Another SavageMan Race Report

I don’t even know where to begin. Skip this section if you only want to hear about my race. Friday morning, 9 am, we’re in the car headed for Deep Creek. Jeff is doing the ½ IM distance Aquavelo (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike) on his mountain bike and I’m attempting the international distance race (.9 mile swim, 23 mile bike, 6.2 mile run). We decided to go to Westernport first and drive the second half of the ½ Ironman distance bike course on the way to Deep Creek.

We arrived in Westernport shortly after noon and the memories just started flowing back into my mind. Turning the corner onto Rock St. and looking straight up “the wall” is intimidating even in a car. I just started laughing. I’d ridden my bike up it (minus the actual “wall” block) and knew what it felt like. We parked the car at the base of “the wall” and walked up it. It looked in pretty good shape and ready for the racers to take it on. Jeff decided to go for a test ride, so I waited at the top with the camera. He turned the corner in his easiest gear (remember, he’s on a mountain bike) and just spun right up. His comment at the top was “this is easy!” I laughed…I think even I could make it up with his gearing!

Back in the car and we were driving the route. These hills just don’t end, but I wasn’t about to comment on it. We approached “Killer Miller” and saw Kyle (architect of the courses) and his wife Laura out marking the course. I couldn’t stop staring at the hill ahead. It was a beautiful area, but that doesn’t make it hurt less. At this point I really was keeping my mouth shut since my course was not this hard.

We arrived in Deep Creek with enough time to set up our campsite (which was in an awesome spot), go for a swim in the lake, and scout out some pizza for dinner. While picking up the pizza at Smiley’s we ran into Brett Bagshaw, who I hadn’t seen in 11 years since my very first triathlon. I had met her at the pool where I was coaching that summer and she was a big time triathlete. She calmed my fears and taught me about the sport. After the race, she asked me how I did and introduced me to some of her triathlon friends. I was such a newbie, and her support meant the world to me. Here we were 11 years later and it was me trying to calm her fears. I am lucky to have gotten to return the favor that meant so much to me when I was starting out in the sport.

Camping was a great time. The weather was cold, but tolerable and we had Smores both nights! Fortunately Jeff mastered the campfire after the third attempt on the first night and our dessert wasn’t in jeopardy! The campsite was only a short walk to the transition area so we didn’t have to deal with parking on race morning.

We attended the pre-race dinner since the ticket was included in our fundraising “prize” along with a cool SavageMan jersey. The food was excellent and we got to meet new people, catch up with old friends and enjoy a beautiful night on top of Wisp.

Race Day!!!!!

6 am (it felt like sleeping in for a race day) the alarm went off. We could see from our campsite that people were already starting to arrive at the state park. We had already gotten everything ready so all we had to do was get dressed for the race and walk down to set up transition. It was all downhill, but when we got to the bottom, just before entering the park, we realized that we had forgotten the bike pump. I ran back up to get it, and realized at that moment that my legs felt awesome and just knew it was going to be a great day.

At the transition area, I ran into Aaron (race photographer), Monique, Joanne, Brett and we all chatted about the race and our clothing choices for the day. I just had no idea what the weather was going to be like once I got out of the water so decided to wear my LUNA tank top and leave my jersey, arm warmers and wind vest at my spot in transition just in case.

Off to the swim start. Fog…again. They announced that they were delaying the start by 20 minutes for the ½ distance, but the international will stay the same. Jeff was cold, so being the great girlfriend that I am, I took off a layer and gave it to him. I think I had on 4 layers so I definitely could spare one or two!

Finally it was time for Jeff’s wave to start. The gun went off and he sprinted ahead. I watched him swim away and suddenly for the first time all weekend it occurred to me that I was racing also. I had been so caught up in his race, his gear and his preparations that I honestly hadn’t even thought about the fact that I was doing this also. Plus, I really didn’t expect anything from myself since this would be my first race of this distance since my disaster at Reston over two years ago.

