Sundance Spin

Mandy's Race (from the words of Mandy)

Hi!!!!!! So I don't think that I did to well my race but I did rocked the down hill. On my race I came in last place, hey that rhymed was it timed? hahaha (-: ! SMILE! Even though I came in last it's ok because I had fun on the down hill which means I had fun and that's what it's all about having fun. In the beginning I was ahead of Dakota my friend but then I had to walk my bike and she passed me. Later on she stopped but I had to stop to get a drink of water and then I took off and then Dakota went off to and I lost sight off her. So much for that. I also got lapped in a weird way. Tons of grown ups kept on saying good job and I kept on thinking no I'm not. The good thing is I finished and that's the good part.

(mom's words)

Mandy did a good job at her race despite coming in last. Her down fall is the up hill, Mandy does not shift down when going on her bike. On her second lap I rode with her, and she refused to shift past her middle gears on her back cassette, so she ended up pushing her bike all the way up the paved hill. If only she would shift! When we got to the top she did great on the downhill. She had not pre-ridden it at all, and she made every switchback without so much as a foot down. There was a lot of encouragement from other racers which I thought was great, and I was proud she did not quite, because she could have stopped and not done another lap, knowing she was dead last.

Two good things happened from this race. KC Holley talked to Mandy about shifting and I think Mandy actually listened, and today she wanted to register for a lot of different sporting activities for the summer so she quits sitting on the couch--so we did! She wants to be fast again and knows she has to do more than sit on the couch.

My Race

It was the perfect day for the race--good weather, great trail conditions, and lots of fun competition. This race Ed started the beginning women and 35+ together. As we were lining up, my shorts got caught on my seat as I was trying to get prepped on my bike. I announced this out loud, which brought some laughter and Ed letting me know I had 30 seconds to get my shorts uncaught. I got set up and then we were off. As we took off both Jen & Gigi's shorts got caught on their seats!

First of the race taking off-nothing but smiles!

At the first of the race of few of the gals took off full steam ahead on the hill--a little too fast. I could tell they were not going to last on the hill, and they didn't. Heading into the dirt road I picked up the pace as Jen was in front and I wanted to be at least second position on the singletrack. This did not happen, just as I was going onto the singletrack a beginning woman rider (Tiffany)slid past me, and tore off down the track. Since she was ripping it down I was not too worried as I knew she would not hold me up. This did not happen for long and it wasn't long before I ended up needing to pass Tiffany. At the right moment I slid past her and continued pounding on the pedals hoping Jen was not too far ahead.

On Archie's Loop I saw Jen ahead and was happy to know she was not too far ahead. I kept going not knowing how close anyone else was behind me. As I hit the trees and started to hit the switchbacks once again I saw Jen. This is good, she is still in my sights. The one thing about this course is you can lose sight of your competition, they could be 10 seconds ahead of you and you never know it because you can't see them. I decided Jen was only 10 seconds ahead of me and kept going hard.

On the uphill and on my way to the double track I came upon a female sport rider,and let her know I was not in her division. Her response was "okay". I let her know again, and let her know when there was a chance to let me pass. She said pass and I went to pass. She did not move over on the trail in the slightest, even though there was room, so I ended up trying to ride around her. As I rode around her bike hit my handle bars and I ended up down on the ground. I quickly got up and went on. The crash let 3 riders (not my division) pass me, 30 seconds later I ended up passing 2 of them back. What a waste of time.

It was not long after my mishap that I reached the double track. It was here I really began to push it and tore up the hill knowing Jen would pick up her pace here. I never did see her, which made me wonder how far she had gotten ahead of me. Continuing up to the top it was only me and another Mad Dog rider that I saw in the trees. We were both going hard trying to keep our competition at bay.

