Westernport Wall Video

SavageMan Triathlon Westernport Wall minutes 40-50

I made it to YouTube! Woo Hoo, I think. At any rate, here is a clip from the SavageMan Triathlon – Westernport Wall. I’m at 8 minutes 38 seconds in a red and yellow jersey.

Here’s a little background on the climb from the race site:

The Westernport Wall is the steepest climb in all of road triathlon. At just four street blocks the Westernport Wall is not particularly long, but it starts steep and gets steeper, culminating in a final block on a stretch of road so steep that it has long been closed to traffic.

With its poor pavement, an average grade of 25% and a max pitch of 31%, successfully getting up the final block of the Westernport Wall takes a bit of skill, a bit of luck, and a lot of True Savage determination!

SavageMan Race Report – 2009

Sunday, September 20, 2009
1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run

For me, training for my 3rd SavageMan race was by far the best. It helped to have so many Mid MD Tri Club members and friends training and racing this year. I had such a good time this summer along the way – from the Deep Creek training trip to the Jellyfish 10Up Ride to the Happy Happy Pain Pain Ride and the few weeknight hill rides in EC. Not only was that training fun but I really felt prepared for the race.

Until Sunday night the week prior. That’s when I felt an illness developing. I attacked it with all I could – Emergen-C, echinacea, zinc, tea, humidifier, and rest. By Thursday, I was worse and at the doctor’s office. I was treated for a sinus infection with an antibiotic because my doc knew I wanted to race and there was no time to wait. She said the drawback would be, uhh, stomach distress. Yeah, whatever, I thought, just help me get rid of the illness, my stomach will be fine.

Saturday Night: We can’t get to the race without first thanking Donnie K. and his family for the wonderful dinner (enough food to feed Wave 1). It was nice to hang out with friends, eat good food, and relax. Then it was back to the plush accommodations atop Wisp at my friend Gary’s house.

Race Morning: I slept fine – though my stomach was unsettled before sleeping and when I woke. Still, I ate my normal pre-race breakfast (a bagel with PB and honey plus coffee) and watched Jellyfish fumble through the making of his oatmeal while trying not to wake the two sleeping International Distance racers. Jellyfish and I then headed to the park; it’s really convenient to leave for a race at the humane hour of 7 AM.

After setting up transition, I realize that my stomach is still not feeling well so I eat a Tums and hope I’ll be fine. Despite that, I really was happy to reach the starting line after being ill.

Swim: The M 40-44 were in the last wave and the highlight of the wait was the smack that Jellyfish was hurling at DC Mayor Adrian Fenty as he waded in to the lake. It went a little like this:

Jelly: I’m coming after you, Mayor!
Mayor: A look back and a smile.
Jelly: That’s right, I’ll getcha.
Me: That’s #401, Mayor. #401. Do you want his name?
Mayor: No, his # will do.

And then we’re in the water and beginning our journey toward the sunrise and the green inflatable turtle which marked the first turn. Right from the start, I found a nice rhythm, no bumping, no crowds, just a couple of moves around folks and smooth waters. On the return trip, I felt relaxed and easily sited on the buoys. After another turnaround there was a short distance back into the sun. Around the rocks and to the beach. Out of the water and I’m surprised a bit to see that my minimalist swim training this season results in a PR for this distance.

Time 34:14 (18/48)

T1: 5:58 (24/48) A deliberately slow change where I tried to dry off as much as possible before donning a sleeveless shirt, bike jersey, arm warmers, gloves, socks and shoes. It was a bit chilly but nothing like two years ago so I skipped the vest.

Bike: After a few rolling miles, I thought to myself how fortunate I am to be able to participate in races like this. And how I was determined to get up the Westernport Wall and finish my 3rd SavageMan, and how I was grateful to those that contributed to the race charity for me and how I just had to finish. I actually started to get a bit emotional and that usually doesn’t happen until late in the run for me. So I reminded myself, never too high, never too low, just keep moving.

Biking the long descent along the Savage River is my favorite part of the race, why wouldn’t it be? It’s beautiful and it’s downhill! One thing about this race is that the scenery is awesome and can distract you a bit – that’s good when it’s a painful climb but you have to be careful on the descents.

