Savageman Triathlon

Savageman Triathlon Race report 2008
September 21 2008
Mark Robbins

Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park Maryland Located on western slope of Eastern Continental divide- water flows to Mississippi. We cross the continental divide to Savage River then cross back over again at Big Savage Mtn.

Swim: Lake is cool 68, air is cooler – 48. So fog! Very foggy. Race delayed 20 minutes to let fog partially clear. Lake is very clear- easy to see bottom. On loop- pass previous waves. Feel good —ready for the race that follows.
Time-32 minutes

Bike: The toughest course you could ever see. We leave the park and cross some high mountain meadows. We then begin a long steep winding descent following the very scenic Savage River. We then pick up the Potomac River- to Luke, Maryland. We pass a huge smelly paper plant. Next town- Westernport, MD
(elevation -900 feet) We hear the bells and horns. We are the bottom of steep climb- Rock Street. The final block in town is a 25% average grade rock/stone road. There is a crowd yelling. I thought “got to have MORE cowbell!” Felt like a Tour stage in Europe. I power up and hope I can find a smooth way over the cobbles. The crowd is screaming – I focus only on the road 10 feet in front of me. I crest the top of the wall- RELIEF! I will get a Brick in the Wall with my name. We then keep climbing – 7 miles – we climb 1950 feet to the top of Big Savage. I pass Mayor Fenty 3 miles from the top. Top of Big Savage-(elevation 2850 feet)-then a very fast 3 mile descent- no wonder I had so much dried salty sweat on me! More hills and climbs- some steep. We go thru beautiful farm land and hit Miller’s hill -a long 10-15% climb. There are 9 total categorized climbs in the race. They post signs at the start of each climb- grade and length. From all my training I am strong on the ascents but I can feel my legs losing a bit on every hill. A run cometh. We are finally back to T2
Bike 55.7 miles, 5700 feet climbed; time 3:19

Run: Thru the state park on shady roads and trails. 1st loop I am okay- 8-9 minute pace. 2nd loop- wheels come off and legs cramp fatigue, die! I am forced to walk most hills. I take in gels, Heed, oranges. 5 hours into this race my legs are shot- just get to finish. I am passed by folks I passed on the bike. The pain in my quads and knees is terrible. I just want to finish.
Finish 13.1 miles- 2:14

Overall I am pleased- finished 40th/182 men and 6th /26 in AG. They racers were from all over east coast – including Canada.

Total Time 6:13 (my half-IM PR is 4:58 at White Lake—flat!)

I am very sore – get a massage, some food- head home.

Barry Young did great. Doug Brede finished strong

The race support, local support, people who come and cheer- amazing. Garret County Maryland comes out in force! High praise for the organizers in putting a race on in such gorgeous mountainous terrain! The roads were marked, cops at intersections. And lots of volunteers- I saw angels and a devil!

Mark Robbins: 2008 Brick in the Wall

http://www.championchiptiming.com/Home/tabid/65/Default.aspx?EventID=295

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqPJ7WmPfi4&feature=related

I am waiting for my YouTube video!!

http://www.savagemantri.org/