Last year after the Xterra West region Championships i told myself that i would never come back and do that race again!! But this last weekend I was somehow sucked back to that dreaded race... Only this time it was much more enjoyable. I went down with some of my new teammates from roosters/bikersedge.(who are awesome by the way!!!) With a race this early in the season, I was a little apprehensive about racing. As im sure all the racers felt i felt anything but fit. The course started out at a different resort than last year. It was a deep water start in the "pleasant" low 60 degree waters of Lake Las Vegas. With a 3 wave start the pros went first. My wave went second. The first 500 meters went smoothly but my lack of swimming over the winter was very apparent. I soon felt slow and sluggish as the yellow swim caps that were the wave behind me pick me off one by one. After 30 min (which seemed like an eternity) i reached T1. After fumbling to get my wetsuit off and my bike shoes on, i finally got off on the bike and was feeling good. My bike went well, I dont know where i was at after the swim, but i knew i was racing the clock. I set a moderate pace for the first lap, knowing i'd have to save my legs for the run. The second lap i picked it up a bit and put some time into those that were riding with me.
As i came into T2 I had no one in site. The lady on the PA announced that i was the first Age grouper which was a surprise to me. I thought for sure i'd be chasing on the run as well. Knowing I was the first amateur I started out on the run convinced that no one was going to catch me. I used the first half mile to get my running muscles working and set a steady pace. I've never felt so good running off the bike. Usually I get massive craps that prevent me from running the way i know i can. I forced my self to eat on the bike which i think did wonders!!! I ate 2 packs of shot blocks and a flask of EFS. (note to self...eat more on the bike) I didn't see anyone the whole run until the last mile or so. I passed Melanie McQuaid (who was flying by the way) with 1/2 mile left. I finished with a time of 2 hr and 29 Min placing me the top amateur and 16th overall with the pros. What an improvement from last year!! It was a much needed confidence booster, and a good stepping stone for the year. It was nice to see friends and make new ones that have the same love for racing as i do. Despite my many hesitations, I'm happy with where my fitness is this early in the year and with how much training I have done. I look forward to improving and moving forward into a great season.
As i came into T2 I had no one in site. The lady on the PA announced that i was the first Age grouper which was a surprise to me. I thought for sure i'd be chasing on the run as well. Knowing I was the first amateur I started out on the run convinced that no one was going to catch me. I used the first half mile to get my running muscles working and set a steady pace. I've never felt so good running off the bike. Usually I get massive craps that prevent me from running the way i know i can. I forced my self to eat on the bike which i think did wonders!!! I ate 2 packs of shot blocks and a flask of EFS. (note to self...eat more on the bike) I didn't see anyone the whole run until the last mile or so. I passed Melanie McQuaid (who was flying by the way) with 1/2 mile left. I finished with a time of 2 hr and 29 Min placing me the top amateur and 16th overall with the pros. What an improvement from last year!! It was a much needed confidence booster, and a good stepping stone for the year. It was nice to see friends and make new ones that have the same love for racing as i do. Despite my many hesitations, I'm happy with where my fitness is this early in the year and with how much training I have done. I look forward to improving and moving forward into a great season.
Awesome job, I would have loved to come watch you. Maybe someday.
ReplyDelete