Black Bear Half-Ironman- James Newman

141  1143 HALF   James Newman            39 M HUDSON   OH   44:31 3:16:04 1:53:01         6:05:01  23/58   M35-39  124/315  M

After dodging a flying porta-potty to finish of the Deer Creek Challenge in Ohio last fall (I never knew that fighting a hurricane would be part of it – this was clearly not in the course description) the clear weather, blue skies and beautiful scenery of the Poconos was a welcomed sight on race weekend of the Black Bear race.  With Deer Creek as my first half-ironman, I hoped that Black Bear would produce a better performance in every way.  I felt prepared and rested for the challenge even after taking the family to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

The morning of the race the parking lot at the hotel was a buzz with people early. This was not a surprise as the hotel was forty-five minutes away from the race.  I would suggest anyone competing in the race to stay at a closer location.  After waiting in traffic for a while to enter the park, I did not have as much time as I would have liked for the warm-up.

After taking a few strokes in the water with the wetsuit, the race was to begin.  Swimming the distance in 44 minutes was good for me.  After weaving off course a few times, my sighting is not so good, I was able to finish with confidence even though I was kicked in the head by another swimmer as I was about to exit the water.

My time in the first transition area was too slow.  It became a family reunion as everyone was happy I made it out of the water safely and that I was making it to what I hoped were the stronger portions of the race for me.  The bike started out well, but I quickly realized that the advertisement that the course was hilly, was an understatement.  I was either ascending or descending and it was difficult to find any sort of real rhythm on the bike.  I ended the ride in 3:12 minutes.  Many of the climbs were tough and I felt my heart rate go too high, but I felt good and was able to keep a solid pace on a difficult course. 

The run was the best part for me.  After getting off the bike, the second transition went much faster and I received welcomed support from the family as I put my running shoes on and prepared for the trails of the run course.  If took a few miles for me to find my rhythm, but once I was comfortable, I settled into my pace was able to run with strength and confidence.  I took water at each stop and tried to stay as hydrated as possible.  The volunteers were amazing on the course.  The wet towels were very welcomed and I took one at every opportunity.  I found the course hot and dusty on the exposed dam.  It provided some beautiful scenery while I fought the winds and heat.  Only in the last few miles did I crave coke and try that out. Wow…it is like magic on the run; an instant boost of energy.  I was able to finish the run in 1:49, according to my watch.  I think 4 minutes in the transition was probably right.  On the whole, I thought it was an excellent race and certainly a great one to prepare for Lake Placid.  I heard a few participants comment that the bike course was more challenging than Lake Placid, which made me happy when thinking about this July.  Thanks to Angela for all her help and preparation for the race.  It has been a great journey preparing for these races and I have learned a great deal about myself and what sort of dedication it takes to finish.