F***. This. Trail.
OK, that’s a little harsh and I don’t really mean it. I’m really projecting my hatred for climbing onto the trail, which isn’t fair. It’s an amazing trail.
I’m sorry, PLRA. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.
In all seriousness I have nothing negative to say about today’s performance. This was my first race in the sport clydesdale (200lbs or over) class. I placed 7th out of 14, dead center in the middle of the pack. I accomplished my one personal goal of coming in under an hour (56:58). I only had to walk one hill. It was dry (as in no rain from the sky), and while the trail had some sloppy bits it was mostly fast and sunny. All things considered it was a great day to race.
The climbing hit me hard during this race. My back is not strong so climbing has always been an issue for me. My back gets really tired and if I can’t take a break, it doesn’t get better. I found myself trying to push hard with my legs just to have my back respond with a resounding “NOPE”.
I’ve learned a TON from today’s effort:
- I am ready for sport. Middle of the pack is very much acceptable early on.
- I need to do hill repeats. Need.
- Personal, vocal pep-talks work well. It breaks the quiet and wakes me up.
- I need to eat IMMEDIATELY after a race. Stomach cramps are real, and eating kills them. Kills them dead.
- When I can barely breath, the possibility of showing some ass crack is not even on the radar. (see thru bibs! :/ )
While the actual ride would bore you to tears, I do have one bit of drama. The final climb is a nasty climb. Steep, long, twisty. My teammate Jeff had already caught and passed me along with two other sport riders. As I trailed them up the hill and started to crest, I heard this awful retching noise. As I came around the last turn before the descent, one of the guys that passed me horked an entire bottle’s worth of HEED (sutble strawberry, from the smell of it). I involuntarily made a cringing face and panted, “on your right…”.
The next organized ride on the schedule is the Metro Grand Spring Tour, the 62 mile flavor. I’m really looking forward to doing my first 62-miler so early in the season. I will be pulling out my grass skirt and doing my weather dance this week for sure!
Update: the perfect picture. I have in my arsenal the following: oreos, drink, shithead pose. (Thanks to CMo via Miami for the pic!)