My stomach still didn’t feel well and that raised my level of concern. So I decide to sip from my drink every 10 minutes. And then during the flat couple of miles before the town of Westernport I decide to eat a bag of Welch’s Fruit Snacks. The heartrate starts increasing just from the anticipation of the Westernport Wall. I shed the arm warmers and gloves and begin the climb.

First block, no problem. Second block, a guy is already weaving and almost cuts me off but a quick swerve to the left, an apology by him, and I’m back on track, climbing on the right hand side of the road. But my legs aren’t feeling too strong, maybe the illness has sapped me a bit.

To the 3rd block and the real rowdiness of the crowd. While I soak in the noise – the cowbells, the cheers, the shouts, I’m all business on this climb, never looking more than a foot or so in front of my wheel. It’s time to stand and get after it. I hear my name called (is that Donnie’s family, Maura D., other MMTC folks?), I don’t know but I certainly appreciate it. And then the devil himself is screaming at me; he’s in my face. All of which serve to pump the adrenaline and carry me up the wall. Woo Hoo!

But I realize how much that climb just took out of me. I think to myself, it doesn’t matter if you have to walk any other hill, you made it up that one, now get moving to the finish. On to the remainder of the 7 mile climb to the top of Big Savage Mountain. I’m feeling okay and keep it slow and easy. Once to the top, I decide it’s time for a Tums and an Endurolyte pill, stomach still not good. And there goes Jellyfish; I’d been waiting for him to pass.

Time to relax and enjoy the tricky descent down to the Savage River State Forest. And then I begin the 3 mile gradual climb out of the forest. For several minutes, I see no one. I start counting the remaining hills and try to remind myself to make the best of the day. Never too high, never too low. I’m still having stomach issues but manage to eat a 2nd pack of fruit snacks. McAndrews Hill is up next. Check. Moving on to the next one. Otto Lane? Check. But here I stop to eat the last two Tums – it’s now or never to see if it improves.

Down we go for some fun before Killer Miller. I just know I’ll be walking that one. Around the first corner I climb and make brief conversation with a photographer about how the cows moved next to the road to see what the crazy bikers were doing. Up and up, standing but barely moving to the top of the 1.3 mile climb and the final aid station. I asked for Tums but no luck. I dumped the remainder of my electrolyte drink and mixed a fresh one at less strength hoping I could manage it.

Luckily I could stomach water or I would’ve been doomed. On I pushed, thrilled to have only one last climb – Maynardier Ridge, and eventually it too was in the rearview mirror. Just over 11 miles to go and somewhere along this stretch I’m passed by Wade G. and Bob R.

Wade didn’t know it but seeing him earlier in the bike was a real inspiration. I knew he was registered but didn’t think he’d make it back from his accident at EagleMan. I try to hang with Bob but I’m working on very few calories and know that pushing the pace will just cause more stomach problems. So I take what the day has given and make my way toward the finish of the bike.

SavageMan Climbs

Hill Name	Pt in Race	Category	Distance	Avg	Max
Toothpick	0.5 mi	4th Savagery	0.25 mi	9%	16%
Westernport	18.5 mi	Hors Savage	1.2 mi	12%	31%
Big Savage Mtn	23.4 mi	1st Savagery	2.4 mi	6%	21%
Savage Rvr	30.0 mi	4th Savagery	2.8 mi	4%	7%
McAndrews Hill	32.8 mi	2nd Savagery	0.6 mi	9%	19%
Otto Lane	35.1 mi	2nd Savagery	0.6 mi	8%	17%
Killer Miller	38.1 mi	Hors Savage	1.3 mi	8%	22%
Maynardier Ridge	43.8 mi	3rd Savagery	0.25 mi	12%	23%

Time: 4:19:24 (35/48) – exactly 7 minutes slower than last year which is disappointing considering I felt much better prepared.

T2: 3:08 (20/48) – the legs felt okay but still I made my way slowly through the transition area.

