Black Diamond Half

2009-05-04 4:17 PM

Elite

3090

Spokane, WA

Subject: Black Diamond Half

Anyone done any of the Black Diamond events? I'm considering doing the HIM and I'd appreciate any input--adequate aid stations, etc. It's only the fourth year of the event and that has me a little concerned.

Thanks!

2009-05-04 6:22 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3494

Renton, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

I did the sprint 2 years ago. Um. It was ok. This will be my 1st HIM too. I just remember the water being cold, bike being flat and run being mismarked.

2009-05-05 3:13 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3090

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

Thanks for the reply. I read a couple of race reports here on BT from the earlier events--including the 2007 race you did and others noted the problems you did and more. I didn't find any reports from last year, and I'm hoping they've ironed some of their problems.

popsracer

2009-05-05 3:18 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Pro

6520

Bellingham, WA

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

I am torn between Black Diamond and Grand Columbian for the season finale. The flatter bike course appeals to me but the possibility of cooler conditions is a negative. Sounds like a very pretty setting.

2009-05-05 4:30 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3494

Renton, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

I'm still planning to do it. I'm also hoping to test out the bike route at least once before the event. I only heard problems from the Oly and the Sprint at the time. They also ran out of t-shirts too. Didnt bother me but I felt kinda juped as I had paid money so they sent me a $25 certificate which I used as part of my entry. Not too bad.

swbkrun

2009-05-05 5:50 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Pro

4100

Wherever the trail takes me, WA.

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

It is a great race, weather is usually GREAT, just cold at the start. Water is pretty cold to, but not bad. Learn about Mud Mountain Road.... It is a killer climb! But a fun downhill after that (down 410 I believe)....

Run course is interesting... Some trail, mostly road, a couple out and backs, and a few little short hills.

I will say the best thing about this race is that it is very well organized... A great way to end the year!

2009-05-05 9:20 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3494

Renton, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

The one thing I had heard was that they had cut out Mud Mountain road the last year.....so maybe the same this year? I emailed the director about it for this year and he said "I'm not too sure but it looks like the same again this year". So all in all, pretty flat

briderdt

2009-05-06 9:32 AM

in reply to: #2129519

Champion

10668

Tacoma, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

I haven't done that race, but...

My parents live in the Hobart end of Maple Valley, and I used to train out that way (Deep Lake/Nolte park and Mud Mt Rd) a lot. Part of the reason that the lake is cold is due to its namesake -- Deep Lake. It's very deep for its size, so it doesn't warm up like most lakes.

The ride... Could be relatively flat, or horrendously hilly, depending on the route.

Also, weather will be hit-or-miss that time of year.

I did the Crystal Mountain Triathlon back in... '86? Half-IM length swim in that lake, then riding up Mud Mt Rd and 410 to Crystal Mt, then run UP the ski slope and back down service roads... Tough race. Also, I just helped out with the Mt Rainier Duathlon that uses Mud Mt Rd and 410, and there's one dicey section of road on the lowest part of the course that could eat race wheels and not even burp. Hopefully that's not part of the HIM course...

2009-06-06 9:09 AM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3090

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

All right, I'm all in! Just registered for the half iron. Thanks for the replies, this has helped me choose Black Diamond over the Grand Columbian--which seemed like a suffer-fest for a first-timer-HIM.

2009-06-07 2:25 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3494

Renton, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

I have changed my registration from the HIM to the OLY now. I am going to do my 1st HIM next year I think. I've only just stopped smoking and I'm not ready for that type of distance!

2009-06-08 12:01 PM

in reply to: #2200249

Elite

3090

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

Congratulations on quitting smoking! I'm an ex-smoker and you're going to feel tons better. Plus you can spend all the money you're saving on tri-toys and entries!

2009-06-08 12:06 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3494

Renton, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

I was thinking of getting myself the ultimate "Tri mobile" I have a Toyota Van right now but it only has 2 seats! I've always wanted a Honda Element!

bel83

2009-06-08 2:33 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Extreme Veteran

3177

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

Lynne I am thinking it will be fun to see how much you beat me by in the Black Diamond Oly ;P

maybe that will be training motivation for me!

2009-06-08 2:44 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Elite

3494

Renton, Washington

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

Don't you mean vice versa. You going to do it then?

bel83

2009-06-08 3:56 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Extreme Veteran

3177

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

Nah you are probably fast enough to beat me. we will really be able to see in two weeks once I finish Cascade Edge...like 4 hours after I start ;P

yea I am going to do it. I think I have Laura half way to doing the Tri there too or possibly the Trek Womens series tri.

TriMoot

2009-09-09 6:48 PM

in reply to: #2129519

Member

Spokane, WA

Subject: RE: Black Diamond Half

Hello all, love the comments. Hey, I'm planning on doing the Black Diamond Half and need some input on where to stay. Looking for clean and cheap, but clean being the important point. Can anyone recommend any place? Appreciate the help.

TriMoot