Racing underway.....
Back from a great weekend of racing in Reddick, FL. We couldn't have picked a better weekend to drive to the South and outrun the nasty cold front that swept through the Midwest. As we rolled out of town on Thursday night, I had reports of temps dropping into the teens and snow falling, while we showed up to 80s and sunshine. We couldn't have asked for better!
12 hrs of Reddick was my 1st experience with this type of race and I couldn't have had a better team and support group to go on the maiden voyage with. I was lucky to be racing with Steve Wilson, Kenny Marshal, and Dustin Greer; with Steve's family and friends keeping us fueled and on-track all day. The only thing that went wrong was Dustin getting the stomach bug from his sister causing him some time bowing to the porcelain god and us being short one team member. Oh well we still pulled off a 3rd place podium finish, being only one lap down from the Trek Pro team and a local group that knew the trail like the back of their hand. 15 laps in 12 hrs isn't too shabby!
This race was a great learning experience and a great way to start my season on a positive note. I don't think I could have chosen a better way to shock my body into the transition of low intensity to ramping up the high end for race season. Running 42-45 min hotlaps every 1.5 hrs forced me to dig deep and find new fitness. The transition from day to night forced me to also trust my bike skills and as I call it "use the force." I was running off instinct when I ran a 45 min night lap that was only 1 min slower than my last day lap. This reinforced that my bike skills are still strong; which I was worried about since I've moved to Nashville and most of my riding has been done on the road.
Happy now with one race under my belt where I had a great time. Now I am building my schedule to focus on branching my racing from the normal XC races to more of a focus on the Norba Marathon series and some surrounding endurance races. I think this will suit me best and offer me the most satisfaction this year. I have locked in a new management position at my job and a new schedule to go along. Plans are in the work to get together a weekly night ride while the days are still short. I am thinking Wednesday nights! Hamiliton Creek, Montgomery Bell, maybe Chickasaw! Who knows...I may change it up week to week, but I am thinking Montgomery Bell next week so I can get another good ride in and fill everyone in on my thoughts of that place with a little more detail.
Oh yeah, next weekend I will be branching away from the bike again to go to Denver. I am way past due to hook up with my brother-from-another mother, old roomies, the infamous Bubbles, and one of the few people that read my blog. ;-) The plans to board at Copper Mtn and Vail have me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Thursday when I fly out.
Off to ride now, Lates!
Back from a great weekend of racing in Reddick, FL. We couldn't have picked a better weekend to drive to the South and outrun the nasty cold front that swept through the Midwest. As we rolled out of town on Thursday night, I had reports of temps dropping into the teens and snow falling, while we showed up to 80s and sunshine. We couldn't have asked for better!
12 hrs of Reddick was my 1st experience with this type of race and I couldn't have had a better team and support group to go on the maiden voyage with. I was lucky to be racing with Steve Wilson, Kenny Marshal, and Dustin Greer; with Steve's family and friends keeping us fueled and on-track all day. The only thing that went wrong was Dustin getting the stomach bug from his sister causing him some time bowing to the porcelain god and us being short one team member. Oh well we still pulled off a 3rd place podium finish, being only one lap down from the Trek Pro team and a local group that knew the trail like the back of their hand. 15 laps in 12 hrs isn't too shabby!
This race was a great learning experience and a great way to start my season on a positive note. I don't think I could have chosen a better way to shock my body into the transition of low intensity to ramping up the high end for race season. Running 42-45 min hotlaps every 1.5 hrs forced me to dig deep and find new fitness. The transition from day to night forced me to also trust my bike skills and as I call it "use the force." I was running off instinct when I ran a 45 min night lap that was only 1 min slower than my last day lap. This reinforced that my bike skills are still strong; which I was worried about since I've moved to Nashville and most of my riding has been done on the road.
Happy now with one race under my belt where I had a great time. Now I am building my schedule to focus on branching my racing from the normal XC races to more of a focus on the Norba Marathon series and some surrounding endurance races. I think this will suit me best and offer me the most satisfaction this year. I have locked in a new management position at my job and a new schedule to go along. Plans are in the work to get together a weekly night ride while the days are still short. I am thinking Wednesday nights! Hamiliton Creek, Montgomery Bell, maybe Chickasaw! Who knows...I may change it up week to week, but I am thinking Montgomery Bell next week so I can get another good ride in and fill everyone in on my thoughts of that place with a little more detail.
Oh yeah, next weekend I will be branching away from the bike again to go to Denver. I am way past due to hook up with my brother-from-another mother, old roomies, the infamous Bubbles, and one of the few people that read my blog. ;-) The plans to board at Copper Mtn and Vail have me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Thursday when I fly out.
Off to ride now, Lates!
posted by Unknown at 7:33 AM
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