The actual story starts a while back when I decided to participate in a shorter race distance than an Ironman. Something with a punch would be a good change of pace.
I thought it would be a super idea to get the “brick” (more on that in a bit) and race the Savageman 70.0 in Deep Creek Lake, MD on September 18, 2016.
What does the race entail? Swim 1.2 miles (lake), biking 56 miles (hilly), and running 13.1 miles (hilly) sounds pretty doable, right?
I persuaded my husband and partner in crime that we should do this race and train together. My husband had doubts; he tends to read the fine print, and I don’t.
I had no idea what I was in for – I am not kidding when I tell you that this was the hardest race I have EVER raced! Yes, even harder than an Ironman. Enjoy my race report and how someone got chicked at the Savageman 70.0 triathlon.
You got Chicked! Savageman 70.0 Triathlon
So, why was it so hard?
The bike course included 5700 feet of elevation, over the 56 miles with the steepest part a 31% incline “the Westernport Wall”. Check out the video, and you will understand what I am talking about. If you manage to get up the wall you will receive a brick with your name engraved. Cool right?!
We had been training for other triathlons this year but did not put our heart and soul into training. 3-months prior to the race, we thought it would be beneficial to ride steeper hills. Every weekend, we drove out to Frederick, Maryland, to train. The area is super hilly, and we would practice there. It was a humbling experience at first, but over time, we got stronger, and the riding got easier. I still don’t like riding down steep switchbacks.
My husband and I spend several weekends riding in Deep Creek, MD. A good way to get used to the terrain and practice biking up the wall. He did get up the wall, got his brick, and finished the race (so super proud of him). As for myself, I could not handle the wall. I was standing panic-stricken at the bottom of the wall and was unable even to attempt it. The good news is that you don’t have to ride the wall to get a medal at the end of the race if you finish.
Race day came, and we were ready to tackle this adventure.
Here is what happened during the Savageman 70.0!
Since the race start was at 8:30 am we did not have to get up super early as we usually do for races.
Breakfast: Coffee, bagel (yep, that works for me), and water until the swim starts.
Race nutrition: What do you eat/drink during such a race? First and foremost, you try out different products that you digest well. Everyone has their own formula, and it takes trial and error to get it right. My go-to nutrition is Infinit Nutrition. I can customize it to my needs and likes and to the point that I don’t have to take in extra nutrition. I have to drink a full bottle of my mix per hour, and it provides all the nutrition I need.
Drive to swim start: Set up our bike station for the rest of the race. Here is where you go after the swim to change into your bike gear and pick up your bike. This is also where you come back to after the bike ride to change into running gear.
Swim starts at 8:45 am in waves: In most races, you start by age group, and of course, the pros and super-fast people are first.
Deep Creek Lake was beautiful, and I expected to have a great swim. Not so much this time. I had difficulty breathing during my swim and considered not finishing. Once your mind starts playing tricks on you and trying to convince you to stop, staying the course is hard. I focused on my swim stroke, my family, and how proud they would be when I finished, and I did.
Now off to the bike course! You start out by climbing up a road called Toothpick. Yep, narrow and steep, but nothing compared to what comes next. Steep and long downhills with crazy climbing to follow.
Here is what the race organizers had to say: ” Crossing of the Eastern Continental Divide at Big Savage Mountain, a 7.2 mile, 1950′ elevation gain ascent with multiple, extended stretches approaching 20% is, without doubt, the most Savage climb in all of triathlon”.
Since I knew I could not ride up the wall (there is a detour to get around it), I decided to bike up every hill. I would NOT get out of the saddle to stand or walk any of the climbs. I did neither!
Check out the picture of me riding up Killer Miller!
The weather was terrific and perfect for race day until the last 5 miles of the bike course. It rained hard for the remainder of the race.
The 13.1-mile run (or should I say mostly walk) to finish. My strategy: Walk the hills, run the flats and downhills. The course was hilly, mixed with some trails and road running. The rain did not make this part any easier, but cooler.
While approaching the finish line I was passed by some guy that followed me for about a mile. It’s not uncommon in a race that people follow someone, saving their energy, and then bolt to the finish.
Just a few hundred yards to the finish line, I thought: What? He is not getting in before me…and he got chicked. (Chicked: The act of getting passed by a female athlete).
My time: 8 hours 53 minutes 37 seconds
Swim 54:04, Bike 5:06, Run 2:42
The icing on the cake!? I won my age group, women 55-59!
My husband and I decided we were not going to do that race again. On the other hand, never say never, as we have learned in our house.
I hope you enjoyed my race story and that it inspired you to get stronger and healthier. No, you don’t have to sign up for a race, but what about life? Reach out and let me know how I can help you.