u2019s not a crazy current, but you\u2019ll feel it. And if it\u2019s a windy morning, things can get\u00a0<strong>choppy<\/strong>. On other days, the early morning river can be flat as a pancake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wetsuits will\u00a0<strong>likely<\/strong>\u00a0be legal, but there\u2019s no guarantee. Come mentally prepared for both options. The sun will be\u00a0<strong>in your eyes<\/strong>\u00a0on the way back, so practice your\u00a0<strong>sighting<\/strong> and choose goggles accordingly \u2014 a <strong>morning swim<\/strong>\u00a0the day before can help you get your bearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As for local open-water training:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Meech Lake<\/strong>&nbsp;is a favorite, but a bit outside of town in Gatineau Park<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lake Leamy<\/strong>, on the other side of the Ottawa River in Gatineau is a good training spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Britannia Bay<\/strong>\u00a0is ideal since it&#8217;s the race location, but be aware of the currents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Westboro Beach<\/strong>\u00a0has a more protected area, but I&#8217;ve never swam there myself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I personally avoid places like\u00a0<strong>Mooney\u2019s Bay<\/strong>\u00a0oder\u00a0<strong>Dow\u2019s Lake<\/strong> due to water quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay far away from unmarked river access \u2014 <strong>currents can be dangerous<\/strong>, and we\u2019ve sadly had fatalities just recently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Refer to the map above for an overview of suitable swimming spots in Ottawa or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/edit?mid=1Oq7KQCmMUIF6KBRjkic4USuWv42PzZ4&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Run Course: Scenic and Exposed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The run course loops through some of Ottawa\u2019s most beautiful areas: <strong>the Rideau Canal<\/strong>,\u00a0along <strong>Dow&#8217;s Lake<\/strong>, looking over the <strong>Arboretum<\/strong>, through the <strong>Experimental Farm<\/strong>, and around the city core. It\u2019s generally flat but comes with a few surprises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watch out for the\u00a0<strong>climb behind Parliament Hill<\/strong>: short but steep. We&#8217;ll have to do this one twice, in both directions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Little&nbsp;<strong>shade<\/strong>&nbsp;here too. It can feel like a furnace in the afternoon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By the evening, if you&#8217;re still running: don\u2019t worry about lights. The whole course is\u00a0either <strong>lit with streetlights<\/strong> (even on the pathways) and most likely illuminated by Ironman on the sections behind Parliament. No need to carry a headlamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refer to the above map for some notes on the course itself or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/edit?mid=1Oq7KQCmMUIF6KBRjkic4USuWv42PzZ4&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Special Needs Bags: Use Them Strategically<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll get&nbsp;<strong>one special needs bag for the bike<\/strong>, and one for the&nbsp;<strong>run<\/strong>. Use them! I usually throw in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Salt tablets<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Favorite solid food<\/strong>&nbsp;or fuel I can\u2019t get on course<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An&nbsp;<strong>extra CO2 cartridge<\/strong>&nbsp;und&nbsp;<strong>inner tube<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A cold&nbsp;<strong>electrolyte drink<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Just remember: you probably won\u2019t get your bags back. Don\u2019t put anything in there you\u2019re not willing to lose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Know the Rules (Yes, Read the Athlete Guide)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year, athletes get penalties or DQs for stuff they didn\u2019t realize was a rule. Don\u2019t let that be you. Some big ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No drafting<\/strong>&nbsp;(keep 12m between bikes),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No littering<\/strong>&nbsp;(only drop bottles and trash at aid stations),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No outside help<\/strong>\u00a0(even a bottle of water from a friend = penalty, or someone other than a registered athlete running beside you = penalty).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read the athlete guide. Then read it again.<\/strong>\u00a0And if you still have questions? Go to the athlete briefing.<br>You&#8217;ll find the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ironman.com\/races\/im-canada-ottawa\/pre-race-info\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.ironman.com\/races\/im-canada-ottawa\/pre-race-info\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">athlete guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. The Finish Line: Stick Around for the Party<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best experiences in Ironman is the&nbsp;<strong>midnight finish line party<\/strong>. Traditionally, the&nbsp;<strong>first place finisher gives the medal to the final athlete<\/strong>. It\u2019s emotional, uplifting, and a great reminder of why this sport is so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re done earlier in the day, please go back out. Cheer. Bring your family. The energy is going to be amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus: Make the Most of Ottawa While You\u2019re Here<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ottawa isn\u2019t just the race venue\u2014it\u2019s a fun city to explore. Some of my favorite spots:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parliament Hill<\/strong>&nbsp;(especially the locks and views at sunset)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rideau Canal<\/strong>&nbsp;(walk, run, or boat)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Little Italy<\/strong>&nbsp;for restaurants, gelato, and coffee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dow\u2019s Lake<\/strong>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<strong>Arboretum<\/strong>&nbsp;(perfect for a post-race walk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gatineau Park<\/strong>&nbsp;for hiking and more cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Museums:&nbsp;<strong>National Gallery<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Museum of Nature<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>War Museum<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Aviation Museum<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And of course, you may wanna try&nbsp;<strong>Poutine<\/strong>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<strong>Beaver Tail<\/strong>.<br>Refer to the map above or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/edit?mid=1Oq7KQCmMUIF6KBRjkic4USuWv42PzZ4&amp;usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here<\/a> for more details around restaurants and points of interests that I&#8217;d recommend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ironman Ottawa will be a race full of contrasts: scenic and fast, but sometimes gritty. Welcoming, but intense. Whether you&#8217;re gunning for a Kona\/Nice slot or just hoping to hear \u201cYou are an Ironman\u201d for the first time,&nbsp;<strong>Ottawa will challenge you and cheer for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll be out there racing myself, too. So maybe I\u2019ll see you on the course, or later at the finish line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please leave a comment and let me know what you&#8217;re most excited about coming to Ottawa and racing \u2013 You will be an Ironman!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to Ottawa!\u00a0Whether you\u2019re racing your first Ironman or just racing your first one here, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re coming to town. As a local and someone who&#8217;s done several Ironman [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3105,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[13,10,11],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-3090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mywaytoironman","tag-canada","tag-competition","tag-swimcyclerun"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3090","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3090"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3090\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3187,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3090\/revisions\/3187"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3090"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/followfichte.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=3090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}