Even though the race was only about a half hour drive from my house I still woke up early (for me) on Saturday. I had gotten caught in the rain during my bike ride the day before, and when I went to bed all of my gear was still soaking wet. I woke up early to ensure that it was all dry, or I was going to have to pull out my hair dryer and start blow drying my shoes!
Luckily everything was dry and after eating breakfast and drinking lots of coffee I gathered up my gear. At this point in the season I can pretty much get everything ready with my eyes closed. It was cold at registration and I had a hard time figuring out what to wear. In-between temps are always the hardest for me. Once it gets really cold it's easier because then I just put on every article of clothing that I have.
I knew that I would warm up quickly once we started racing though, so I ended up wearing long socks, knee warmers, sleeveless base layer, jersey, shorts, arm warmers and a vest. It was the perfect combo...GO ME :-)
Both the 27 and 50 milers started together and the pace was pretty neutral at first. It wasn't until we hit the first hill that the group started to break apart. I'm not sure exactly how it happened but I ended up riding with a group of 4-6 guys the entire race. They were driving the pace and I was working my butt off to stay with them. There was no one in sight behind us and I knew that I HAD to stay with them because I didn't want to face the wind alone. The majority of the race took place on dirt roads, and some were still slightly soggy. These were the worse because I felt like no matter how hard I pedaled I was barely moving.
I hung on until mile 28-ish and then I had a monster explosion. Ka-boom!!! I think I took a turn pulling and then my legs started pedaling in reverse...or something. I felt completely pathetic watching the guys ride away because no matter how hard I tried I couldn't bridge back up. Just as I became resigned to riding alone for the next 20 miles I noticed that the distance between me and them was decreasing. I am 100% positive they slowed down until I caught back up and I am so, so thankful.
From that point my legs rebounded and I felt stronger towards the end then during the beginning. I will never, ever complain when coach Andy schedules me for steady state intervals again, because that's what the entire race felt like. One really loooooong steady state interval.
The finish line was definitely the most random finish line I've ever encountered. It was basically a parked minivan with a volunteer taking our numbers. I finished in first place and was completely whacked out by the end.
No need for a halloween costume for me....rawwwrrrrr!
My not so yellow shoes....
This bike has seen a lot of dirt this year!
Not only did I get to be on the top step of the hay podium, but I also got a podium kiss. The only bummer was not having a video camera when I got home. The look on Scott's face when he saw red lip marks on my cheek was priceless!
1 comments:
So glad you got on the gravel! Always hang in there, the pace usually ebbs and flows. Oh, and the finish line usually looks like that. Why can't they just paint a little line on the road or something? Way to go!!
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