After some final preparations, I got into my wetsuit and lined up with all of the pink caps…women under 39. I stood there waiting for them to call us into the water just looking for the first green cap to emerge from the water. Finally, there was Jeff, in roughly 27 minutes. I ran over to cheer and once he crossed over the timing mat, I got a mid-race kiss. It was so sweet and all of the girls in my wave agreed but said that their husbands/boyfriends would have taken the time for a kiss. I knew that he wasn’t concerned with his transition time so what’s 5 seconds for a kiss?

Into the water, and we were ready to go. The horn went off and I just sprinted ahead, trying to break away from my wave. One girl to my left and one behind me stayed with me for a few buoys, but at the turn, I took a quick look and didn’t see anyone. We did have to deal with the sun in our eyes on the way out, but I'll take that any day over last year's fog. The swim was great, calm and clean water and lots of buoys to sight off. I definitely made a larger rectangle than the course markers, but knew that I was having a solid swim. As I headed back to transition, I saw the big inflatable turtle that I had spent so much time hanging out on a few summers ago (and done a few back flips off) and knew that was where we turned for the boat ramp. I actually thought that it would be funny to get up on the turtle and back flip off, but thought I may get DQ’d so I kept swimming. I turned the corner and saw what must have been 20-30 people from the previous waves all headed for the same exit. I tried to go around as carefully as I could and quickly was on land. Over the timing mat and I smiled as I ran up the road. I was the first woman out of the water and 3rd overall. Not bad considering my lack of swim training!

There is a huge hill up to the transition area which I walked most of, my heart was just pounding. Once I reached the top of the stairs, I ran to my bike, took off my wetsuit and contemplated clothing choices. I quickly decided that I was warm enough so stuck with the tank top that I had on. I didn’t regret the decision.

Off on the bike, man it’s tough. There are two tough climbs on the international distance course and you hit the first one in the first few miles. Toothpick Rd. really keeps your head in the game. I had a tough time with this one because I still wasn’t calmed down from the swim. I was on a complete adrenaline rush and had to get out of the saddle and force myself to turn the pedals over. Once at the top, I relaxed and enjoyed the next few miles. There weren’t any woman passing me, so I knew I was in good shape.

Kyle wasn’t kidding about slowing on the descent on Black Hawk School Rd. It’s a tight turn right at the bottom before a steep climb. I didn’t have any trouble on this section. I actually felt great climbing up this road. Once at the top, you get to stretch out with some downhill until the hardest climb on the course.

At mile 12, I turned onto Frank Brenneman Rd. and all I saw were people struggling. It really went by fast, but about half way up the climb I counted 8 people walking. Not a good sign. It did get pretty steep (23% grade) but I knew staying on my bike would be so much faster than walking so I talked myself all the way up. What a rush to get to go down the other side, knowing that the hard stuff was behind me! The rest of the bike ride seemed to go by pretty fast and right before turning on the road that goes back to the state park, I realized exactly how close I was to breaking my goal of 1:30. I also knew that it wasn’t flat or downhill to the state park and I would have to just push pretty hard to get there in time. I really did push the pace and even didn’t take off my bike shoes because I didn’t want to miss it by seconds. I made it with about 40 seconds to spare.

Into transition and I was quickly off on the run. The first mile couldn’t be any better. It’s downhill then flat. I reached mile 1 in about 9:30 and knew it was going to be a good run. I had almost exactly 1:04 to do the 10K to break 3 hours and things were looking good so far. The course didn’t go nearly as far down Brant Rd as I thought it would and we were quickly running uphill into the campground. I thought that it would be a downer to run past the campsite, but it actually gave me a boost because people were playing music and I recognized the people in the area where we were camping.

Back out onto State Park Rd. and I made it to mile 3 in just over 31 minutes. I knew at this point I would have to even split the run to break 3 hours, and also knew my history of not even splitting the run portion of races. At about mile 4 you turn onto the fire tower road. It is straight uphill like nothing I have ever run up. I ran for a few minutes and then threw the 3 hour goal right out the window and walked. Luckily there was an aid station at the top, I definitely needed water at this point. Back down the hill and I ran, but was very careful not to take a wrong step. It felt so great to get back to state park rd and there was a photographer there. I probably looked way too happy at this point. Right after, you pass mile marker 5. I looked at my watch and had under 12 minutes to get to the finish line and 1.2 miles to go. Yikes!