Run (HA!) – I’m surprised to find that I can run slowly without too much bouncing that might create more stomach problems. So I went with an approach to make it to mile 1 and then walk for 30 seconds. And then on to mile 2 with some walking in the campground. And now I’m thinking, this is great, just keep it up for another mile. One at a time. And then I reach the fire road trail where I walk up and down. Hmmm, stomach hurting more. Still, I manage nothing but water at the aid stations. Alternating walking with running for periods of 30 paces, then 20 paces, then 10.

And then around mile 5.5 I decided to sit, drink water, and ponder the remainder of the race. I wondered how I’d finish if I couldn’t take in anything but water. On I trudge toward the end of loop 1 and there goes Jellyfish on his way to the finish. I’d already seen Chris L. and Laurie T. make their final push to the end and I was thrilled for them. Out past the transition area and I made a decision. I had to try to force in calories to make it any further. Two fruit chews consumed and water chugged before…well, yep, once again I got sick. I consider walking back to the transition area and calling it a day, figuring it just wasn’t to be. Donnie K. passed me and asked if I was okay. Nope. But after a few minutes, I got up, grabbed a cup of water and walked along the trail. This, I decided, had to be the lowest of the low points. It couldn’t get any worse, could it?

I reached mile 7 and tried to calculate if there was enough time to be an official finisher if I walked the rest. I didn’t think so, but I passed Bob who was headed the other way at that point and he offered enough words of encouragement to give me hope. So I tried running. And it worked. But between the stomach issues and lack of calories, I was struggling and soon walking again. And then my friend Gary found me and he had more Tums. Two more down and on I walked. Somewhere in this stretch a runner passed me and told me the official cut-off time was 5:00 pm and that we had 45 minutes to go. Realizing I wouldn’t make it was deflating. All of it for nothing? No official finisher? No brick? But on I walked to the fire trail and up I went. And when I reached the top I took in water and thought, screw it, let’s run. Like a possessed man I took off down the mountain trail. Out to the road I ran, stomach be damned. I switched my watch to view the time of day. Counting down now to 5:00. I ran hard, determined to be a finisher. I cruised right up the little hills on State Park Rd.

Down Meadow Mountain Lane I ran, trying to calculate distance left and remaining time. Out on to the boat launch area and I saw Donnie K. ahead. And now I knew that I’d make it and I’m so relieved. Off the trail to the finishing chute and slapping hands with MMTC members that long ago finished their own race. But I too would be an official finisher for the 3rd, and maybe final, time. We’ll see.

Finish Time 8:03:47 (43/48) – wow, that was a long day.

Special thanks go to: the wife and boys for their patience and understanding; MMTC folks, especially Donnie, Bob, Jellyfish, Laurie, Mike, Alan and whomever I just forgot, for the great training; Gary for the wonderful hospitality (best burger ever!); and all of those who donated to the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation.

My thoughts, after more than a week:
- I’m very happy to have finished and earned a 3rd brick given my illness the week prior but I’m also disappointed. I really felt prepared and wanted to see how well I could do despite the fact that I view SavageMan as an event and not a race.
- I don’t know if I’ll do it next year. I have other goals but if race management makes some type of offer to 3-time brick winners, I may be forced to return.

SavageMan – The Weeks Prior

Two weeks prior to the race, a group of 10 Mid MD Tri Club members headed out to Frederick County for a training ride. I’d heard of others doing this so-called “Happy Happy Pain Pain” ride and knew it would be good training. At 7:30 AM wheels were rolling, and climbing right out of the chute. It seemed like the first 15 or so miles were all uphill.
(Check out the map and elevation profile – Happy-Happy-Pain-Pain)

And then some fast parts before a long climb up South Mountain in PA. And then an absolutely wonderful downhill off the mountain – the “Happy Happy” part, no doubt. After a brief rest and refueling, it was on in search of the “Pain Pain” part. We found it at Airport Rd in Rouzerville, PA. That was the start of a climb that would last 4-5 miles and gain approximately 1200′. The first few sections reminded me very much of the SavageMan climbs. The only way to describe them is ridiculous. And then we would cross over the RR tracks in to MD and continued on to the top, a more humane and gradual climb. But you know you’re gaining elevation when you see a sign that reads, “Hang gliding by permit only.” As tough a climb as it was, the views were worth it. And then a fast descent down the other side of the mountain. More up and down until we finally made our way back to the cars, covering 76 miles. Another training ride was in the books.

