Friday, December 6, 2013
2014 K-Blue Racing Jersey
Below are the final proofs of what the 2014 K-Blue Racing jerseys and arm warmers will look like.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Rebecca's Private Idaho Race Report
Rebecca's Private Idaho (RPI)
Sun Valley, ID
September 1, 2013
Drew Watkins
RPI 100 was a true Gravel Grinder with lots of Cyclocross riders and a handful of Mountain Bikers. Along with the infamous Rebecca Rusch were guys like Levi Leipheimer and T. Burke Swindlehurst with two courses..."The Big Potato" 100 miler and the "Small Fry" 56 miler. I choose the "Small Fry" due to a little lack in time for training leading up to the race.
Both courses had and out and back climb of about 1500 foot elevation in about 7 miles. The winds kicked up on the way back causing a strong head wind...but the course was fully supported complete with Baked Potatoes and PBR's...not to be confused with PB&J. All in all the crowd and festivities were amazing and will be a "must do" every year for this Idaho resident. I don't have any desire to ride Cyclocross at this juncture...but never say never.
Sun Valley, ID
September 1, 2013
Drew Watkins
RPI 100 was a true Gravel Grinder with lots of Cyclocross riders and a handful of Mountain Bikers. Along with the infamous Rebecca Rusch were guys like Levi Leipheimer and T. Burke Swindlehurst with two courses..."The Big Potato" 100 miler and the "Small Fry" 56 miler. I choose the "Small Fry" due to a little lack in time for training leading up to the race.
Both courses had and out and back climb of about 1500 foot elevation in about 7 miles. The winds kicked up on the way back causing a strong head wind...but the course was fully supported complete with Baked Potatoes and PBR's...not to be confused with PB&J. All in all the crowd and festivities were amazing and will be a "must do" every year for this Idaho resident. I don't have any desire to ride Cyclocross at this juncture...but never say never.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Prescott 6er
Prescott 6er
Scott Thomas
Saturday Oct. 12, 2013
Prescott, AZ
So this race is pretty self explanatory like my last one (12 hours at Night), except this one being 6 hours during the day. This race is very similar to the 12HAN. It is located at the same park in Prescott (Miller Park) and has several parts that are shared by both races. This is a 9 1/2 mile loop and you have 6 hours to do as many laps as you can. Note you can't finish until after the 6 hour point or you have to be out on your last lap prior to 5:59:59.
Coming into this race I did a little research. I knew Ryan Geiger would be there again. He is defending champ from last year. I had never raced against Ryan head to head (or that I know of). I watched Ryan race a few years ago at 24 Hours of Fury at McDowell Mtn Park. I knew he was fast then. Outside of Ryan racing it I wasn't aware of the field coming in. I was very surprised when showing up Saturday morning and seeing the crowd of racers.
As typical I got there early enough to set up a transition area, warm up and not feel rushed. This race was a mass start. About 8:50 everyone started to line up for a little pre-race meeting and get their place for the start. I think there were about 70 or so of us total starting and I found a good little spot in the middle.
The race starts with a modified 4-1/2 mile loop and then a full 9-1/2 mile loop. So 9am hits and the whistle blows. We are off. Knowing the area from 12HAN I felt really good. Then in this modified loop there is a long climb. Everyone is gunning for their position and I knew I had to get into a decent spot, because after this climb it goes into a long tight single track area. The elevation of Prescott that morning wasn't helping me find that spot, but I did okay.
Coming in from the modified loop you cross the start line and head out on your first full 9-1/2 mile loop. Again knowing this course from 12HAN I knew this was heading into my fast fire-road section and the grind of the incline would be my friend all day and were I would make up ground. Pulling off the fire-road area we hit some single track for a ways and then into my worst enemy from 12HAN and that is Rocky Road. I used this to my advantage as much as I could as I feel I am a stronger climber than many.
Coming off of Rocky Road we hit a fast decent and then comes the hard climb. This was not part of 12HAN, and it was an Ass-Kicker of a short climb. Once we hit the top of that it was where the 4-1/2 mile had tied in, so I was back to some good single track.
Lap 1 came easy and then 2. Lap 3 wasn't to bad and then leading into 4 Rocky Road was wearing on me. Coming in from 4 I was dragging for sure, but knew I needed one more. I took a quick 2-4 minute break and fueled and headed out again. Lap 5 was tough. I hadn't ridden all week leading up to this race and I should have.
Lessons learned this race: Train up to the day before the race. No matter what your brain is telling you, you can do more. And again the best outlook from my daughter "At least you weren't like 100th place Dad."
Great race. I'll do it again.
Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone else's support. POC Sports. Geigerrig. GU Enengy. Yankz! Mike's Bike Chalet. Stan's NoTubes. Polar Water Bottles. Geax.
Scott Thomas
Saturday Oct. 12, 2013
Prescott, AZ
So this race is pretty self explanatory like my last one (12 hours at Night), except this one being 6 hours during the day. This race is very similar to the 12HAN. It is located at the same park in Prescott (Miller Park) and has several parts that are shared by both races. This is a 9 1/2 mile loop and you have 6 hours to do as many laps as you can. Note you can't finish until after the 6 hour point or you have to be out on your last lap prior to 5:59:59.
Coming into this race I did a little research. I knew Ryan Geiger would be there again. He is defending champ from last year. I had never raced against Ryan head to head (or that I know of). I watched Ryan race a few years ago at 24 Hours of Fury at McDowell Mtn Park. I knew he was fast then. Outside of Ryan racing it I wasn't aware of the field coming in. I was very surprised when showing up Saturday morning and seeing the crowd of racers.
As typical I got there early enough to set up a transition area, warm up and not feel rushed. This race was a mass start. About 8:50 everyone started to line up for a little pre-race meeting and get their place for the start. I think there were about 70 or so of us total starting and I found a good little spot in the middle.
The race starts with a modified 4-1/2 mile loop and then a full 9-1/2 mile loop. So 9am hits and the whistle blows. We are off. Knowing the area from 12HAN I felt really good. Then in this modified loop there is a long climb. Everyone is gunning for their position and I knew I had to get into a decent spot, because after this climb it goes into a long tight single track area. The elevation of Prescott that morning wasn't helping me find that spot, but I did okay.
Coming in from the modified loop you cross the start line and head out on your first full 9-1/2 mile loop. Again knowing this course from 12HAN I knew this was heading into my fast fire-road section and the grind of the incline would be my friend all day and were I would make up ground. Pulling off the fire-road area we hit some single track for a ways and then into my worst enemy from 12HAN and that is Rocky Road. I used this to my advantage as much as I could as I feel I am a stronger climber than many.