There is a climb back up state park road right before you turn into the parking lot towards the finish. I knew it was going to be close and picked up the pace. At this point I was glad that my HR monitor wasn’t working because the high number it would have shown me would have freaked me out. I put forth as much effort as I could and at this point didn’t care about the people passing me, I just cared about the race I was in against the clock. Once at the top of the hill, I saw mile marker 6. With .2 to go, I had about 1:40 until 3 hours. It was all downhill, but still, what did I have left? At that point, I picked up the pace and gave it everything, “emptying the tank.” I could see the finish line, and maybe had 100 yards to go, and all of a sudden it hit me and I felt like I was going to get sick. “Just keep running” I told myself. My legs started to cramp. “No, NOT NOW!!!! Just get to that line!!!” I raised my arms in the air and heard my name announced, and had trouble slowing down. I stopped my watch, but was afraid to look. I got my medal, they took my chip, and I kept walking. I walked out of the finish area and prepared myself to look. Before I did, I told myself, “whatever it says, you gave it 110% today so just be happy.” 2:59:59. Relief.

I didn’t have much time before Jeff could be finishing the aquavelo so I grabbed a water, some cookies, chatted with a few friends, and headed back up to the transition with Monique. We sat in the sun chatting and cheering everyone in off the bike and finally, the Bell’s Oberon beer jersey appeared. Jeff was done. Smiling from ear to ear, but looking like it was a challenging day. I was so proud of him for attempting this, and so happy that he was done so that we could find out about each other’s day. We hung out at the finish for hours, watching everyone finish and then watching the awards. It was an incredible day, a breakthrough for me and a brick on Westernport Rd. for Jeff Roddin, “Mountain biker.”

I will be back to compete in 2009 and have already told everyone I know about this race. It doesn’t get any better than this. Kyle and Greg are incredible race organizers and the race is for a great cause. They care about every single little detail about the event weekend and it really shows.

Swim- 22:24- 1st woman, 3rd overall
T1- 3:15
Bike- 1:29:20
T2- 1:03
Run- 1:04:00
Total Time: 2:59:58 3rd woman 30-34, 10th woman overall
Official results

And remember, if you sign up for 2009, “you won’t be the first to cry on Westernport.” That was me, 4 years ago. Westernport defeated me on that training ride and I am not about to be defeated again by a hill. I crushed Frank Brenneman road on race day, and you must know that as I climbed, out of the saddle, one pedal stroke at a time, I was thinking about that day 4 years ago when I got off my bike and cried.

Stats on the climbs...
Toothpick: Cat 4, 0.25 miles avg 9%, max 16%
Westernport: Cat HS, 1.2 miles avg 12%, max 31%
Big Savage Mtn: Cat 1, 2.4 miles avg 6%, max 22%
Savage River: Cat 3, 2.8 miles avg 4%, max 7%
McAndrews Hill: Cat 2, 0.6 miles, avg 9%, max 19%
Otto Lane: Cat 2, 0.6 miles, avg 8%, max 17%
Killer Miller: Cat HS, 1.3 miles avg 8%, max 21%. First 0.6 miles avg 13%, max 22%
Maynardier Ridge: Cat 3, 0.25 miles avg 12%, max 23%
Frank Brenneman Rd: Cat 1, 0.7 miles avg 10%, max 23%. Last 0.4 miles, avg 15%, max 23%
Toothpick is on both courses, Frank Brenneman is international distance only and the rest are on the 1/2 course.

To see "the wall" for yourself, just go to youtube and search for "savageman" and you'll be entertained.

