TryCharleston Half : Official Thread

Yes, particularly for a weak swimmer like me.  I need all the help I can get!

How's everyone's training? My training plan has a recovery week next week – very excited! My appetite sure shows all the training is working, but I haven't done nearly as many hill workouts as have been schedule for the bike rides. Mostly flat on my indoor trainer b/c the resistance clip is broken, eep. Also need to do more (as in at least one/week) strength training.

How's yours?! What are we, 14ish weeks out?

It looks like the bike course is going to be a bit different this year, but the website seems a little confusing. Were there 2 transition areas last year, or is that the change this year? Anyone have any course details?

Thanks!

Course maps are out -- looks like they switched up the bike from last year. Any locals weigh in for us - is the new course better?

Some interesting comments on the Facebook thread. I've heard the talk about gators, but what's with being chased by dogs on the course?

I asked that question on Facebook, the dog factor is how I decided on a race. I was almost mauled by a pit bull on a century ride last year and I am in therapy still trying to cope with it.

Well, it's a flat course.  They had to do something to make it more challenging!

Thanks Phat! I am progressively getting better, I have made big improvements over the past 6 months and hope I can continue to make progress. Thank you for being understanding.

There is another thread in reference to this race in the SC forums that has a couple of locals weighing in on the course- a couple said they were going to drive it this weekend, I might today if I can convince the wife to take the time before oyster roast...  Mt. Pleasant has a lot of construction on going so that might be part of the reason for the change.

l drove the course yesterday. The first mile or so is bumpy. They have repaved part so you will go from old to new to new asphalt several times. But by mile three it is smooth.  Seewee road is nice. l forgot my map and missed the Doar road part. Sorry.

Once you cross back over Hwy 17 on to Steed road then Halfway Creek road you feel like you are in heaven. In Berkley county the road is fresh new asphalt maybe 6 months old. Other than looking at other bikers, you can put your head down and hammer away for miles at a time and not have to worry about anything. Then onto Hwy 41. Again nice road. One rough bridge but good surfaces up to that point. Once you get into Park west, be careful. There are ruts and pot holes galore.

All in all, it appears to be the smoothest roads l will have raced on. l have gone from pessimistic to very optimistic about the course. Most of the roads are in Frances Marion forest with absolutely no traffic except for first 5 and last 3 miles.

l am excited about it.

Thanks - great information.