There was such a great feeling reaching the top and knowing it was downhill from here. The only drawback was I was shaking so hard by this time that I was not steady on my bike. I actually had to go a little slower on the top switchbacks than I would like so I could avoid the possibilty of crashing. Towards the end I felt much better and was able to pick up my speed around the turns. It was near the end a female rider came up on and asked to pass. I asked what division and there was no response. She asked again and again I asked what division. This time she let me know she was beginning. I gave her a spot to go by on my right--it was a spot near the end where the trail has a short split left and right into a turn. Unfortunately she did not go fast enough and as I went in to the turn she started to go in and our tires crashed together as both of us slammed on the brakes. Without losing a beat I kept riding and told her we were near the bottom and she would be fine as no one in her division was close. Not 20 seconds later Chris Holley came up on me I gave him a spot to pass and low and behold the female rider took that same spot. Smart girl, it turned out it was Tiffany. I stayed on her tire as we went down and we came onto the pavement one, two. It was at this point I hit a good pace and passed Tiffany and others heading up the hill. I love hill climbing!

I kept a good pace uphill and turned to make sure no one in my division was sneaking up behind me. I didn't see anyone so I kept the pace. Right towards the finish line Tiffany sprinted by me. At first I didn't care because she was not in my division, but then my pride got the best of me and I sprinted, but it was a sprint too late. I came in right by her, but my tire crossed after her. There is nothing like pride to drive a person across the line. Later I joked with her and told her there is no sprinting at the finish line unless someone is in your division. Please...I was already tired enough without having to sprint.

As far as the holter monitor, I ended up pushing the button near the first of the uphill, throughout the entire race, and after the race. I had great symptoms, and I am hoping the read will prove hopeful.

Oh I ended up 2nd, beating my time from last year by 3:48, and Jen came in first beating me by 3 minutes. That girl totally rocks, but I am starting to ride my bike again, so Jen...watch out!

2009 Team Mad Dog--Mandy is missing in action doing her race.

I'm Hooked Up

I got my holter monitor today for a 24 hour read of my heart. There is a lot more involved with a holter monitor than I thought. I thought they would put it on me and then I would bring it back 24 hours later. Not the case.

First of all you have to write down almost everything you do and when you do it, and I mean everything! If I go to the bathroom I have to write it down. Eat write it down. Have a strong emotion write it down. When I sleep and when I wake, write it down. Anyway, you get the picture.

There also is the magic button. Should I feel dizzy, lightheaded, pass out, heart palpitations or short of breath I should push the button. I am not quite sure how to press the button if I pass out, but I will make sure to write it down.

Tomorrow is a race. I am climbing up to the top of the chair lift at Sundance. I am pretty sure I will feel short of breath as I climb to the top, and when this happens I need to press the button. I suspect during the race I will be pressing it a lot. So as you ride by and see me grab my side don't worry. I am just trying to ride fast and find the button to push.

I will keep the monitor on for a few hours after the race. Then take it back to be input and read. I think the results will be interesting, and I can't wait to see how they turn out.

Draper Pics

Draper race was delayed by a few hours. I let Mandy have the camera before I raced, while I raced and after I raced. I left the camera with her with specific instructions to take pictures of the team and of us racing. Here is what you get when leave the camera with a 9 year old.

Gotta' love it.

The Diagnosis

As a few of you know I have not been up to par lately. I have been recovering from being sick, fatigue and very low blood pressure. These symptoms actually showed up last year at the Snowbird race, at the time since it was not affecting my every day life so my family doctor was not too concerned, although it was affecting my riding and racing, but it was manageable. Recently though it is affecting my every day life, my riding and most definitely my racing, so off to the doctor I went. As I wrote previously the doctor did a lot of tests, and when I left off we had just finished with me having an MRI.

As predicted my MRI came back normal, except according to the doctor it did show I was a bit of a blonde. My doctor has a great sense of humor. However, the MRI gave a small indicator that I needed an echo-cardiogram. The appointment was set for me to go to cardiology on Monday and have an echo-cardiogram with a bubble test, so on Monday I went.