International Bike Course (23 miles)

SavageBeast

***Savageman Half DISTANCE***

Swim: 1.2 miles
Bike: 56 miles
Run: half marathon

***RESULTS***

Results

Overall: 6:43:34, 14th female overall, 2nd in 30-34 age group
Swim: 28:30, somehow my chip did not register but this is what I saw on the clock...woulda been 1st female out of the water, defending my title from last year...BUST
Bike: 3:42:06
Big Climb: 45:34, 9th female overall!
Run: 2:24:34 (almost lost it)

***PRERACE***

Savageman is a BEATER. I don't know what else to say. The course is sick...swim in Deep Creek which has visibility of about 5 feet, bike consisting of 9 categorized climbs, and run (after all that) up to a fire tower 2 times. Kyle Yost, the architect, is crazzzy, but genius. Triathletes get sick of the same old course...this is definitely unique and one of a kind...and brings the best athletes from all around.

This would be my 2nd Savageman, but this year I would attempt the full Half Ironman. Last year I did the Aquabike...and was pretty freakin delerious after that. I do not feel like my biking is the same place as it was last year...but overall swim/bike/RUN was better. And I had the breathing issues under control.

Did an EZ swim Saturday morning and then Matias, Adrianne, and I headed to Deep Creek about 10am. Ride out I started thinking about how it was going to hurt. We got to Discovery Channel, picked up our packets, dropped off my bike, and then were ready to get situated for tomorrow.

That night...picked some rotten fruit around the B&B (def the way to go when racing) we were staying at, hung out with the Palavecinos, crushed some potatoes, and got to bed by maybe 1030pm. I had trouble falling asleep.

In the wee early am we headed over to the Park. It was FOGGY...UH OH...last year the swim was a disaster. I had sighted off of Dave Cascio's green cap the whole time and somehow got to the end of the swim...but could not see 5 feet in front of me the entire time. As we drove across the Lake you could not see much...should be interesting. Got into transtion and started setting up. Guy next to me was pretty mush taking his bike apart and rebuilding...interesting.

It was then time to go down to the water. It was in the high 40s...I was FREEZING. The fog was bad and the start was delayed about 20 minutes. I huddled on the side with Sam, Adrianne, and Laura until it was go time.

***RACE***

SWIM - They called the 1st wave (pros, elites, relays, and females...about 100 of us) into the water. DANG it was cold. I had a full sleeve wetsuit on and still could not stop shaking. I did not even care where I positioned myself...I just wanted to start swimming fast to get warm. The Go. I felt really cramped up in the beginning from the cold. Then I got moving. A group pulled up in front of me and I stayed in a second group of several guys. Then there were 3 of us battling back and forth. I tried to draft off one guy but he kept going to far in past the buoys so I decided to site on my own. The fog seemed to have cleared as we got further out. I settled into a rhythm. Seemed like we had gone a long way out. Then finally the turn around. The course was a rectangle, so we went out about 100 feet and then started back. The way back seemed a lot quicker. Still battling with the 2 guys. We all came to the docks together and it was a fight to get in. I ran up the ramp and saw 28:30...hmm...yeah! good time.

T1 - T1 consisted of a bit of a run up a hill to the transition area. The adrenaline had definitely warmed me up...but my feet froze along the way. I tried to run on the grass. Ran up to my bike, where all the bikers on relays were hovering. I had just wonr my bathing suit and threw on my Luna sleeveless jersey, tri shorts, arm warmers, leg warmers, and a jacket. And was then off on Bananas.