Coming off of Rocky Road we hit a fast decent and then comes the hard climb. This was not part of 12HAN, and it was an Ass-Kicker of a short climb. Once we hit the top of that it was where the 4-1/2 mile had tied in, so I was back to some good single track.
Lap 1 came easy and then 2. Lap 3 wasn't to bad and then leading into 4 Rocky Road was wearing on me. Coming in from 4 I was dragging for sure, but knew I needed one more. I took a quick 2-4 minute break and fueled and headed out again. Lap 5 was tough. I hadn't ridden all week leading up to this race and I should have.
Lessons learned this race: Train up to the day before the race. No matter what your brain is telling you, you can do more. And again the best outlook from my daughter "At least you weren't like 100th place Dad."
Great race. I'll do it again.
Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone else's support. POC Sports. Geigerrig. GU Enengy. Yankz! Mike's Bike Chalet. Stan's NoTubes. Polar Water Bottles. Geax.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Interbike 2013
INTERBIKE 2013
Las Vegas
Scott Thomas
Interbike.
Where do I start? I guess first
and foremost a big thanks to Serfas for inviting me and getting me into the
show. Now let’s get into the meat of
things.
So I started off on Thursday by stopping by
the Serfas booth and really getting my hands on their new lights. The new TSL-2500 looks just as great as their
current TSL-1500, but brighter and if you’re riding fast and in the dark bright
is good. The new TSL-T1000 is much
different than the TSL-2500 & TSL-1500.
The TSL-T1000 has this very compact look of the light itself. Perfect for mounting on your helmet. Then the battery pack has a built in
Thunderbolt tail-light. Then both of
these lights have an extremely cool option on their battery packs, which is a
USB plug to allow you to charge a smaller TSL-500+ or your cell phone off of.
I left there and roamed a little stopping by
the POC booth. It was nice to get my
hands on the new POC Octal road bike helmet.
There isn’t much that I can say for this that reviews haven’t already
said. This helmet is light. I’m a fan of POC’s designs, so that doesn’t
scare me off with their design of this helmet either. If you’re in a shop that has these stop and
pick it up. I think you will be amazed
as how light this is.
I moved on from POC’s booth over to the Giant
bikes booth. As many of you know Giant
came out in full force this year with their new 27.5 line. Their new XTC 27.5 looks really nice. I’m not totally sold on the 27.5, but their
selection of 27.5 is there and if you are buying a 27.5 I think Giant might
have one of the larges selections. I
will also say that if I was a female and I was looking for a bike that looked “Pretty”
I wouldn’t have to look far past giant.
Their women’s selection is there.
Stan’s.
Well as you all know now Stan’s announced their carbon Valor wheels at
Eurobike a few weeks ago. These wheels
are slick. The ones on display at
Interbike were their proto-type ones and some of the look could still be
desired, but all in all they are nice. I
know that in talking with Stan’s they won’t really be available in the states
till late spring of 2014. That’s okay as
my ZTR Crest are holding up just fine for now.
Geigerrig.
So this one isn’t one that you will personally see on my back to much
when I’m riding, but I know several of the other K-Blue guys are wearing these
and racing in these. I use mine, just
not typically when I am riding. A couple
of things though that I got to see out of these guys that I had not before the
show. First their Guardian packs as
really nice. The protection plates are
their. If you’re a rider that falls
maybe you should be wearing this. The
plates are extremely light weight strong as you land on your back in the
crash. Another product that I haven’t
used, but am going to is their Bike Rig.
I’m very nervous about trying this on my mountain bike, but ready to
strap it on to the road as soon as I get it.
Lastly this might be one of the coolest things I saw at the Interbike
and this is their new Nano drinking system.
This system eliminates the standard ¼” drinking tube and replaces it
with an 1/8” or smaller tube that is fitted with a small cough drop size piece
for your mouth. This tube is setup to
have a steady drip to your mouth.
Because of their pressurized hydration bladders this pushes water all
the time and allows a steady drip, so you are consistently drinking and not
take large drinks at once.
Yankz.
Well several of you saw my Facebook posting a month or so ago on their
new HVLO headphones systems. I’m not
sure I can tell you how comfortable these are.
As I stated in my Facebook posting the only down side I have come across
with these is that they are not Blue-tooth.
I’m pretty sure if you are a runner your will love these.
Crankbrothers. Once again these guys like Stan’s announces
their new carbon wheels at Eurobike, so many of us new they were coming, but we
just hadn’t seen them or touched them. I
love the design side of Crankbrothers products and like their other wheels they
have not spared any design with these either.
These are offered in the standard matte carbon look and then with an
added gloss option. Also their new Kronologdrop seat post is much nicer than their old Joplin. I think there is still competition out there
in the drop-seat post market, but I’ll say that these guys get it. I only wish they had it in a smaller size
that would fit my bike.
Sea Suckers.
So as I’m walking the convention I come across Sea Suckers. These are suction-cup bike mounts for your
vehicle. I love the concept. It looks extremely diverse and easy to
use. I think my biggest concern is that
I’m strapping my $2K bike on to the top of my car and hoping that the suction
holds. In talking with them they stated
that they had had no issues with anyone losing their bikes.
Shimano.
So the million dollar question for Shimano. Do they have a 1x11? No.
They currently do not have one.
They are working on it and said that it will hopefully be out sometime in
2014. They did say that they were trying
to keep the cassette body the same as it currently is, so those that are
running Chris King and some of the other custom hubs no need to stress over
having to get a new one or an adapter to make these work.
Sram.
We all are aware of the XX1 1x11 that Sram has had out for over a year
now. Well they rolled out their X01
which is also a 1x11, but the step down.
The biggest and really the only difference is the crank is not carbon on
the X01. I love the simplicity of the
1x11, but riding in maybe different environments from the flat desert of
Phoenix to the mountains of Prescott and Utah I believe that your money is
better spent on a 2x10.
Catlike.
So many of you know that I run the POC Trabec helmet and love it. Its design is a little different which may be
part of the reason why I like it, but I have found myself looking at the
Catlike’s recently as well. After
spending some time hold, touching, trying on and talking with them I’m not sure
I’m sold on these. Their design and open
concept of the helmet is very cool, but I can’t bring myself to them.
Trainers.
Several companies had trainers there.
Now naturally I’m pretty fortunate for living in sunny Arizona where I
can train outside 12 months a year. I
haven’t always been that fortunate and have had some time in the cold winters
of Utah. So some of the technologies out
there on the new trainers are great. If
you are really locked into having to train inside because of the outdoor temps
do your research. Don’t just jump out
there and buy that standard trainer that you going to lose your mind grinding
away on. Many of today’s trainers will
link with your computer and your big screen.
