I just want to point out that I AM NOT A MTN BIKER! I have had a mountain bike for a little while, but it hasn't seen much love since I crashed hard and became a little cautious. For this race, though, I finally got clip pedals...and yes I rode it ONCE with them before the race. Obviously I didn't specifically train for this xterra race, but lets just mess around and have fun. Alright, let's cut to the chase here....
Swim 1k: I gave my wetsuit to the other Julie because it would be good practice for Vegas. There was a front group a little ahead of me, but I didn't really care. I just swam. I think I was 8th overall out of the water. The biggest fear for me was the fact that I was going to be in the front during a mtn bike race.
Bike 20k: Luckily, we pre-rode the course the day before so I knew what I was in for. The course started out with ALL THE HILLS. I am talking miles of climbing in a cross country grassy type of terrain. I learned to like this part since I am not experienced with the more technical single track stuff. I pretty much spent the first lap trying not to die/letting hardcore dudes pass me. After a lot of people passed me I was able to settle in and concentrate more on the course. The 2nd lap I didn't fall at all (oops i didn't mention i fell 3 times on the first lap?) and probably went a lot faster. Basically, it was fun and I did not feel like I was racing.......more like playing in the woods. The bike took me 2 whole hours....OUCH. Mtn biking is tough, lots of respect for you kids that do that.
Run 8k: Two loop course with lots of rollercoaster hills. The bike didn't feel like it took much of a toll on me aerobically, so I FLEW on the run. I passed a ton of people and even got comments like "you don't even sound like you are breathing." My legs were so confused with that mtn bike that they were happy to go hard. I think I averaged close to 8 min miles on the hilly course, which isn't bad at all. I also discovered how FUN trail running is! I cannot wait for moab in november now......
Overall: 3 hours, 3rd in age group, lots of fun. I would recommend this race in a second...very well run, beautiful course, awesome people, and small. NO ONE was mean to me on the mountain bike course. In fact everyone that passed me was really nice about it. People even offered to help me up when I fell. NH for the win! Oh, and qualified for nationals in utah? hahahah. maybe someday....
I loved throwing this race in my schedule to mix things up. I like to think that being a versatile athlete will only help me more in the end. I might even be back next year!
Gearing up for vegas in a few weeks....i am pretty pumped. For once in my life, I feel like I am prepared to race. I have never done a half ironman feeling like I put in as much hard work as I could (usually I am injured at some point...actually I am ALWAYS injured...not this year!). Bike racing has really given me a lot already and I would never take back joining a team. In fact, I recommend any triathlete trying to improve to join a team and race the hell out of bikes. Everyone has been so supportive....its just awesome. You ROCK! It really does mean a lot. I'll return all the favors by being obnoxious cheering for everyone (or posting stupid things on fb) in races.
Getting a little choked up a bit about this race coming up....back in college I was such a mess (medical issues out the wazoooo) I never thought I would be where I am now as an athlete. EVER. This last year has been crazy amazing....put your mind to something and just do it. I can't stop now either...
BOLOCO!
