Spring 'Cross

As promised, here is my full report on Cult 'Cross #1 in Eagle, CO on Sunday, March 15, 2009... Chris was on his way back from the team training camp in Fruita, and I managed to get away from studying for the day, so we met up perfectly at the race course at the Eagle County Fairgrounds. It was a fantastic spring-like day!

There we just enough people to make the race worthwhile, but not the usual crazy atmosphere of the 'cross scene. Maybe it's just more chill in the spring?! Chris warmed up on the course with me, and we did just one reconnaissance lap after realizing how bumpy and rough the terrain was.

There were just 5 of us women on the start line, and we all took off surprisingly fast! I have basically done zero training so far this year, so it was a shocker for the legs and the lungs from the get-go. Lindsey Bishop basically dusted me within the first half-lap, so I was relegated to hang out in 2nd for the entire race.

There were some crazy, cool obstacles on the course that you don't usually see... the "truth or dare" bridge, the fallen tree with 3 consecutive branches to hurdle, and the little sand pile hills and rough terrain. All the while I was suffering, I was having a complete blast!! Chris was so awesome, sprinting across the course to snap tons of photos and cheering like crazy!
After 45 minutes in the pain cave, I was elated to be finished, but actually refreshed at the hard effort I put in!! My back was pretty fatigued from the bumpy ground, and I felt some sore muscles that have been in hibernation for a while!

I do have the distinction of being the first person on the COMo team to race this year, and the new uniform is tight!
I can't wait for this next Sunday to come, the second and final Cult 'Cross race of the spring!!