Looking ahead to next season, I'm trying to decide between these two. Both are in May, both are about 1.5 hrs from home, both 70.3, entry fees are similar ($145 vs $175). Anyone have any recommendations on which to chose? Any distinguishing quality about either of these races? Doing both is not an option due to scheduling and budgetary reasons.
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Reply to: Race by feel
I've only done Black Bear
I've only done Black Bear Half and can really only comment on that race even though I do some training at Harriman. The swim is a wave start in a pristine, clear resovoir with a rectangular out and back, the turn is at the Beltsville Dam, beautiful! There's a slight run across the beach and hardpack to T1, but easy to transition out.
The bike is all hill, climb after climb with slingshots on some of hills, but there are 2 stand alone long climbs that will test your training and with the 2 loop course-- if you hated them the 1st time... The run mixes up trail, hardpack and pavement with a spectacular run across the Beltsville Dam and an incredible panoramic view. The course is mostly flat, but there are some risers thru the trail section that get your legs to remember the bike.
It's early June and it can get hot in the open areas of the run, it hit 94* when I was out there. CGI always puts on great events, the support and people were just fantastic. The t-shirt kind of sums up the the whole thing; Just hope you finish. I'll have to try Harriman someday, but next year I'll be going back again to dare the Bear.
Well I'm sold. I'm okay
Well I'm sold. I'm okay with hills on the bike and I don't do a lot of trail running so this would be a fun experience. Judging from your race report and others, vs. with the mediocre reports for Harriman, Black Bear will be my race. See you there.
The sprint was so much fun I
The sprint was so much fun I may have to upgrade to the half next year. Depends on how winter/spring base goes.
Forget Pr's on this course unless it is your 1st half.
Nope, 2nd half. However, my
Nope, 2nd half. However, my first half was Eagleman this past June. My nutrition plan was not adequate enough to deal with the 95 degree heat + 90% humidity and ended up way off my intended times. Hopefully I will have learned and will still PR at this course.