MORE TO COME…… Check back soon.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Rebecca's Private Idaho (RPI)
Sun Valley, ID
September 1, 2013
Drew Watkins
RPI 100 was a true Gravel Grinder with lots of Cyclocross riders and a handful of Mountain Bikers. Along with the infamous Rebecca Rusch were guys like Levi Leipheimer and T. Burke Swindlehurst with two courses..."The Big Potato" 100 miler and the "Small Fry" 56 miler. I choose the "Small Fry" due to a little lack in time for training leading up to the race.
Both courses had and out and back climb of about 1500 foot elevation in about 7 miles. The winds kicked up on the way back causing a strong head wind...but the course was fully supported complete with Baked Potatoes and PBR's...not to be confused with PB&J. All in all the crowd and festivities were amazing and will be a "must do" every year for this Idaho resident. I don't have any desire to ride Cyclocross at this juncture...but never say never.
Drew Watkins
Sun Valley, ID
September 1, 2013
Drew Watkins
RPI 100 was a true Gravel Grinder with lots of Cyclocross riders and a handful of Mountain Bikers. Along with the infamous Rebecca Rusch were guys like Levi Leipheimer and T. Burke Swindlehurst with two courses..."The Big Potato" 100 miler and the "Small Fry" 56 miler. I choose the "Small Fry" due to a little lack in time for training leading up to the race.
Both courses had and out and back climb of about 1500 foot elevation in about 7 miles. The winds kicked up on the way back causing a strong head wind...but the course was fully supported complete with Baked Potatoes and PBR's...not to be confused with PB&J. All in all the crowd and festivities were amazing and will be a "must do" every year for this Idaho resident. I don't have any desire to ride Cyclocross at this juncture...but never say never.
Drew Watkins
2013 Fire on the Rim Race Report
Pine, AZ
Don Mellow
September 14, 2013
This was a race I had not done before, nor pre-rode. I had done a little homework studying the area, terrain, and overall layout of the race. With this race, the obvious worry point is the 970' of constant elevation gain at the very beginning of the race. The other factors were the 3,700 total elevation gain of the 30 mile course I was attempting.
After arriving at the race headquarters the night before, I had a chance to drive the initial climb from the start. Even my F250 was working, so I knew it was going to be one of those times that I would have dig deep, block out the pain, find my cadence, and get my Clydesdale butt up the hill! I have put on about 300 miles in training for this race, so I felt I was about 85%. I'll tell where I actually was at the end of this report.
I arrived at the race camp the next morning about an hour and a half from start time. One thing I have learned after years of racing is to have as much ready BEFORE you head up so you have time to relax and get into race mode. I was ready to go in 15 minutes due to the preparation and was able to hang out and get to know my neighbors. That helped calm my nerves and heard some interesting stories.
About 20 min to race start, you could hear the calls for the 45 mile guys to start. The anticipation and internal gut check began. I geared up, checked everything over and headed for my race. After stretching and warming up on the pavement areas around the start, I felt I was ready. It was nice to be out of the heat of the valley, checking out everyone's bikes for what they had put into it, and going over my race plan in my head. After lining up in the middle of the pack, behind the shaved leg guys and before the guys handing off their beers to their wives, the race official had us give a moment of silence for the 19 fire fighters that recently passed in the Yarnell fire. It was great to give respect and reflect how lucky we have it in so many ways and how my participation was going to a great cause. So then it was back to the race. 45 seconds to start, I put on my race app and turned on the Metallica song to get me ready to go. BOOM- we're off and with a little downhill to feel like your a pro, we sped off...uphill. Because I driven the uphill the night before, I just found my pace and peddled, thinking of those famous socks that say "peddle damn it". I really do enjoy race starts. Gears changing, people (in shape) talking, the crowds cheering, and me thinking of when the first cramp will come. I stayed in the middle basically, passing some, getting passed, but feeling good about my planning and pace. After about 2 miles we cleared the houses and cheering folks. You know, that point of a race when it is just you, your bike, and the open road? At that point, it was now about getting up the mountain. I peddled, and peddled, and peddled. Taking advantage of my granny gear and a few 50-80 yard downhills to lift my butt off the seat to get circulation again. I had to walk a few sections at the top because I was wanting so save some energy for the rest of the race and just enjoy the event. Then finally I reached the saddle and started the 5 mile downhill. You know that feeling of "weeee". I was moving pretty fast, but still feeling the drag of newly installed brake pads, so I took some time to really burn them in. This was and really smooth forest road, dodging a few water puddles and rocks, but mostly cruising. There were a few washes that I was able to flow through without too much peddling...that is always nice. I reached the end of the downhill at an aid station, where another road revealed the humbling fact that the race would not all be downhill. So started peddling again on a fairly steep road, but less compacted, so I just found my lines and stayed the course. It was about another 4 miles to the next turn with only a few small downhills to give relief. After making the next turn, it got steeper for .5 mile then started some crazy single track that was extremely steep and very narrow, with lots of rocks. However, because it was mostly downhill, I loved it and just enjoyed my car crash through the woods, always taking note of how I could do it better and faster the next lap.
After completing about 2 miles of the single track, it was back to climbing another 1 mile of pretty steep climbing. Not as steep as the initial climb, but add rocks and ruts to equation, and I finally had to hike a bike about half way. Good thing is about 50% of the riders were doing the same. So I just climbed as fast as I figured I would be riding and made it to the top. Hello downhill. And by this I mean some of the most technical, fast flying downhill I have ever done. I love surprises, so I just stayed focused and on speed. This was a 2 track road that had been washed out in the middle, so it was V-shaped. Picked my side and slammed on the breaks and was still going about 15 miles an hour.!
After finishing that section, it was now onto some pavement, but still uphill pain. Towards the end of that 3 mile section it was downhill. Why does the downhill go so fast? Then turning onto another single tract that parallels the main highway, I just peddled. However, at this stage of the race (about 12 miles) I was feeling "ok", I was determined to stay at race pace and enjoy the next section. This section was the most demanding because it was a twisty, turning, steep-then-up single track. O, and there was about 1000% times more the rocks. This is where you start evaluated " what if I get a flat". So I just took it easy to see what the trail had. And it had everything...steep steep steep downhills, crossing boulders at the bottom of creeks (I was thinking that this wasn't even a bike trail), and really technical turns. So I finally arrived at the turn to go to the finish line or start the next lap. Mmmm, thinking, thinking, thinking...ok, I started my second lap. Understanding where I was and where the road was, I began developing a plan to have fun riding this new trail for the race and pace myself....about one hour later, I had just finished the connecting section that was everything I have written so far COMBINED!!!! No joke. I won't give details, you'll just have to ride it!!
