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.