One week prior to the race I rode 45 miles trying to keep up with two folks from the club. It was a cool, overcast morning and a nice ride throughout western Howard County. I used to think that area was hilly but not anymore.

And then by that evening I could feel a cold coming on. I tried to fight it off for a few days but it worsened. By Thursday I had an appointment with my doctor. She prescribed antibiotics for a sinus infection – only 3 days until the race. I was just hoping to get to the starting line.

On the fundraising front, things went well. Friends and family were generous and helped reach my goal of over $300 for the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation.

I Walk a Lonely Road

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don’t know where it goes
But it’s home to me and I walk alone
- Green Day, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”

That’s not necessarily true but at times, when I’m training for events, it feels that way. I s’pose it all goes back to June 25, 2005 – the day before Ironman Coeur d’Alene. I was walking my bike to it’s rack spot and that song was playing, so to this day I relate that song to training for endurance events. I always have a plan but I don’t really know where it will take me.

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I’m the only one and I walk alone

Thankfully, I’m not the only one training for the Savageman Half Iron Triathlon. I’m lucky to have friends who enjoy this stuff too. On Saturday, August 29, myself and two others woke early to ride. I mapped out a hilly 50+ mile route, tackling all the good hills in Ellicott City – Hilltop, Westchester Ave in Oella, Ilchester. It was a great ride, until about mile 47 when I flatted. Tube changed in record-setting time (for me) and I was off for the final climb and then the 8 or so remaining miles to get home.

I’m walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone

The next day, I ran with my friend Chip. He’s training for IM Florida and wanted to run 16 miles. Me? I volunteered to accompany him for 10. I was feeling good so I did 12.

A few days later, I recruited a fellow football-parent to ride with me during practice. We hit the same wonderful hills in and around Ellicott City.

One week closer to the race and the training is going well. Hmmm, too well?

Read between the lines
What’s f’ed up and everything’s alright
Check my vital signs
To know I’m still alive and I walk alone

SavageMan Training and Fundraising

On August 15, a group of friends from the Mid MD Tri Club headed to Deep Creek Lake for some pre-race training. By 12:40 pm we had checked in to the campground and were heading out on our bikes to tackle the brutal 56 mile course.

I did the race in each of the first two years but have never ridden the course otherwise. There are limited places to stop along the course to refuel and I was concerned about that before we even began. But we were off and enjoying the first hour of the ride. A few little hills and then the big descent. Almost 10 miles of downhill. I liken it to receiving the reward first. Because you’ll definitely pay for it later.

At mile 18 we reached the town of Westernport and the “Wall” and the steepest climb in all of road triathlon. At least that’s what the site says – and having made it up 3 times now, I don’t doubt it. I figured there was no way I’d make it up during a training ride. During the race there are screaming fans and adrenaline. This was just a regular ol’ Saturday ride. But up I went, following two others in the group while 3 others succumbed to the severe pitch, cracked concrete and grass clippings. But they were not deterred. Back around the block they went to try again and two made it up. Woo Hoo!

But then we continued the climb over Big Savage Mountain and I could tell I wouldn’t make it to mile 35 for more fluids. It was hot during the 7 mile climb.

We would all regroup around mile 30, some doing well, others struggling with the heat. We made it up the next tough climb and then stopped at a state park to use a fountain. It would have to do for the time being. Two miles later we reached the lone convenience store on the course and took a break to get in some food and refuel. Then we climbed some more. And more. Despite the heat and my inability to take in more calories (water only at this point), the course didn’t seem quite as bad as last fall. Mind you, it was still plenty tough.

So while my legs were holding up okay, my stomach was a different story. Finally we reached the campsite and a couple eager folks were heading out on a transition run. Me? Couldn’t do it. The stomach rebelled. So I sat on a picnic table and drank a refreshing Sprite. After showering, we grilled burgers and sat around the campfire drinking beer and reliving the day’s ride. A good day indeed.

