MAKE AN EFFORT
MY LEVEL OF INSECURITY ON THE START LINE never ceases to amaze me. It starts building an hour or so before. Punctuated by multiple trips to the bathroom...
... today was no different.
It always goes away within the first mile or so.
There's some sort of feral switch that is activated once a competitor lays down the power. I can't do this melts into Why do I do this into...
... Let's do this!
We are staying with my sis and bro-in-law who live here, and he's got a saying that served me well all day...
... Make and effort.
It's really that simple.
Heading up the 6 mile opening climb I was pleased to be with the everfast Tim Z, from home. Also with us was one a racer in my age group. In fact, it was just the two of us from our group. It's nice to know where your competitors are in these mass start events. It can be pretty nutty trying to keep track of everyone.
The four of us, 2 50s and 2 60s, cleared the first climb together. There were about 8-10 50s head. Didn't matter to me, but I could see Tim was throttling his pace for a blistering second lap.
Sis and bro, walked up several miles from their place to hand me up a bottle... everyone was making an effort!
Little French, the mile long, rock strewn, 20% grade separated the four of us. Tim rode on, I walked. It's a beast of a climb. The other 60, slid back a bit.
I spent the next hour chasing Tim's Simple Green Jersey, and looking over my shoulder for my competitor's Groove Subaru jersey. Nearing the end of the first lap, I caught up to Tim as we ripped down to town.
Now, do it again.
Ugh!
I was beat.
Surfergirl handed up a bottle and a Red Bull, she's just the best. My good luck charm.
Right then I could feel the nasty cramps rumbling around my legs. Tim disappeared up the road, on the hunt. I would spend the next 30ish min by myself. Back aching and legs cramping any time I stood.
Make and effort!
Once I cleared the top, the legs started to settle down. I was popping Salt Stick tabs. Drinking. Sipping some fine maple syrup. I started to regain some confidence, too much...
... front wheel lost grip on a gravel rode.
Down I went.
Not bad.
Except, my left quad cramped so hard I couldn't stand up. Took me forever to get mounted and coasting. Fortunately, it was a long decent and the quad relaxed and i was able to soft pedal it back to working condition.
The second time up Little French I decided to walk a lot vs smoking my legs. I wanted to be strong and fast for the miles and miles of fast, fun and techy single track.
It was a good choice.
I finished strong with some amazing pro women.
I'd made my effort and was thrilled with the result.
I want to tell you about another effort, which meant so much to me. In all the nuttiness I missed the podium.
Craig (the other 60) found me and introduced himself. He grabbed third place, and we got a proper podium shot. That was a really cool effort...
... damn I love competing.
I meet the coolest people.
In fact, had a number of people come up and tell me how much they love their RaceDay Bags™...
... another nice effort made.
I hope your 4th is/was wonderful.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
My effort to take the fitness to a new level has paid off...
... are you up for the challenge?
It's 10 weeks...
... exactly what I'm doing.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
My pal Tim Z, finished 3rd!
Jeff from Texas, who outfitted his family with bags... and is sporting some proper gloves.
I think this Rob, but I might have the name wrong. He stopped me and thanked me for making it easy for his girlfriend to always be ready for the next ride : )
---
161ish (the scale is in the van, I just didn't want to look before racing)
8 hrs (altitude is brutal)
Body Water 60.8% (maybe)
0 Rounds of Strength Circuit (tepering)
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling