After that? Well, spring sports started but I kept running. Not quite as frequent or as far as I was prior to the 50K. Enough to make me register for the Frederick Marathon on May 2. And the conditions were rip for a Personal Worst. Despite the heat, and the reduced training, I finished and I was fine with that.

And then the shoulder surgery. It’d been bothering me since summer 2009 and I finally got it checked. May 11 marked my first ever surgery – loose cartilage removed, torn labrum fixed. And here I sit 5 weeks later surprised at the recovery process. The physical therapist says my “range of motion” is progressing very nicely yet it doesn’t seem like it to me. All I want to know is, “Can I swing a golf club on July 4th when the baseball team is in Myrtle Beach?” Doubtful. “When can I start riding my bike?” Sometime this summer. Swimming? Hmmm.

So for now I’ll stretch the shoulder and run. The 3 weeks of no activity set me back in my grand running plans for 2010 but that’s okay. Sometimes we have to adjust to the hand we’re dealt.

The rundown feeling continued on Sunday but I knew I had to run to stay ahead of the “1 run per day” that would get me to 100 runs in 100 days. I managed 2.5 miles and called it quits. Monday brought more of the same but again I ran. And again the next two days as I started to feel better. That gives me 53 runs in 52 days, over 272 miles and 44 hours. I tallied over 187 miles for the month of January, certainly the most I’ve ever run in one month. Now that I think I’ve kicked the cold and I’m more than halfway to 100 runs, I’m feeling pretty good. I was looking forward to a preview run of the Seneca Creek Trail this Saturday but Mother Nature is throwing a curve ball, or snowball at me. We’re looking at another weekend of 20+ inches of snow! WHAT the hell is going on here? Looks like a treadmill-a-thon weekend.

Speaking of which, and continuing with the theme of 30, I ran 15.3 miles on Saturday. I felt great until about mile 11 and knew it was time for a second gel, which by the way, I discovered that I really like the GU Gingerbread-flavored gel. And at that point I walked for a count of 30. And then decided to run for a count of 30, counting down to 1 and then repeating. I figured that if I was struggling, well then I would run until that 30-second count was over and then walk for 30. I knew I could run for 30 seconds so that kept me going. And I kept counting down, over and over until I reached home after 4 more miles.

And while I started late and missed 3 out of the first 5 days, I’ve managed 8 runs in the last 8 days. So there’s my motivation. Time to put down the coffee and get running!

Only it closed. What?!?! It NEVER closes that early, if at all. Damnit! Okay, wait, how ’bout Philly? Closed. Damn! Richmond? Too soon, especially with a pending trip to California in the days prior. What else is there? Nothing for the rest of 2009. So I resigned to run the Metric Marathon (26.2K), a local race in December. I registered for it last year as well but it was cancelled due to ice. Let’s hope for better luck this year.

And then maybe a marathon in February. And I want to run a 50K in March. I’ve got big running plans for 2010. What I don’t have planned is my favorite triathlon, the Columbia Tri. It closed in about a week back in September. What the hell is going on here? Seems I have to plan out my race calendar and register a year in advance. I don’t like that. Nope.

So, for now, I’ll just run.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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.