I was now about halfway up the initial climb and feeling good. Still walked a few sections because of tightness and being lapped by the 45 mile guys starting their 3rd lap! Got to the top and enjoyed the downhill, and going much much faster. I think I ran faster in some areas, but had to walk a few more sections because of the cramping. I still kept moving though. I had it in my mind that I had to keep moving. I only had 6 minutes of stop time in 4:38 minutes of racing. I finally got to the finish line turnoff and knew most of it was downhill. It was and it was fun to get the energy of finishing and catching my breath. After weaving thru town and getting off course in one section that cost me and another guy a few minutes, I finally saw the finish line. I felt like I left everything on the course and with hamstrings cramping I crossed the line.
Got a few after race pictures and walked to the racer tent where the volunteers were shoving food and drinks at me so fast. They really did a great job and I know they appreciate the cause for the race to help fund forest fires to keep big ones from happening. I sat down for some food, music, and the sights and felt good to finish, even though I was shooting for a 4 hour goal. At this time, I reflected on what I thought I was 85% prepared at the beginning of the race, was now a humbling 60%. I know I did a great job, but could definitely improve by knowing the course and demands of the race. I recommend all to do this one...top three for me.
Special thanks to some products that helped me complete this race. Sexy race shorts will gel pad from Serfas, great gloves that never slipped from Serfas, GU products that kept me moving forward and avoiding more cramps, my flip up Gargoyles glasses that really help in the shaded/sunny areas of the forest and allowing me to wipe the sweat from my eyes easily, and the great Serfas Krest tires that hugged and loved this terrain. No flats (Stan's NoTubes), and probably should have been, really great handling that helped me focus on other aspects of the race. Do this one, you won't regret it too bad!
Don Mellow
Pine, AZ
Don Mellow
September 14, 2013
This was a race I had not done before, nor pre-rode. I had done a little homework studying the area, terrain, and overall layout of the race. With this race, the obvious worry point is the 970' of constant elevation gain at the very beginning of the race. The other factors were the 3,700 total elevation gain of the 30 mile course I was attempting.
After arriving at the race headquarters the night before, I had a chance to drive the initial climb from the start. Even my F250 was working, so I knew it was going to be one of those times that I would have dig deep, block out the pain, find my cadence, and get my Clydesdale butt up the hill! I have put on about 300 miles in training for this race, so I felt I was about 85%. I'll tell where I actually was at the end of this report.
I arrived at the race camp the next morning about an hour and a half from start time. One thing I have learned after years of racing is to have as much ready BEFORE you head up so you have time to relax and get into race mode. I was ready to go in 15 minutes due to the preparation and was able to hang out and get to know my neighbors. That helped calm my nerves and heard some interesting stories.
About 20 min to race start, you could hear the calls for the 45 mile guys to start. The anticipation and internal gut check began. I geared up, checked everything over and headed for my race. After stretching and warming up on the pavement areas around the start, I felt I was ready. It was nice to be out of the heat of the valley, checking out everyone's bikes for what they had put into it, and going over my race plan in my head. After lining up in the middle of the pack, behind the shaved leg guys and before the guys handing off their beers to their wives, the race official had us give a moment of silence for the 19 fire fighters that recently passed in the Yarnell fire. It was great to give respect and reflect how lucky we have it in so many ways and how my participation was going to a great cause. So then it was back to the race. 45 seconds to start, I put on my race app and turned on the Metallica song to get me ready to go. BOOM- we're off and with a little downhill to feel like your a pro, we sped off...uphill. Because I driven the uphill the night before, I just found my pace and peddled, thinking of those famous socks that say "peddle damn it". I really do enjoy race starts. Gears changing, people (in shape) talking, the crowds cheering, and me thinking of when the first cramp will come. I stayed in the middle basically, passing some, getting passed, but feeling good about my planning and pace. After about 2 miles we cleared the houses and cheering folks. You know, that point of a race when it is just you, your bike, and the open road? At that point, it was now about getting up the mountain. I peddled, and peddled, and peddled. Taking advantage of my granny gear and a few 50-80 yard downhills to lift my butt off the seat to get circulation again. I had to walk a few sections at the top because I was wanting so save some energy for the rest of the race and just enjoy the event. Then finally I reached the saddle and started the 5 mile downhill. You know that feeling of "weeee". I was moving pretty fast, but still feeling the drag of newly installed brake pads, so I took some time to really burn them in. This was and really smooth forest road, dodging a few water puddles and rocks, but mostly cruising. There were a few washes that I was able to flow through without too much peddling...that is always nice. I reached the end of the downhill at an aid station, where another road revealed the humbling fact that the race would not all be downhill. So started peddling again on a fairly steep road, but less compacted, so I just found my lines and stayed the course. It was about another 4 miles to the next turn with only a few small downhills to give relief. After making the next turn, it got steeper for .5 mile then started some crazy single track that was extremely steep and very narrow, with lots of rocks. However, because it was mostly downhill, I loved it and just enjoyed my car crash through the woods, always taking note of how I could do it better and faster the next lap.
After completing about 2 miles of the single track, it was back to climbing another 1 mile of pretty steep climbing. Not as steep as the initial climb, but add rocks and ruts to equation, and I finally had to hike a bike about half way. Good thing is about 50% of the riders were doing the same. So I just climbed as fast as I figured I would be riding and made it to the top. Hello downhill. And by this I mean some of the most technical, fast flying downhill I have ever done. I love surprises, so I just stayed focused and on speed. This was a 2 track road that had been washed out in the middle, so it was V-shaped. Picked my side and slammed on the breaks and was still going about 15 miles an hour.!
After finishing that section, it was now onto some pavement, but still uphill pain. Towards the end of that 3 mile section it was downhill. Why does the downhill go so fast? Then turning onto another single tract that parallels the main highway, I just peddled. However, at this stage of the race (about 12 miles) I was feeling "ok", I was determined to stay at race pace and enjoy the next section. This section was the most demanding because it was a twisty, turning, steep-then-up single track. O, and there was about 1000% times more the rocks. This is where you start evaluated " what if I get a flat". So I just took it easy to see what the trail had. And it had everything...steep steep steep downhills, crossing boulders at the bottom of creeks (I was thinking that this wasn't even a bike trail), and really technical turns. So I finally arrived at the turn to go to the finish line or start the next lap. Mmmm, thinking, thinking, thinking...ok, I started my second lap. Understanding where I was and where the road was, I began developing a plan to have fun riding this new trail for the race and pace myself....about one hour later, I had just finished the connecting section that was everything I have written so far COMBINED!!!! No joke. I won't give details, you'll just have to ride it!!