BIKE - The bike course includes over 5,700 feet of climbing with both long gradual climbs and short, steep pitches. While the first 18 and final 10 miles are downhill or flat, all athletes should be forewarned that the climbing in the middle 30 miles is savage and relentless. The first 18 miles went by quickly, and I soon came upon the paper mill and into Westernport, where the serious climbing would begin. As I was coming into Westernport Adrianne came up behind me. We climbed up towards "The Wall" together. I had made the decision before the race NOT to attempt the wall. Why not? If I fell, busted my arm, how could I swim then?! DUH. I forgot how tough and steep the climb pre-wall was. Cripes. Adrianne kept going up onto the wall as I veered to the left for the sidde route. What a wuss. I rounded back around and saw Adrianne just a bit ahead...way to be! The steep climbing continued...up Big Savage Mountain (a 7 mile climb). Yes, this WAS going to hurt. About 3 miles up Big Savage Mountain Cheryl came up behind me. We climbed together for a bit and then she pulled away. I did feel I was making good time. Every mile of Savage Mountain was marked. Finally 1 more mile to go...I busted it up the final steep climb. Was met by Kim, as one of the devils, at the top, she looked fun and it made me smile. A bit of a downhill but no let up...the next categorized climb came up quickly...and then they were one after another (9 categorized climbs in total). And then Killer Miller hill. This hill is the worst of all in my opinion. I swore the entire way up Miller. I was hating and loving every moment of it. People were walking. Kyle and Laura were at the top of the hill..."One more to go!," Laura yelled. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel...well sort of. Mile 35...TriCATS aid station. It was great to see some familiar faces. A mile or so later came up on that last hill...There was Cheryl. Everyone was hurtin. People were walking...people were lieing on the ground crying (no jk about that part...hehe). I barely made it to the top of this one. I did it. I had finished all of the climbs. My hands were stiff and sore from gripping my handlebars. Ease up. Downhills started. I started feeling a bit nauseated. I had been doing good on nutrition. Alternating gel and bar every hour. I had started getting really hungry and had to decrease that time to about every 45 minutes. And I had taken a couple Endurolytes about an hour ago...time for some more. The last 10 miles I was really tired and happy for the majority of downhill. Finally I was heading towards the Park...Mile 50. 5 to go...I did not feel so hot...my stomach was really grumpy.

Climbs:
Toothpick: Cat 4, 0.25 miles avg 9%, max 16%
Westernport: Cat HS, 1.2 miles avg 12%, max 31%
Big Savage Mtn: Cat 1, 2.4 miles avg 6%, max 22%
Savage River: Cat 3, 2.8 miles avg 4%, max 7%
McAndrews Hill: Cat 2, 0.6 miles, avg 9%, max 19%
Otto Lane: Cat 2, 0.6 miles, avg 8%, max 17%
Killer Miller: Cat HS, 1.3 miles avg 8%, max 21%. First 0.6 miles avg 13%, max 22%
Maynardier Ridge: Cat 3, 0.25 miles avg 12%, max 23%
Frank Brenneman Rd: Cat 1, 0.7 miles avg 10%, max 23%. Last 0.4 miles,avg 15%, max 23%



T2 - Came into transition. There was Julie O, all in LUNA, cheering for me. She made me smile. Apparently my butt was hanging out. I had not noticed. I quickly changed into my running shoes. I saw how Matias had left my bottle of foot lube open at my shoes. I did not need no stinkin lube. That would waste time. And I had to go to the bathroom...saw the portas...nope...that would waste at least 5 minutes.

