In many ways, typical race pressures are irrelevant at Savageman. The field of women racers is proportionally much smaller, but the women who sign up are serious athletes. Where in a typical race I finish in the top 25-30% of the field, at Savageman I finish near the bottom. And I am okay with that - because this race is truly a competition between the racer and the course.
For several months prior to the race I steadily prepared, adhering to my training plan like never before. I lost some weight and worked on my strength. I was feeling fit and strong going into this year’s race. I had a race plan. I was ready.
I could not have asked for a better swim - long strokes and straight lines. The fact that t
here was no fog this year made sighting a breeze. If anything the sun glare this year proved to be the biggest swim obstacle. The final turn buoy was a swan boat. Seriously, it was a boat in the shape of the swan (the swan boat is featured on the finisher shirt.) Ed King, a long time family friend and Deep Creek resident was the captain of the boat, so as I made the turn I gave him a great big wave. This was the first of several memorable “Savage Moments”. I bettered my swim time over last year by three minutes and I was off to a great start.During the first 35 miles of the bike course I felt great. I took my time going up Toothpick Road, the comparatively small hill leaving the park. It is easy to be too aggressive on this hill and burn your cold quads in the first 5 minutes. I loved, loved, loved the four mile switch back descent that leads into Westernport. I knew my best opportunity to gain ground was on the down hills – so I only sparingly used the brakes and enjoyed the ride.
When I turned onto MD 825, I took off my arm warmers and started mentally preparing for the Wall. Westernport Wall is a 1.2 mile 12% grade hill, with the last 100 feet at 31% grade. Making it up the Wall earns you a brick and bragging rights. I got one last year, and planned to do the same again this year. Like last year, I switch backed up the two blocks leading to the final and
steepest stretch of the Wall, and when I hit the final stretch I pounded it. Another brick and 35 miles to go!At the top of the Wall, I pulled over and allowed myself 30 seconds to catch my breath and get my heart rate down, because after the wall the real work began, starting with a long 6 mile ascent up Savage Mountain. Last year, this part of the course nearly did me in mentally, but this year I was ready for it. The road side signs up Savage Mountain, and along the rest of the course for that matter, were hysterical. My favorite sign: “Shut up Julie and just pedal!” I let out a signature belly laugh and then I heard Julie (I had no idea she was so close) – about five riders up yell back “That’s my sign!” It was another one of my favorite Savage moments.
Everything was going great until I came to Killer Miller a 1.2 mile 8% grade hill. My quads and hamstrings simultaneously seized. It was a miracle I didn’t fall right there and it was sheer will power and the support of follow racers and volunteers that I made it to the top.
So it seemed that despite sticking to my nutrition plan, the rest of my race was going to be plagued by on and off cramping. And from the moment I first cramped, Savageman became a completely different race for me. Before cramping, I was on my way to obliterating my time from 2008. After cramping, I just wanted a PR – even if it was only by 30 seconds. So when I wasn’t cramping I was hitting the pedals hard to make up for the time when I was cramping. The final ten miles of the bike course was relatively flat with rolling hills; but in true Savageman style, we had a nice head wind for the final five miles
Cramping continued to be a problem through the run. I ran as hard as I could when I could, knowing I would be intermittently sidelined. Once again the support and encouragement from other racers and volunteers when I was doubled over on the side of the road was totally awesome.
As I was coming up the hill from the first turn around, I passed Julie as she ran the other direction and she was clearly having trouble breathing. When I saw her again on the fire road I was seriously concerned for her. Someone retrieved her inhaler, but it did not seem to be working. She promised that she would stop racing if her breathing did not improve. She was so upset because her legs felt great – she just couldn’t get air. I joked – that I was doing fine from a cardio perspective but legs were shit and together as one racer we could kick ass. I got laugh and hug and off we went. It was another priceless Savage moment.
Julie eventually passed me as I struggled through the last three miles. I was still running, but the cramps had clearly taken a toll on my legs. When I crossed the finish line I knew I had put everything on the course – and it felt good. My parents and several friends were there to make sure I didn’t fall over. I was afraid to sit as I was sure I would never get up again. I was happy and tired. I achieved a PR despite cramping.
The first thing I said after the race? “I’m taking next year off!”” But in true Savage style, I’m already planning for next year.
