My first ever mountain bike race 3 years ago, was at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, and so we were back this year for our 3rd time. The snowy Gore range provided a beautiful backdrop, and Chris and I both took part in the XC race.
My race went off at high noon, under sunny warm skies. We had just finished pre-riding the 5 mile loop course, just before my race started, and although it was a decent warm-up, my legs were feeling a little drained. As I took off on the first of 3 loops, I soon realized how deceivingly difficult the course actually was. The course was either straight up or straight down, it was completely in the sun the entire time, and I never felt like I could get in a rhythm.
I was immediately extremely thirsty, and drained my water bottle within the first 2 miles. Upon completing the first lap, I was looking forward to getting a new bottle at the feed station. I was awestruck by the most ridiculous water set up I've ever seen - they were handing out 3-ounce cups of water, (like Costco sample sized cups)! All while cases upon cases of water bottles were stacked up under the table. What a crock of crap!!! Chris was up on the course taking pictures, and had I known beforehand, I would have staged water bottles for myself. So beginning the 2nd lap I was severely dehydrated, and going down in a pile of flames fast. Halfway through the lap I begged a bottle of Evian water off of a spectator, and drank as much and as fast as I could. I could have cared less about germs at that point! I took a couple swigs of energy gel to try and mediate my losses, but things just started feeling worse.
I spotted Chris on the course starting the 3rd lap, and he had also begged some water off of someone to give me. By that point, it was a pure suffer fest. I wanted so badly to catch the three girls in front of me, and I knew I could, but my body wouldn't let me. I had to pull over to the side of the trail, dry heaving and shaking. I felt so woozy that I actually started feeling cold! That is bad news, especially on a hot day. So while I absolutely would not let myself DNF, I salvaged the rest of the race by spinning easy up the hills, and coasted the remainder of the downhill. All in all, I finished a respectable 7th in a field of 26 Expert women.
Chris' race went off at 4pm, and I got to take pictures of him! It is only his second race this year, and he is just getting his cycling legs back, but he did a great job!
After his first lap of two, he looked real tired, and said that he had really bad calf cramps as I handed him a new water bottle. I shouted some desperate words of encouragement and hoped that he would feel better. I waited for him by the finish, and he came in strong!!
Although both of us had some tough physiological conditions to fight during our respective races, we both finished and continued our Teva Games streak. Awesome job to the other COMotion racers Rob and Hamilton, and a big thanks for the support to Butler and Kris for coming out to cheer! We'll certainly be back next year!!
Monday, June 23, 2008, my dad passed away. It was sudden and painless. No one had any indication. He even beat my brother in a golf game the day before. Chris and I spent the week in Seattle, surrounded by family, friends, and the awesome memories of the best dad ever. My sister and 3 brothers are absolutely the best support and closest family I have!
It's tough to come back to real life. And while other people can sympathize with you, it is only you that truly knows how deeply it hurts. I don't know when I'll race again... it may be August, it may be next year.
It's just enjoying each day, one at a time.
