Gordon and I made our way back for the 3rd edition of SwimrunNC in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. The photos below are absolutely spectacular and courtesy of Brian Fancher, Aaron Palaian, Richard Hill, and Herbert Krabel. I recommend that you view the report on a larger screen platform to fully appreciate their talent. The rest were taken by myself.
Gordon had a consistent run and open water swim routine going for a few months. I was coming off Ironman Chattanooga in late September. We managed to get a solid 2 weeks of swimrun training together in our neighborhood lake:
We arrived the day before the race for pre-race meeting and tasty beverages at the Green Heron.
Last year, we camped at the state park. This year we decided to go 5 star and got a room at a Doubletree.
Doubletree cookies rock!
Gordon spotted a Chinese buffet across the street and said, “Hey, want to go there for dinner?” Various thoughts went through my head such as pre-race meals gone bad…how many port-a-potties did they have at race start?…I wonder if I can get enough carbs there?…I suddenly heard myself say “sure” and next thing I knew we were downing noodles and General Tso’s chicken with reckless abandonment.
The next morning, we awoke rested and drove up to race start with no stomach issues. Risky dinner box: check.
It was a perfect morning, partly cloudy and about 45 degrees.
Last year, I severely sprained my left ankle with about 4 miles to go. To prevent that fiasco, I wore a support brace which gave me a lot of confidence on the course.
Race started promptly at 0800. First mile or so is flat and starts down a gravel road.
We decided to take it easy for the 4.5 mile run up to the lake. The course soon turns into a trail that narrows to single track at times with small stream crossings and eventually waterfalls.
Gordon setting the pace.
Once at the lake, it is a couple of swim and run loops. The water was about 55 degrees, refreshing but definitely took a few minutes of acclimation.
We had plenty of volunteer support on the course, including a rather intimidating figure on the lake.
There was a particularly slick and muddy section near the dam that required focus and scrambling skills.
Next came the arduous climb up Moore’s Wall, a total of about 800 feet elevation in 1.5 miles. The view up top is nothing short of spectacular.
We then made the technical descent back to the lake. Two more swim loops, with play by play announcer and friend David Daggett providing some energy and encouragement for the competitors.
It was then time to head down the last 5 miles to the river.
The final swim was in the brisk and fast Dan River.
Then to the finish line.
Some warm clothes, a hearty meal and sunny 65 degree weather greeted us at the finish. Oh, and free beer thanks to race co-organizer Jan Kriska and his Thirsty Souls Community Brewing in nearby Mount Airy.
Hazy IPA.
I forgot to snap a post race photo of friend and first time swimrunner Brent and his partner Jay. We enjoyed trading race stories at the finish. They were engaged in pre-race strategy here.
Awards ceremony was sunny and festive.
Finally, a proper recognition was given to the wonderful race organizers Jeff, Herbert and Jan.
The 2018 racing season is in the books. Looking forward to some 5Ks, easy training and some indoor bike rides on the Zwift training game platform. See you in 2019!!
SwimBikeRun 