Now sleeping? Well that would be another post itself. Suffice it to say, I think I managed a couple of hours total. There are lots of noises out in those woods during the night and I wasn’t able to ignore them.

Sunday morning dawned and after some camp coffee we headed out to preview the run course. We did about 11 of the 13 miles and decided a dip in the lake would be nice. After a very brief swim, we showered, broke down camp, searched for lunch and headed home.

A wonderful weekend of training on the hills of western Maryland.

The race is one month away – September 20. And I’ve officially decided that I am going to attempt to raise funds for the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation – the beneficiary of race proceeds. My goal is modest – $300, maybe $500. I figure I can get 30 people to donate $10 each, right? Let’s see if I can.

Fitting it in Where Possible

So this summer has been a blast and filled with baseball and lacrosse tournaments. But the training has been lacking and I’ve learned to accept that and just try to do what I can, when I can.

The weekend of July 18 son #2 was playing in a lacrosse tournament in Timonium, MD. His team had a game at 10:30 Saturday morning so I got the bright idea of riding to the MD State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Not really being familiar with the backroads to get there, I created a route on mapmyride.com and hoped it would be okay. Minus a couple of dicey spots (crossing Rte 140 near Owings Mills), it worked out perfect, especially since it was early morning.

Here’s the route:
Ellicott City to Timonium

The best part was around mile 18, at the intersection of Greenspring Ave and Tufton Ave. As I turned right on Tufton, I could see magnificent horse farms on either side. Acres and acres and up on the hill to the left sat a large “house” whcih I can only imagine had the most incredible views. At that point, I wished I brought a camera. And I also realized that never have I, nor friends, considered heading to Baltimore County for a long ride. But I knew then, that I’d be back some day. With a camera.

I later learned that one of the farms is Sagamore Farm, an historic horseracing farm recently purchased by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. Here is a pic I found:

On Sunday, between lacrosse games, I went for run. And intended to run in a loop for about 6 miles. And while I didn’t technically get lost, I didn’t know where I was and had to ask for directions back to the fairgrounds. Still, a nice 7.5ish mile run when I may have not got one in otherwise.
Timonium Lax Tourney Loop

Last weekend was another lax tourney, in Philly. No training for me. This weekend I’ve got to get out early on Saturday to ride. I managed to squeeze in a longer run this AM before work so I’ve got that going for me. Which is nice.

Columbia Triathlon Race Report

It’s been over a month since this race so just writing this now will test my memory. Race morning brought cloudy skies and light rain. After setting up my transition area, I headed to the MMTC tent to chill before my swim start. I chatted with some folks and looked around for fellow 40-44 M age groupers. Chip? Nope, he’s over 45 now and he hasn’t raced Columbia the past couple of years. Jellyfish? Nope, word was he’d become a duathlete. Oh well, into the water I went alone.

Swim - I was curious how I would do since I’d been in the pool about a dozen times before the race. I went out nice and easy and stayed out of the heavy traffice. After a couple of turns, I tried to catch on some feet and draft. It worked twice for a few minutes. At one point I remember thinking that I was having a very relaxing swim and wondered if that was bad in terms of time.

Out of the water in 26:38, only 3 seconds off my fastest swim of my 6 previous Columbia races. T1 was uneventful but I realized it had started to rain again. Oh well, it is what it is.

Bike – I didn’t like the rain but was determined to enjoy this race and not let it bother me. The rain stopped after 20 minutes but the roads were very wet. Just before the halfway point, on a tricky descent, I second-guessed my cautious approach to the wet roads. Until I saw two people helping to pull a guy out of the trees as his bike lie on the road. Then I knew I was better off. And then I heard noises with my bike. Hmmmm. After a few minutes I determined it was my rear wheel but didn’t know what was wrong. It caused me to back off a bit, though I don’t know why. If something was going to break, I’m sure it would have happened at any speed.