I was now about halfway up the initial climb and feeling good. Still walked a few sections because of tightness and being lapped by the 45 mile guys starting their 3rd lap! Got to the top and enjoyed the downhill, and going much much faster. I think I ran faster in some areas, but had to walk a few more sections because of the cramping. I still kept moving though. I had it in my mind that I had to keep moving. I only had 6 minutes of stop time in 4:38 minutes of racing. I finally got to the finish line turnoff and knew most of it was downhill. It was and it was fun to get the energy of finishing and catching my breath. After weaving thru town and getting off course in one section that cost me and another guy a few minutes, I finally saw the finish line. I felt like I left everything on the course and with hamstrings cramping I crossed the line.
Got a few after race pictures and walked to the racer tent where the volunteers were shoving food and drinks at me so fast. They really did a great job and I know they appreciate the cause for the race to help fund forest fires to keep big ones from happening. I sat down for some food, music, and the sights and felt good to finish, even though I was shooting for a 4 hour goal. At this time, I reflected on what I thought I was 85% prepared at the beginning of the race, was now a humbling 60%. I know I did a great job, but could definitely improve by knowing the course and demands of the race. I recommend all to do this one...top three for me.
Special thanks to some products that helped me complete this race. Sexy race shorts will gel pad from Serfas, great gloves that never slipped from Serfas, GU products that kept me moving forward and avoiding more cramps, my flip up Gargoyles glasses that really help in the shaded/sunny areas of the forest and allowing me to wipe the sweat from my eyes easily, and the great Serfas Krest tires that hugged and loved this terrain. No flats (Stan's NoTubes), and probably should have been, really great handling that helped me focus on other aspects of the race. Do this one, you won't regret it too bad!
Don Mellow
Monday, July 29, 2013
12 Hours at Night - Race Report
12 Hour at
Night.
July 27-28,
2013
So as I
headed up to Prescott from the Phoenix metro valley I was talking with my
brother. He asked what the name of the
race was I was heading to. I told him 12
Hours at Night. His response was: “Seriously? Come on it’s got to be cooler than that.” Then as I was in a meeting this afternoon
with our attorney and I was talking with him and he asked the same
question. His response was much
different and was pretty good which was “Well at least you know exactly what you’re
getting into.” That is exactly it.
So here’s
the quick 2 second version of the race report.
It was long. I was slow. I’m not 17 anymore. And anyone that says staying up all night by
your self needs to try it their self.
Now those of
you that want some more details here you go.
So as stated the race is in Prescott (Preskit), AZ, which is about 2
hours from my cozy bed in Mesa. I worked
a little that morning and did some last minute running around town and then was
able to get a short hour or so nap in before heading up there about 3pm. I knew the race started at 8pm and I needed
to be there no later than 7pm, but I am usually not the one that want to show
up at 7pm and be rushing to get everything ready, so about 6pm I rolled in up
there. I had to make a couple of stops
before leaving the valley.
Well I get
there and get check-in and set up right along the trail. This was important as those of you that have
raced solo in a race before know you don’t want to spend a lot of time tracking
out to your gear and then getting back on course when you can be right
there. I packed a small folding table,
which is perfect when it’s just me racing as it will hold all of my needed
gear.
I pulled the
bike off the car and started to prep it.
Make sure the chain and gears all lubed and good, which really didn’t
make much difference after the first mud hole.
Strapped on the Serfas TSL-1500+ on the handlebars. Got the Serfas TSL-500+ set up on my POC
Trabec helmet. Set up all of my water
bottles with GU Roctane. Made sure all
of my fuel was ready and easily accessible.
Light batteries all charged and out.
Light chargers set-up at the neutral charging station where I knew they
would be to add batteries to later.
Lastly getting dressed to race.
Then came
the pre-race meeting. Dave Sewell with
Go-AR ran thru all the ups and downs and how the course was looking. He mentioned a little mud in a couple of
spots. Lighting flashed off in the
distance. Checked-in and got the arm-band. Then there was 5 minutes till start. Bike was staged and I was heading to the
actual start line to the Lemans start.
A friend and
race director Rick Eastman was at the start line to blow the air horn. We chatted for a couple of brief minutes
before it was time. Horn blows and we
are off and running to our bikes.
I was lucky
enough to be one of the first 4-5 racers to their bikes and off on the
trail. I had pre-road part of this
course the week before and I kind of shot out there passing a few and getting
into a good spot. The southern part of
the course is a wide almost fire-road.
Then we get into a couple of miles of single track leads up right back
up past the start line. This single
track goes on for about 2 miles before dumping back onto a mile or so of
fire-road that is called Rocky Road.
There were parts during the night I wished that this really was rocky
road ice cream. Prescott had received
rain almost everyday last week and Rocky Road seemed a little rockier than
usual. None the less this climb is the
longest and roughest. Once you get to a
jog in the climb you know you’re about there.
Then there is a small single track section, and when I say small its a
couple hundred yards and this dumps you onto some rough asphalt where you
travel next to the road for a bit. Dump
off the asphalt onto another short single track and then thru the first tunnel.
Once you
cross thru the first tunnel your well over half way thru the lap. Up the Outback of fire-road and down the
Outback before grabbing some single-track to climb and some more single track
to climb. This single track got a little
rutty as the night went on. You dump out
of part of this single-track and all of the sudden there is a new tunnel to
cross under. A short quick climb and
then you’re descending back into the start/finish area.
So as I was
writing this I realized that I was leaving out some detail areas on the
course. Along the southern fire-road in
the first few miles there was a mud puddle that covered the entire road and no
way to avoid it. First lap I saw it and
thought “well it’s going to rain sometime tonight anyways, so just get muddy
now.” Well this puddle got nastier and
sloppier as the night went on. I
specifically remember hitting it once and sliding about 2 feet one way and then
another time chunks of mud flying up and hitting me in the face.
So the first
lap seemed extremely long and slow for me.
I came up on one rider with no lights; this is a night race I thought to
myself. He ended up tucking in behind me
and finished that lap. We chatted a
little on the way and he was the 17 year old that made me realize I’m not 17
anymore. Later in the race I remember
him passing me and I have no idea where he came from.
My second
lap seemed much better than my first one and then came 3rd and the 4th
lap. Around 12:30am-1am I rolled in from
my 4th lap. It was starting
to wear on me. I grabbed some fuel,
switch water bottles and put on some arm warmers. Spent about 5-10 minutes doing this, which
was much longer than what I should have.
Then headed out on 5.
Those of you
reading this that have done long endurance races during the day I’m not sure
you can compare. Those that have done
long endurance races that lead into the dark hours of the night more than
likely have felt what I’m about to describe.
It’s 1:30am and you have pretty much been up all day as it is. Your in the middle of no where by yourself, it’s
dark and a little chilly or cool. You’re
wet or at least damp. You mind is trying
to wonder where-ever it can. Your body
is starting to tell you that it’s tired.
