The main event at Savageman is the half-iron distance, with the toughest bike course- perhaps in the world- for the triathlon. I initially registered for the aquavelo - that is the swim and bike legs of the half-iron- way back when I was hard core training for Ironman Lake Placid. In recent months, I wisened up, realized that there is no way I could tackle that bike course, and switched to the international distance race. That would be enough of a challenge. On top of that, after several discussions with Coach Ed, we both agreed that from here on out - at least for now - I should simply stick to short distance triathlons. I tend to be injury prone, for one, with repetitive knee trouble. And besides, I just ENJOY short distance more.
I drove out to Deep Creek Lake, MD with new Team Z'rs Carrie and Colin the morning before the race. We promptly arrived at the Team Z rental house, right on Deep Creek Lake. Beautiful house. Beautiful area. I made a mental note to be sure to return to the area again soon, perhaps this winter to go skiing.
Upon arrival, I forced myself to do a little warm-up brick, going first for a swim. The water was clean and cool and pleasant to swim in. I then got on my bike for a short ride, but blew off the run. I think I had lunch on my mind instead.
I spent the afternoon with typical race preps: packet pick-up, bike drop off, pre-race brief.... but managed to skip one key element: previewing the race course. My priorities for the afternoon shifted toward watching college football (big day in the SEC!). I got went to the pre-race brief and also heard course descriptions from others, so I had a general idea what to expect. I knew the descents would be technical, and hence my first race goal was to not crash.
As for football, I need to give a big shout out to the LSU Tigers! I watched the first half of the game that evening. Being exhausted, with an early race wake-up the next morning, and the fact that we couldn't get our act together the first half, I wound up going to bed. One great thing about games on ESPN: games are re-broadcast the next morning. As soon as I woke up Sunday morning, I marched downstairs to the kitchen to eat breakfast and watch the second half. I caught most of the fourth quarter and saw the LSU Tigers win. LSU's performance- good or bad- truly impacts my moods. With the win, I knew it was going to be a good day.
The morning was cool and fog was rolling in. The fog delayed the start of the half-iron race. However, it burned off by the time the international distance began....
The Swim: 1.5K 35:39
This was not one of my better swims. I had trouble sighting and felt a bit nauseus in the water. It took some time to get into a rhythm. There was a small wake in the water too, from boats. I bought some ear plugs which may alleviate this motion sickness in the water in the future and need to give it a whirl. As a whole, I have come to enjoy swimming, but this particular morning was not much fun. Out of the water, and a climb up a hill into T1 to head out on the bike....
The Bike: 24.3 mile 1:34:19 15.8 mph 2041 feet of climbing
As mentioned, the Savageman bike course is known for a challenge. Although the main event is the half-iron distance, the international bike course is not easy either. Shortly into the bike ride, we encountered a tough little hill. It was only about 1/4 mile long, but stee
p. Plus, after swimming, the legs were quite not awake yet. It was as though the course was telling us, "Welcome to the Savage Bike Course". Afterwards, the course turned to rolling hills, which some challenging climbs in there. The toughest was Brenneman Hill. I am not sure of the percent grade, but it was labeled as a "Cat 1" climb (a la Tour de France), and was 1.7 miles long. Upon looking at the bike course profile, it's the definite climb shown just before midway. It looked like a wall in person. Needless to say, I wound up walking up the second half of the climb. I could have probably done it all, but my quads were burning, and it may have cost me the remainder of the race.
p. Plus, after swimming, the legs were quite not awake yet. It was as though the course was telling us, "Welcome to the Savage Bike Course". Afterwards, the course turned to rolling hills, which some challenging climbs in there. The toughest was Brenneman Hill. I am not sure of the percent grade, but it was labeled as a "Cat 1" climb (a la Tour de France), and was 1.7 miles long. Upon looking at the bike course profile, it's the definite climb shown just before midway. It looked like a wall in person. Needless to say, I wound up walking up the second half of the climb. I could have probably done it all, but my quads were burning, and it may have cost me the remainder of the race.
After that, the course was relatively gentle. At about mile 15, I was passed by the lead man (Bjorn Anderson) doing the half-iron. Granted, he started about an hour before me, and as we later found out, accidentally short cut the swim course, but nevertheless, it was a little deflating to be passed by someone going the distance. I did cheer him on though, of course.
I returned to T2 and found that my bike rack was nearly empty. Only one other bike was there. Wow! Did I have that good of a bike time? That was rather uplifting.
The Run: 10K 1:16:23
I was a bit tired by the time I reached the run. It was friendly, though, in terms of several out-n-backs to see other runners. I was passed by Marie, who was doing a relay. She noted how tired she was, WITHOUT swimming and biking beforehand. There were so many people racing from Team Z that frequently I encountered a friendly face.
I was a bit tired by the time I reached the run. It was friendly, though, in terms of several out-n-backs to see other runners. I was passed by Marie, who was doing a relay. She noted how tired she was, WITHOUT swimming and biking beforehand. There were so many people racing from Team Z that frequently I encountered a friendly face.
The run course was challenging in itself. It was rather hilly, most notably on the trail up to the Fire Tower. I believe the race went all way the way to the top of the tower last year and due to trail damage, we were unable to run to the top this year. Darn. It was challenging enough. Believe me. There were some sections were I was just forced to walk. Plus, my knee gave me a bit of trouble near the end, so I had to take it a little easy.
I look rather excited to approach the finish line!
Although the race was quite the challenge, I was glad to have done it. The weather and the course venue were beautiful. Plus the comradarie was priceless. A fabulous end to the 2008 triathlon season!
Finish: 3:33:12
By the way, before the race, Damon and I made a bet. He challenged to me that I would finish the entire international distance triathlon in less time than it would take him to bike (in a relay) the half-iron course. Needless to say, as I expected, he beat me, in 3:12. He and his relay were absolute studs.