On the return to the park, I thought I was having an awful ride in terms of time and I thought I might have my slowest Columbia race yet. And that would definitely affect whether or not I was having fun. But my bike computer wasn’t working so I was basing it on my watch split time. I pushed it in the final 5-10 miles hoping to salvage a decent bike split. And then I saw the family in their traditional spot just before the park along Rte 108. T1 and bike times were combined in the results but by my watch my bike time was 1:22ish which was about 5 minutes off my times in recent years but not my slowest.

T2 was pretty fast but the race organizers didn’t do our AG any favors with our spot.

Run - As always, I try to calculate how much time I have to run to meet my goals. For this race the goals were simple: 1) Finish, 2) Have fun, and 3) beat 2:47:43 (previous slowest time).

My mind calculates that I need to run a 55 minute 10K to avoid setting a new slowest time. So I set out at a comfortable pace, well as comfortably as one can run after riding 25+ miles when one only does one brick workout in training for this race. Uh oh. I figure 9 minute miles for the first 5 miles will do the trick. And I’m just below that for the first 3-4 miles, chugging up each hill, determined to get to the 5th mile marker. But just after 4 miles I start struggling to hold that pace. I tell myself that if I can just get to mile 4.5 and hit the nice downhill before the park I’ll be fine. Still trying to have fun but the 3rd goal is in jeopardy. Up the final hill to mile 5 and more mind calculations.

Back downhill to the lake. Time to push it. Around the lake and toward mile 6 with the mind working overtime in efforts to calculate remaining distance and time. And there is mile marker 6. Hot damn! Just .2 to go and I’m done! Around the bend, slapping hands with one son as I crusie to the finish. On this day, all goals are accomplished. Maybe next year I’ll train enough to shoot for a new PR.

Time 2:46:48 92/222 M 40-44
Swim 78/222 26:38
Bike plus T1 92/222 1:25:49
T2 26/222 1:41
Run 115/222 52:42 8:29 pace

Racing for Fun? In the Rain?

The Columbia Triathlon is two days away. And given that my training this year has been less than stellar, not to mention less than normal for me, and given what I wrote after last year’s race , “…Looking at my watch during the final half mile, I suddenly think I have a shot at 2:39:xx, a time that has been my ultimate goal for about 3 years. I tell myself that if I push hard enough I might be able to reach it. And if I do…well, that just may be the best I could ever do on this course and I’ll never have to worry about racing it hard again.”, I suppose I have no choice but to race for “fun” this year. That’s hard to do. I’ve done it before, especially during the 2007 Challenge but it’s still hard when you’re competitive with yourself. But add in the forecasted rain and I think I have no choice and can eliminate any pressure to do well (for me).

But still, I don’t want it to be my worst time at Columbia.

Adjusting to the Curveball

So a week before the National Marathon I got sick. And stayed that way for over two weeks. There went the training and the hope for a PR. And then came the attempt to regain my running fitness. Only that was harder than I thought it would be. Still I tried to get the long run back up to a distance that might allow me to take a shot at the Frederick Marathon. 13 miles was tough. A week later I tried for 16 but cut it short at 14. And with that run I decided no way I would attempt Frederick and that I should start my abbreviated training for the Columbia Triathlon on May 17.

Just another curveball that life throws at ya when you’re sitting on the fastball. Try to keep the weight back and drive it or foul it off and wait for the fastball.

There will be another shot at the marathon. Maybe this fall. Maybe not.

It’s Taper Time!

Well all the long runs are in the bag and now comes the time to obsess about things beyond my control. Am I ready? Can I really hold that pace? How big are those hills? What will the weather be like?, etc.

But so far that’s not happening. Probably because I’m too busy with youth sports…seems we (my two sons) have something everyday except for Monday between basketball, lacrosse and baseball. It’s a wonder that there are no conflicts on race day.

Looking back the past few runs have gone well. This past weekend called for 12 miles with 10 at goal pace. I nailed it but I know I could not have managed many more miles at that pace. And the previous weekend I logged 21.7 miles for a long run. Outside! I went west on Rte 99 for over 9.5 miles and then returned. And then I managed a few more cool down miles in the local neighborhoods. The more difficult runs have been the mid-week speed workouts. But they’re all done now. Probably only 4 runs left between now and the marathon. Bring it on!