For those who have never had an echo-cardiogram it is a painless procedure. They put 3 patches on you with electrodes coming out of the patches that attach to a machine. Then they put a gel on an ultra sound wand and place it over the heart area. It is cool to see the heart and what it looks like. I got to the the valves and the left and right side of the heart. After about 45 minutes we then did the bubble part. This is also painless except for putting the IV in you. That usually is not so bad, but the technician missed my vein, and it took everything I had to keep from yelling out as she moved the needle around trying to find the vein. Please just quit when you don't get it, don't keep sticking the needle around trying to see if it is there. Luckily she got someone to come in for the second attempt, and he made it on the first try--I did not want to go through that again.

So back to the bubble part. It takes 2 technicians do the bubble part, one to administer the saline solution and one to continue doing the ultra sound. What they do is shoot a saline mix into the IV, as soon as it goes in you can see it the mixture immediately go to your heart it looks like a whole bunch of little bubbles. Imagine then how quickly drugs get to your heart. I thought it was really cool to see the bubbles go through the 3 different holes in my heart. You could see the valve open and close. It is really cool watching the heart at work. The technician ended up having to shoot the solution in a second time. The second time as he was prepping it he ended up showering me with some of it. I guess I needed a mini shower. After the bubble part we were done. The technician told me it would be about 5 business days before my doctor would get the results. I had an appointment with my doctor the next day, but oh well, maybe he would have something new to tell me.

The next day it was back to the doctor's office for a 2 hour wait and then a visit with the doctor. Well, guess what....the results from by echo-cardiogram were back! The doctor had the report and wondered if the tech told me what she saw. Of course she didn't, but in this case I think the doctor would have been fine with it. He and I read the report, which by the way is not written very well. The results showed I had a Patent Forma Ovale (PFO).

The foramen ovale is a small hole located in the atrial septum that is used during fetal circulation to speed up the travel of blood through the heart. When in the womb a baby does not use it's own lungs for oxygen-rich blood, it relies on the other to provide oxygen rich blood from the placenta through the umbilical cord to the fetus. Therefore, blood can travel from the veins to the right side of the baby's heart and cross to the left side of the heart through the foramen ovale and skip the trip to the baby's lungs.

Normally the foramne ovale closes at birth when increased blood pressure on the left side of the heart forces the opening to close. If the atrila septum does not close properly, it is called a patent forament ovale. This type of defect generally works like a flap valve, only opening during certain conditions when there is more pressure inside the chest. (reference)

Basically what this means is I have a hole in my heart. Which accounts for the 3 holes I saw on the echo-cardiogram. At the time I didn't know what I was looking at, but once I read the report it all made sense. I am so happy to know what I have. I have told friends, family and others very excitedly, because it is a solution. My husband thought it was funny I was so excited over a heart defect, but actually it is nice to know what it is and there is a solution. Now for the solution.

The next step is going to be to wear a halter monitor for 24 hours moitoring what my heart is doing. The doctor wants it on me for a race to ensure a good mixed reading--guess I won't need a heart monitor that week. We decided the Sundance race would be the best. One because it is coming up soon, it is a good uphill climb and higher altitude. Hopefully it will show what goes on before I race, during a race and after.

After the race I don't see the doctor for awhile as it takes at least a week to read the results. Once I see him we'll decide what direction to go. But the good news is although I have a hole in my heart it is very fixable!!!!

Draper Pre-rides

I went for 2 pre-rides of the race course in Draper this week. The first pre-ride was on Tuesday with Jolene and Kris. It was quick and short because I had to be somewhere, but fun. Kris is the perfect tour guide. He would let us know what to expect coming up the trail, and it was very helpful. I also saw Gigi and Heather pre-riding.

Heather is getting going to race in the Single Speed worlds. I had no idea, but that is why she rides her single speed everywhere. Makes sense. I always thought she was super human, which she is, but now I know the rest of the story. Side note Heather is auctioning off a bike to raise money for cancer please go and by a ticket...they are only $5. The bike is cool!

Jolene & Kris at the top of Ghost getting ready to go down.

View from the top of Ghost. Beautiful view.

