General Clinton Race Report
The last time I did the 70 was in 2008, the notorious low water year. God and Mother Nature have a sense of humor, since they decided I should pick up right where I left off with another very low water year this year.
The Clinton weekend offers something for everyone. There are youth races, generation gap races, relay races, and shorter “sprint” races (12 and 18 miles) for those not insane enough to do the 70. This year I finished the 70 with my worst time ever, 12:37:28.
I was sick as a dog with a bad cold and could barely breathe, and somewhere around Portlandville I was bitten by a deer fly on my left hand. By the time I got over Goodyear Portage my hand was swollen quite considerably and I was feeling rather nauseous, reactions to the bite. The heat, about 90 degrees, didn’t help any either.
Nonetheless, I was determined to make it to Bainbridge. This was my 3rd 70 finish and I’m already thinking about next year. There is something highly addictive about this race. The camaraderie both on and off the water, the excitement of the twisty swamp, the Colliersville switchbacks, and even the Otego suckwaters each hold their challenges and allure.
For me it’s a mental game, since I’m alone for most of the race, proboats having passed me before Goodyear and I don’t generally catch anyone until Unadilla. I ran a good technical race despite my slow time. Or maybe because I was so slow I had time to run a good technical race? Either way, I genuinely enjoyed myself this year.
I was DFL (dead swearword last) in the pro kayak division, but I am the first woman to ever do the 70 in an ICF K1. While anyone who manages the 70 is very admirable, I personally think that those who do it ironman solo, the kayaks and the C1s, are particularly special (or maybe upon reflection that should be “spechul”?) because it is not just physical stamina that is required to compete solo, but a peace with one’s own mind. I’ve been a breast cancer survivor since 1999. I do the 70 to remind myself that I’m alive.
And the fact that the General Clinton takes place on Memorial Day does not escape me either. Many soldiers died so that I can have the freedom to chase my dream 70 miles down the Susquehanna. Thank you Veterans.
For next year, does anyone know a good rain dance?
It was a good day.