Posted by Rich
on May 13, 2009, 11:03 am, in reply to "First time Black Bear Half Advice?"
71.58.248.3
Hi Kim...the swim last year was not frigid. It definately required a wetsuit, but was in the mid to upper 60s on race day. It is a week earlier this year, but I still think it will be at least in the mid 60s. The swim is a one loop rectangle where you swim keeping the shoreline to the right on the way out and left on the way back. There is no current. If it is windy you may get a little chop, but other than that it is a great swim.
You already know about the bike, so I won't go into detail. Just remember on the second lap near the end there is a significant hill that you did not go up on the first lap. You also come into it at a dead stop turn.
The run is very nice. There is a decent hill in the first mile but after that it is not a hilly run. There are some hills, but nothing to be afraid of. The run across the dam is about as flat as it gets. It did get pretty warm as the day went on and there are parts where you are not shaded, so stay hydrated. Aid stations are plentiful. CGI does a nice job.
Overall the scenery is beautiful so enjoy the day and have fun. You will do great. Good luck!
Rich
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