RUN - The run course is 2 loops...this is good because it is very spectator friendly...but bad because it gives the participant many opportunities to quit. The 1st mile, passing through the finish area I felt another wind after being cheered on by everyone. The 1st 3 miles are winding around the park...I was confused on where I was going. I started feeling really tired. My body hurt...my stomach hurt because I had to go to the bathroom. Mile 3, on the main road, and headed back towards transition. I felt miserable. I had terrible stomach cramps. Maybe I should stop...only 10 more miles...UGH. I was hungry too and felt I would most likely bonk if I did not eat. I had some Luna moons. I saw Mike, Fenty, and Eric several times, they were not far behind me on the course. They all shouted out some encouragement and it made me want to keep going. No one felt good...I could finish this. Mile 4, still on the main road, and then the course headed into the woods onto a trail, and OH now the course was taking me up a HUGE rocky hill. About halfway up I realized that I would have to do this twice. crud. Mile 5 and the turn around, I finally made it to the top and chugged some Coke at the aid station. I was starting to become really hungry and tired. I felt a little better running down the hill. Brady flew by me on his 2nd loop..."Come on Katie, find that rhythm,"...Thanks, Brady...that actually helped a little. Then Mile 6...almost halfway...I could and would finish. Headed through the finish to start my 2nd loop. Saw Cascio lounging after his awesome finish in the Olympic race..."IT HURTS," I shouted. Make it hurt or what's the point...our common philosophy. Headed back into the winding area. I felt like junk. My stomach had terrible cramps. But WHO felt good?! About Mile 9, and heading back out on the main road...I stopped a few times...not sure why...I just really felt like I could not keep going. Was starting to feel some serious blisters on my toes and bottoms of feet...gotta love the Newtons. Should have used that lube...should have gone to the bathroom. Next time. Mile 10. GEEZ...3 more miles...only a 5K more. I started feeling a sense of accomplishment. Came again to the beater hill...I was walking up this time. So were most. I finally got to the top...went to the aid station and stuffed my face with a banana and Coke. I was so done. Started back down the hill. I had to go the the bathroom...started looking around for some trees or bushes to run too...ehh nothing would work...plus if I went off path down a small hill I may not be able to get back up...buhaha. Mile 12, I was on the home stretch. I tired to pick up the pace a bit. Finally heading into the finish...I could see it...I finished strong...I was a true SavageBeast...I was so happy.

***POSTRACE***

I immediately went to the bathroom. I was delerious. I loved and hated every part of this event.

***LESSONS LEARNED***

-Take time to do things that may take more time but that might effect the long term...going to the bathroom, lubing feet, etc.
-Oh Mylanta...maybe a good idea to down some of this good stuff pre-race.

Up Next: U.S.Open Triathlon, Dallas, TX, October 4th, 2008

Laura's Savageman Race Report

Short Version:
Savageman Half IM was the hardest race I’ve done yet. But I accomplished my goals of making it up Westernport Wall and finishing the race – which means I’ll have a brick with my name installed in the Wall along with everyone else who made it up and finished the race. I am happy with my race, although the further away I get from it, the more I second guess the effort I put forth. Immediately after the race, I felt like this was a race I could check the box on and move on. Now, I’m thinking I may have to try again…

Long Version:

I signed up for Savageman over six months ago. I had so much fun being part of a relay (swimming) and volunteering last year that I just had to give the whole race a try this year. I went into this race with two goals in mind: 1) to make it up the Westernport Wall, a 100 foot 31% grade hill; and 2) to finish the race.

Pre-race
When I walked out of the house race morning, the air temperature felt warmer than what I was anticipating. This was good, but it meant second guessing my race attire. It wasn’t until I was in the transition area that I settled on my tri jersey with a long sleeve wicking jersey on top – both of which I would put on after the swim in order to stay as dry as possible. It seemed everyone else was going through the same debate – it was not an easy decision.

Swim
Similar to last year, the swim start was very foggy – but unlike last year, the start time was delayed for 20 minutes. It was still quite foggy when my wave (the first wave), started, but by the time I rounded the orange turn buoy, the sun was out and all was clear. The occasional passing motor boat made for an interesting ocean wave feel on the return leg. My swim was a little slower than I wanted, I think in part because I had a hard time sighting for the first half and secondly because I was purposely conserving energy for the remainder of the race.

T1
The path up to the transition area was long and uphill – true to Savageman style. Along the way I stubbed my toe – but chose to ignore it. Once in transition, I took my time to try off completely, eat a Luna Bar, take my endurolytes and dress according to plan. The first 20 miles or so was mostly down hill, so it was important to dress warmly enough to be comfortable in the wind but not so warmly that the up hills were uncomfortable. In the end, I feel as though I struck a good balance.

Bike
The first 20 miles was fun, fun, fun! I love down hills. These hills were quite technical, so you couldn’t go at it with abandon, but they were still fast and fun. I was a little concerned though, that with only a few up hills, my legs were not getting the warm up I had hoped for going into the Wall.