This is the part in the race where you really start to get discourage,
on top of the fact that there is a 17 year old that is making you look like
shit.
Finishing
the 5th lap I decide I need to take a few extra minutes before
heading out again. I could see the time
clock from where I was staged and I told myself I’m going to take 20
minutes. This was way to much time this
time. Some how I pulled myself together
and headed out yet again. My
discouragement had somewhat departed and I was feeling better. Finishing lap 6 was good and then I
immediately headed back out for 7.
By this
point in the race I think I could ride this course with my eyes closed, and
there were times I wanted to. 7 wasn’t
bad, but coming in I knew I needed to rest.
At this point, well I’m sure it was much earlier in the race, but I
could really notice it then, but the mud build up on the bike was building and
rubbing and all kind of noises it seemed like.
I stopped for a few after 7 and really rested again to long.
Heading out
on 8 I knew this was my last one. No
matter what I was done. I put my all
into the single track areas and just grinded out the climbs. I could see the sun starting to rise as I was
finishing this lap.
All in all
it was a great race. Lessons
learned? Ride more. Ride faster.
I’m not 17 anymore. I’m not a
professional and no-one is paying me to do this. And as my daughter told me 5th is
better than 10th. Thanks for looking at the positive side Annie.
BIG THANKS
TO:
Stan’s
NoTubes – ZTR Crest wheels and sealant
Serfas –
Lights, Pike (eyewear), shorts, gloves, saddle bag, tool, Suplest (shoes)
Polar –
water bottles
GU – Roctane
(GU & powder mix) & Chomps
Mike’s Bike
Chalet – Bike maintenance
Geigerrig –
backpacks
Geax – Tires
Thanks Sponsors
So here is a quick little bit to say thanks to all of K-Blue
Racing’s 2013 sponsors. As I was getting
ready to race this past Saturday evening in Prescott, AZ at the 12 Hours at
Night race I had a brief moment flash in front of me that said “Wow look at how
awesome the sponsors are this year.”
So as I got there
and pulled the bike off the car I was staring at my Stan’s ZTR Crest ready to
go. Then I proceeded to check the air
pressure and pump them up a little with my Serfas pump. Set up my Serfas lights on the handle bars
and then pulled my POC helmet out to set up my back-up Serfas light on
there. Pulled out my Polar water bottles
and filled them with my GU Roctane.
Lastly pulled out the GU Chomps and GU Roctane to have ready for
fueling. The list goes on and on for the awesome products you all supported us with.
A huge thanks to GU,
Serfas, Stan’s NoTubes, Polar, Geigerrig, Mike’s Bike Chalet and Geax for all
their support this year. You guys are
awesome and thanks so so much. I’ll get
a small race report for this weekend up in a couple of days.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
2013 Sign Boards
Below are the two images of what the 2013 sign boards will be. One is very busy, but hopefully it is something that is eye catching for others. Thanks to all sponsors involved with K-Blue Racing this year and a special thanks to Skyline Signs for printing up the sign boards.
Monday, January 7, 2013
2012 Review & 2013 Overview
Well as quickly as 2012 came it seemed to go. As I look back a year ago I think of about this exact same time I was updating the webpage with all the 2012 sponsors, getting an idea of what each team member would be doing and which way I wanted to see the team go.
In late January and into the early spring on 2012 several sponsorship request that I had put out in late 2011 came thru. The first was POC Protective gear, then later was Stan's NoTubes and then lastly came GU energy. Very proud to have all of these sponsorships.
2012 brought several first for several team members. The first 50 mile trail race for both Todd and Alexis and Alexis topped it with a 100K trail race. Drew had his first shot at Leadville 100 mtb race. I (Scott) took on 24 Hours of Old Pueblo as a solo racer. Ann joined some friends and they raced (2) Ragnar races as an ultra team with only 6 team members.
2012 highlights include but not limited to Alexis's 5th place finish in Hellgate 100K and 7th place in Masochist 50 mile, K-Blue's co-ed 2nd place finish in 24 Hours of Fury and K-Blue's small buckle in the Barn Burner. These are just a few of the highlights. I know the team was all over the board from races in VA, AZ, UT, ID and CO this year.
Now on to 2013.
First let's touch base on sponsors. In November Serfas extended an offer to the team and it was happily accepted. This deal happened to come in at a perfect time after 5 years with Gargoyles eyewear the sponsorship was next renewed. Also in 2013 K-Blue will be carried Stan's NoTubes, POC Protective gear, GU energy, Yankz, Skyline Signs, Polar water bottle and Geigerrig. Also the local bike shop that we deal with Mike's Bike Chalet will be helping us out as well. Thanks for all of your support.
Races. Well still waiting on every ones schedule, but here are a few highlights that we will be seeing. I (Scott) will be racing 24 Hours of Old Pueblo as a solo racer again. I will also be doing Park City Point 2 Point race. Alexis will be making the trip from the east coast to the west coast to race in the Western States 100 mile trail race. Drew will be racing in Leadville mtb again as well as a solo racer in Lotoja (Logan UT to Jackson Hole WY) road race. I'm sure we will see Ann in a couple of Ragnar races this year and I'm sure her and Jill will be heading back to Prescott to defend their 1st place first in Gilmore Adventure Race. The team will be heading back to Flagstaff, AZ for Barn Burner 104 and back to Fountain Hills, AZ for 24 Hours of Fury. Todd will continue to push the envelope on trail races on the east coast. Sterling will be doing the Whiskey Offroad in Prescott, AZ and the MS ride in Sedona, AZ.
The team is really picking and choosing races that make a difference and they they individually love to race in. I'm proud to be the team leader of this team and to see the progress that it is making.
Thanks to everyone for all of your support.
-Scott-
In late January and into the early spring on 2012 several sponsorship request that I had put out in late 2011 came thru. The first was POC Protective gear, then later was Stan's NoTubes and then lastly came GU energy. Very proud to have all of these sponsorships.
2012 brought several first for several team members. The first 50 mile trail race for both Todd and Alexis and Alexis topped it with a 100K trail race. Drew had his first shot at Leadville 100 mtb race. I (Scott) took on 24 Hours of Old Pueblo as a solo racer. Ann joined some friends and they raced (2) Ragnar races as an ultra team with only 6 team members.
2012 highlights include but not limited to Alexis's 5th place finish in Hellgate 100K and 7th place in Masochist 50 mile, K-Blue's co-ed 2nd place finish in 24 Hours of Fury and K-Blue's small buckle in the Barn Burner. These are just a few of the highlights. I know the team was all over the board from races in VA, AZ, UT, ID and CO this year.
Now on to 2013.
