SAVAGEMAN ½ IRONMAN: (the condensed version) I have to say, I highly recommend this race for so many reasons! For me, it was a race of firsts: 1) First sighting of a black bear (not in a zoo); 2) First time to attempt a 31% grade on my bicycle; 3) First time to fall over on my bicycle while attempting a 31% grade; 4) First time to run over a rat during a bike ride; 5) First time to be chased by devils while attempting to climb a 31% grade; 6) First time to see gorillas, super heroes, and other crazy costumed fans out in the middle of nowhere on a race course; 7) First time I wished I were giving birth rather than climbing this hill; 8) First time to traverse a hill (at mile 40+ after climbing a 22% grade and continuing to climb had to traverse to catch my breath and stop my body from screaming at me); and 9) First time in a triathlon (including 112 ml Ironmen) that I was thrilled to get off my bike and start running (and the run was no piece of cake either)! But, after it was said and done, I was elated. The atmosphere at this race was so much more fun than others, because most participants are there to enjoy the experience; not compete against one another. Thus the camaraderie between participants is incomparable! The fans and volunteers were fabulous. All volunteers were friendly, encouraging and plentiful at all sag stops for both the bike and the run. Stats from the bike (as taken from my Garmin 310XT-so I don’t know of the accuracy of the elevation gain and loss, but here is what I have): Miles: 51.45 Elev gain: 5340’ Elev loss: 5190’ Min elev: 917’ Max elev: 2812’ Avg speed: 15 mph J Max speed: 39.3 mph (while using breaks) To top it all off, this is a beautiful part of the country! If anyone wants to make the trek up to that area next year, you can form a relay team, or do an Aquavelo (no running) if you’re not interested in doing the whole thing. It is well worth the trip to participate in any way you are able! Thanks much for the congratulations and encouraging comments. They meant a great deal to me (especially as I was alone for the weekend)! Hope to see you on the playground again soon. kp Something I heard as I nervously sat in my car early Sunday morning before the race: "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." :)
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