Westernport Wall
Despite having come to Savageman last year, I was not able to make it over to the Wall, so on Saturday I check it out. Driving up the hill that approaches the wall was intimidating in and of itself, but the sight of the actual Wall was awesome. My first practice attempt, I fell about half way up when wheel got stuck in a rut as I weaved up. So for my second practice attempt, I elected to go straight up the left side, and with a little self encouragement and some cheering from a couple bystanders, I made it up. My confidence got the shot it needed.

As I approached the Wall on race day my nerves were on overdrive. Taking Chas Ryan’s advice, I weaved up the hill approaching the Wall to keep my heart rate down and to keep the legs fresh. The line on the left side was clear when I got to the base of the Wall so I stood up and yelled "GO, GO, GO" to myself until I was up and across the line. And then it was over – I did it. I gave myself a congratulatory yell and then looked up to see that I still had a big hill to climb. Not sure how I missed seeing the hill the day before – in retrospect I was only concerned with the Wall itself but should have looked beyond it. And when I turned the corner, the hill only got longer! It was clear that the remainder of the bike was not going to be as easy as the first 20 miles.

The Rest of the Bike
It seemed like the last 36 miles were all up hill – and big steep hills at that. The high I felt after making it up the Wall quickly faded as I trudged up one hill after another. Each hill was marked with the length, grade and Cat number. I’m not sure if it helped, but at least it gave me a sense for how long I would have to withstand the misery. On a couple of the hills, like Killer Miller (the name says it all) I had to weave in order to make up. There were several people on many hills that had to walk, and I knew there was no shame in it, but sill…

If I do this race again, I will not make the mistake of think that the Wall is the hardest part of course. The hardest part is the cumulative affect of all the hills that follow the Wall. I am truly psyched that I made it up the Wall – but next time I want to be strong enough to attack the rest of the course more aggressively.

At one point I start to feel a wet sticky sensation in my right shoe and I was reminded of my stubbed toe. Once again – I had to ignore it, because there was nothing I could do, but hope it wouldn’t affect my run.

T2
Often in races as I approach T2, I have to be reminded to slow down as I approach the dismount line. This time, as I approached I asked the volunteer, as I slowly rolled to the line if I had to get to the line before dismounting. She chuckled, but I sensed she’d already heard the question from previous riders.

I racked my bike and took my shoes off to find the tip of my sock soaked with blood. I was feeling very fortunate that I brought extra socks. I cleaned my foot up and put on the fresh socks. It was a long T2.

Run
I did not have my running legs right away, so I walked out of transition and started running soon after. Fortunately the first part of the run was generally flat, so I could ease into a rhythm. Unfortunately, my toe was beginning to hurt – sort of like a mild sprain. It was more a nuisance, but it was annoying nonetheless. The first lap was really hard. I had to walk up the steep hills, my legs just were not listening to me reason with them. I so wanted to run this whole course…next year (did I just say next year?). I started to feel pretty good the second loop. My toe was not hurting as much and with each step and my legs were loosening up. I was running up the first steep hill of the loop and feeling pretty proud of myself when my left Achilles seized – not too much, but enough to remind me it was there and enough to make me stop running. I started running again and about 5 minutes later my Achilles yelled at me again. How annoying! I tried running with my toes flexed (seemed intuitively the right thing to do), but every couple minutes, it would act up and would have to stop running abruptly.

Knowing I had to finish the race in order to get my brick, I conservatively jogged/walked the rest of the race. As I approached the finish line, I sped up a little only to be jolted by the pain. I envisioned myself crawling over the finish! But I made it over upright; I got my medal and the satisfaction of knowing I earned a brick in the Wall.

I am proud of my effort. I know I could have run faster, but some things are out of my control. It was a little dissatisfying at first, but then after thinking about it, I realized that I finished a race that many would never attempt. I know I probably should not even attempt to do half IMs at this point in my life as I have so many other things going on, but something keeps drawing me to them. Savageman was a hard race and one that I was pretty sure I would not do again immediately after finishing. But now knowing what I do about the course, I would do things differently – both in training and race execution. So I’ll give it a couple of months and who knows… maybe I’ll try to earn a second brick!