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Thanks to SORBA-CSRA and GoneRiding I had a chance to compete (more like try) in my first triathlon at Issaqueena Forest outside of Clemson, SC. Training for this consisted of…….well I found out I had the entry two weeks ago. Did manage two rides followed by a run. Swims I did were all in the pool.
After spending the night (with very little sleep) with relatives in Anderson, SC I got to Issaqueena around 6:30 am. I knew I had to get the race packet but the rest of it I was clueless. I picked the brains of fellow racers and brought my gear to the transition area to set up. Again clueless on this. I just observed others. I was a bit nervous and kinda made my first mistake of the day by not really eating anything.
Looking out at the lake I made one very clear observation, a kilometer swim looks a lot different in a pool then in open water. This would be my first long open swim since I did the "mile swim" at Boy Scout camp. Yes it has been awhile. Also, I am blind as a bat and do not wear contacts.
After a racers meeting the race started. I was positioned more in the rear and it started of very slow with many legs and arms flapping all over the place. Did get hit once and had to re-adjust my goggles. After about 5 minutes into the swim I did manage to get to the outside the group and start passing some others. I did breast stroke most of the time, my strongest sustained stroke. When I wanted to go a quick pass I got my free-style in. Managed to finish the swim around mid field.
Transition……well again clueless. I just got my jersey on, helmet, glasses ( I could see again), socks, shoes, gloves and headed out. Started on a fire road climb. Passed a few here and then got into tight singletrack. This is were riding in groups suck for a single speed. Person in front of me downshifted on a short but steep climb and I lost all momentum. Had to jump off and push. This became the story of the ride. I would pass folks on the forest service rides and then get slowed down on the singletrack climbs. Which tend to a strong point but with no passing space 😈
I did ride with Brad V. (another CSRA rider) for awhile during a good portion of the ride. He finally pulled away on a steep technical climb. Overall the best way to describe the trail was tight rocky/rooty trail (maybe keg) with the hills of Tower. Old school trails. Would love to ride it again but I did not see any other trail markers other the the XTerra ones. I passed about 15 people on this section while getting passed myself by 7 riders.
I hit the transition again and again I was clueless. Someone mention that the number had to be in front. I had to re-pin the number. There went more time. I downed some Gatorade and water and was off. The trail run followed the edge of the lake, had old rocky walkways and uneven steps before going to ff-canter rooty, rocky, up and down, tight singletrack.
About 1/2 mile into the run I rolled my ankle and went down banging up my knee. After this it was more like slow motion running. By far I was concerned about the run as being my weak leg. After this my normally slow pace would of been fast. Key thing was, I was still having fun. Finally made the finish in 162 minutes. Far away from the first place folks. I did make my goal of under 3 hours and can only improve.
If doing it again, I would practice the transition. I lost 5-10 minutes in this area, pre-ride the course, and this was one of those times I had gears. Big mistakes for me, lack of nutrition and water. Also the tire pressure was a little high.
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Congrats! I’ve never been up to Issaqueena, but I’ve had it on my wish list for awhile. Sounds like it has got some good technical climbs. Guess I need to go check it out!
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Congrats man! Great place to ride, though best known for it DH trails and FR features. 25 miles away from that beautiful area, and beats Paris Mountain. Again….Congrats! 😀
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Congrats on getting through the race! First year racing something is always about information gathering, so it sounds like you will be more prepared for next time. And I have to agree with you, the running would be my worst part. Probably the reason I haven’t entered one, I hate running!
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I know for a fact that I did not push myself in any of the stages. I wanted to make sure I had enough in the tank to finish the whole race. I would not mind doing another XTerra in the future. Most of the close races are in the spring and a wet suit would be helpful.
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