First let's touch base on sponsors. In November Serfas extended an offer to the team and it was happily accepted. This deal happened to come in at a perfect time after 5 years with Gargoyles eyewear the sponsorship was next renewed. Also in 2013 K-Blue will be carried Stan's NoTubes, POC Protective gear, GU energy, Yankz, Skyline Signs, Polar water bottle and Geigerrig. Also the local bike shop that we deal with Mike's Bike Chalet will be helping us out as well. Thanks for all of your support.
Races. Well still waiting on every ones schedule, but here are a few highlights that we will be seeing. I (Scott) will be racing 24 Hours of Old Pueblo as a solo racer again. I will also be doing Park City Point 2 Point race. Alexis will be making the trip from the east coast to the west coast to race in the Western States 100 mile trail race. Drew will be racing in Leadville mtb again as well as a solo racer in Lotoja (Logan UT to Jackson Hole WY) road race. I'm sure we will see Ann in a couple of Ragnar races this year and I'm sure her and Jill will be heading back to Prescott to defend their 1st place first in Gilmore Adventure Race. The team will be heading back to Flagstaff, AZ for Barn Burner 104 and back to Fountain Hills, AZ for 24 Hours of Fury. Todd will continue to push the envelope on trail races on the east coast. Sterling will be doing the Whiskey Offroad in Prescott, AZ and the MS ride in Sedona, AZ.
The team is really picking and choosing races that make a difference and they they individually love to race in. I'm proud to be the team leader of this team and to see the progress that it is making.
Thanks to everyone for all of your support.
-Scott-
Race Report: Frozen Toe 10K
Frozen Toe 10K
Isn't there some saying, 'Third time's the
charm' or something to that effect? I am great at butchering idioms, so perhaps
there isn't. This past weekend was my third attempt at the Mountain Junkies Frozen Toe 10k held the
first weekend of January in Roanoke on the Chestnut Ridge Loop. In 2011 I ran it
for the first time, the course was snow covered and I started out fast, possibly
too fast, and fell apart shortly after the halfway point. The race, in the
simplest terms, went something like this: I started out too fast, even ahead of
Todd, I met a hill halfway, I admitted defeat, I began walking, Todd passed me,
I groveled for a few more hundred feet, I started running again, realized it
wasn't so bad, picked up the pace even more but too late, finished third overall
female. I returned to the Chestnut Ridge Loop in 2012 when I ran the 10k just
two months postpartum, I settled on walk breaks before the start and knowing I
was still recovering and returning to fitness, ran it conservatively. It was a
pretty good day, I didn't fall apart like in 2011, but it was decidedly slower
than the year before. This year I knew I could and rather should be able to run
it faster, but I was considerably unsure of how fast.
In the week or two before the event I analyzed the data; course records and registrants, previous finishing times and similar events. It is my goal to focus less on these details as the year unfolds, but I take pleasure in the specifics. I love numbers and statistics, graphs and grids. Where as I look to better myself by focusing more on my own training this year, I would be lying to say I will leave Ultra Signup or race result pages alone, I just enjoy it too much. I want to be better but I don't expect to change the very core of my being. I'll sum it up by saying I knew Courtney and Lauren would be there and that they'd both won it previously including the setting of a course record last year by Courtney. I wholeheartedly thought I stood no chance, I decided a sub 50 would be all it would take to make it a good day and found peace in this goal. With a babysitter lined up, a clean pair of Zensah sleeves and a rereading of past years journal recaps I was ready for the first event of the year.
Saturday morning went smoothly. I was happy to be sharing this event with my sister Erin who has recently committed to running a marathon this year. She rode to Roanoke with us, along with Blake, a past participant of the RNUTS but a newbie to this event as well. We weren't as early as I had hoped but we did make it to New Hope Christian Church, the event headquarters, in time to get a one mile warm-up in.
Mountain Junkies events are fundamental on my race calendar because of what they mean to me as a trail runner. The presenters of the second trail event I ever participated in, they are what addicted me to trails. Their events have come to feel more like family reunions perhaps than races, attendants feeling more like distant cousins than competitors, an 'I haven't seen you in a while, how have you been?' feeling permeates the air. Such an awesome, inspiring group of people. They offer a competitive series of races but with a friendly, caring overtone that is welcoming and supportive of all ability levels.
But then there were those jackets. This year overall top male and female winners would be receiving a Mountain Hardware jacket from event sponsor The Aid Station. Courtney, upon seeing me, inquired whether or not I had 'touched' the jacket. Gina did too. I touched the jacket, figuring it would be the closest to the jacket I would come. In retrospect, I don't think I really went into the Frozen Toe hungry enough. I had my time goal, I assumed defeat beforehand. Honestly, I don't think I can interpret my training or fitness level enough to know how I should be able to perform. And I don't really know how to 'race' although I enjoy the opportunity to learn. As much as I race you would think I had it all figured out, but I don't, not yet.
And to top it off I think my expectations exceed my abilities and so even when I aim to remain calm, keeping the nerves in check, it is almost impossible when the clock starts ticking towards the start of any event. Standing there, listening to the race briefing minutes before the start, Todd looked over at me and asked about the location of my bib. I looked down to find I had neglected that important step. I sprinted to the car to find it, this jaunt convinced me for some reason to also leave behind my hat, gloves and water bottle. I did suck down a GU. I reached the starting line and instantly regretted the leaving behind of my gloves. I pulled my sleeves down over my hands and hoped my body would warm up once we started moving.
The race began and I aimed to stay in sight of Todd and Courtney. They flew on the road section that led to the trail entrance and I slowed just a bit. I suffer from a fear of burning out. I don't know how to exert enough energy to run the best possible for a certain distance yet not hard enough to bonk, this is particularly true for everything under a half marathon distance. Jeremy Ramsey suggested this comes from running Ultras. I let Todd and Courtney pull slightly ahead but picked up the effort on that initial climb, I stayed behind Courtney but Todd began to pull away. I ran right behind Courtney for the first mile or so with Todd's green Masochist finishers shirt still vaguely in sight on long open stretches of trail.
I had vowed at the start not to look at my Garmin watch, but rather run by feeling in the hopes that would include running a sub 50. Yet I also wanted to stay with Todd or Courtney, especially after the race began and neither pulled away instantly. I was running hard to stay with Courtney but I also knew I could run even harder. With Todd no longer visible I decided, rather hesitantly, to pass Courtney.
The first half of this course, or rather the first 2.75, always seems fast and somewhat easy. In the past it has been the second half that breaks me. When I came to the downhill that leads to the water stop I braced myself, let words of encouragement flow through my mind and body. It was a lesser goal of mine to not succumb to walking as I had done both previous years. When the hill that always does me in appeared I was ready, slow down if need be, shorten your stride but don't walk I told myself. I appeared to be gaining on Todd. At one particularly sharp switchback he was close enough to shout words of encouragement at me. However, I think I was close enough to make him pick up the pace as well because it wasn't too long after he seemed to be building the gap. There seemed to be more climbing then I remembered but I was also feeling pretty good. I hadn't seen Lauren in a long while, I knew she had it won, but I also couldn't see Courtney behind me in the switchbacks. I may have slowed down here. My Garmin suggests it, Todd's lead suggests it, the kick I had at the finish line suggests it. I had a runner right in front of me whom I could have passed but I didn't. I forgot how quick 10k's are, that like 5k's there really isn't any room to make up time lost.
When we emerged from the trail just a few hundred feet from the finish line I knew I had not given it all that I had in me. With the event clock in sight I sprinted towards and past the finishing line, beyond pleased with my time (47:47) but knowing I had too much left to say it was my best effort.
When Courtney crossed the finish moments later we prepared ourselves to hit the loop a second time, a matter we'd arranged in the prior week. Todd, Blake and Lauren accompanied us. It was perhaps my high of the day, to run those trails a second time with the other top females, my spouse and my friend. Call it a cool down, it was a welcome affair to run with these strong runners with the competitive air completely absent, to enjoy our sport together. The second loop further suggested I could have run the race faster, I find solace in this, that I've still room to improve, still growth left to occur.
-Alexis
In the week or two before the event I analyzed the data; course records and registrants, previous finishing times and similar events. It is my goal to focus less on these details as the year unfolds, but I take pleasure in the specifics. I love numbers and statistics, graphs and grids. Where as I look to better myself by focusing more on my own training this year, I would be lying to say I will leave Ultra Signup or race result pages alone, I just enjoy it too much. I want to be better but I don't expect to change the very core of my being. I'll sum it up by saying I knew Courtney and Lauren would be there and that they'd both won it previously including the setting of a course record last year by Courtney. I wholeheartedly thought I stood no chance, I decided a sub 50 would be all it would take to make it a good day and found peace in this goal. With a babysitter lined up, a clean pair of Zensah sleeves and a rereading of past years journal recaps I was ready for the first event of the year.
Saturday morning went smoothly. I was happy to be sharing this event with my sister Erin who has recently committed to running a marathon this year. She rode to Roanoke with us, along with Blake, a past participant of the RNUTS but a newbie to this event as well. We weren't as early as I had hoped but we did make it to New Hope Christian Church, the event headquarters, in time to get a one mile warm-up in.
Mountain Junkies events are fundamental on my race calendar because of what they mean to me as a trail runner. The presenters of the second trail event I ever participated in, they are what addicted me to trails. Their events have come to feel more like family reunions perhaps than races, attendants feeling more like distant cousins than competitors, an 'I haven't seen you in a while, how have you been?' feeling permeates the air. Such an awesome, inspiring group of people. They offer a competitive series of races but with a friendly, caring overtone that is welcoming and supportive of all ability levels.
But then there were those jackets. This year overall top male and female winners would be receiving a Mountain Hardware jacket from event sponsor The Aid Station. Courtney, upon seeing me, inquired whether or not I had 'touched' the jacket. Gina did too. I touched the jacket, figuring it would be the closest to the jacket I would come. In retrospect, I don't think I really went into the Frozen Toe hungry enough. I had my time goal, I assumed defeat beforehand. Honestly, I don't think I can interpret my training or fitness level enough to know how I should be able to perform. And I don't really know how to 'race' although I enjoy the opportunity to learn. As much as I race you would think I had it all figured out, but I don't, not yet.
And to top it off I think my expectations exceed my abilities and so even when I aim to remain calm, keeping the nerves in check, it is almost impossible when the clock starts ticking towards the start of any event. Standing there, listening to the race briefing minutes before the start, Todd looked over at me and asked about the location of my bib. I looked down to find I had neglected that important step. I sprinted to the car to find it, this jaunt convinced me for some reason to also leave behind my hat, gloves and water bottle. I did suck down a GU. I reached the starting line and instantly regretted the leaving behind of my gloves. I pulled my sleeves down over my hands and hoped my body would warm up once we started moving.
The race began and I aimed to stay in sight of Todd and Courtney. They flew on the road section that led to the trail entrance and I slowed just a bit. I suffer from a fear of burning out. I don't know how to exert enough energy to run the best possible for a certain distance yet not hard enough to bonk, this is particularly true for everything under a half marathon distance. Jeremy Ramsey suggested this comes from running Ultras. I let Todd and Courtney pull slightly ahead but picked up the effort on that initial climb, I stayed behind Courtney but Todd began to pull away. I ran right behind Courtney for the first mile or so with Todd's green Masochist finishers shirt still vaguely in sight on long open stretches of trail.
I had vowed at the start not to look at my Garmin watch, but rather run by feeling in the hopes that would include running a sub 50. Yet I also wanted to stay with Todd or Courtney, especially after the race began and neither pulled away instantly. I was running hard to stay with Courtney but I also knew I could run even harder. With Todd no longer visible I decided, rather hesitantly, to pass Courtney.
The first half of this course, or rather the first 2.75, always seems fast and somewhat easy. In the past it has been the second half that breaks me. When I came to the downhill that leads to the water stop I braced myself, let words of encouragement flow through my mind and body. It was a lesser goal of mine to not succumb to walking as I had done both previous years. When the hill that always does me in appeared I was ready, slow down if need be, shorten your stride but don't walk I told myself. I appeared to be gaining on Todd. At one particularly sharp switchback he was close enough to shout words of encouragement at me. However, I think I was close enough to make him pick up the pace as well because it wasn't too long after he seemed to be building the gap. There seemed to be more climbing then I remembered but I was also feeling pretty good. I hadn't seen Lauren in a long while, I knew she had it won, but I also couldn't see Courtney behind me in the switchbacks. I may have slowed down here. My Garmin suggests it, Todd's lead suggests it, the kick I had at the finish line suggests it. I had a runner right in front of me whom I could have passed but I didn't. I forgot how quick 10k's are, that like 5k's there really isn't any room to make up time lost.
When we emerged from the trail just a few hundred feet from the finish line I knew I had not given it all that I had in me. With the event clock in sight I sprinted towards and past the finishing line, beyond pleased with my time (47:47) but knowing I had too much left to say it was my best effort.
When Courtney crossed the finish moments later we prepared ourselves to hit the loop a second time, a matter we'd arranged in the prior week. Todd, Blake and Lauren accompanied us. It was perhaps my high of the day, to run those trails a second time with the other top females, my spouse and my friend. Call it a cool down, it was a welcome affair to run with these strong runners with the competitive air completely absent, to enjoy our sport together. The second loop further suggested I could have run the race faster, I find solace in this, that I've still room to improve, still growth left to occur.
-Alexis
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