The second pre-ride was today. It was a blast. I went with Dave and Jen up to Draper where we met Dot, then all 4 of us took off up the trail. Dot led the way and I trailed at the back, and then I trailed, and then I trailed. I don't know how long they had to wait at the top of Clark's, but when I got to the top we took off...there would be no resting--my decision, I hate making people wait.

I knew we were planning on doing 2 laps, so this time around on the downhill I took it slow. I wanted to get a good look at the terrain, practice the turns, and put it to my memory. I am not the best technical rider, so I need to practice to even take switchbacks and turns at a relatively normal speed. On the way down I skipped the wall Karl wrote about. I knew I would see it again, and planned on riding it the second time around.

We finished the down and then dropped to where the climb for Clark's connects. At this point we went back up Clark's. This time I dropped way behind the rest of the group. I knew if I pushed it I would be toast for a few days, and I would rather be in good health having fun than exhausted all day. So Dot, Dave & Jen left me in the dust. This was okay, because I made a lot of new friends on the way.

The first group I came to was was at the bridge on Clarks--Doug, Mark and a gal. I did not get her name as I was a little rude and talked about myself instead asking them about them. It was silly how it came about--my rudeness that is. Doug said he read my blog--I am flattered, I love it when people read my blog. Anyway, I had to tell him about my health diagnosis, not that he really cared, but I am so excited about it that I share with anyone I can. I will blog about it tomorrow. Anyway I was so excited I forgot my manners and did not ask them their names. Sorry for being so rude guys. I got Doug's later, just because I ran into.

After a brief moment I left the group and rode up the trail. It was not long before I came up to a rider on the trail.--Eric He was going a pace I liked, so I stayed behind him and we chatted on the way up. It turns out he heard me talking earlier to the group and he has the same health condition but he is a-symptomatic so he does not need surgery. I think I did most of the talking, which may have been why he pulled over. We were almost to the top, and I am sure he probably needed a break from the chatting. At the top I saw his friends and let them know he was on his way. I also saw a young boy waiting at the top for the other group. I let him know they also were coming. I did not see my friends, they had left! Oh well, serves me right for chatting so much.

I took off downhill this time fast. I did much better on the turns and switchbacks. I think I will do okay going fast on them--at least fast for me. At the bottom, where we previously had turned to go back to Clark's, instead this time, I continued down. I did not do so hot on this part. I thought I would be fine, but there were some surprises that I was not ready for. By the time I got to the tunnel I was wishing I could do it one more time.

At the tunnel I ran into Dave and Jen. Jen was nice and said they had not been waiting long, but I know better. We talked for a moment and decided to do the last portion one more time. Thank goodness. We rode up and came down. This time was much better, except for this washed out switchback I decided to fall down. I tried to one foot it, but the skills were not there. I guess at the race I will have to get off there. Better that than falling and losing time.

I really like the course it is a lot of fun to ride, and I had a blast riding it this week. Today was fun meeting people and getting the chance to see everyone ride and prepping for the race. As far as racing and how much fun it will be, I guess we'll see on Monday.

I Am Back

Well not quite, but I know I can ride hard again. Today's race was the test of where I am health wise and how hard I can ride at the next race.

At the start line there were some of the regulars and a few new faces. While we were waiting I leaned over to Jen and told her she better take first place. I really didn't think I was going to be competitive this race and I wanted Jen to make sure Mad Dog was represented well. By the way I was pretty sure she would take first as she has been smokin' at the races and still doesn't seem like she is putting any effort into it.

Off the start line I did not go out as strong or as hard as I usually do. Instead I went out reserved. I wanted to make sure I could get through this race. Going up the first quick climb Jen and 2 other riders that I did not know rode to the front. I followed them up to the first of the single track and followed up and down the first small portion. I ended up pacing off them and resting as they were not going too fast and I knew there was a spot coming up for me to pass--in fact it was at the same spot Dot passed me in our pre-ride. As soon as I could pass I took off and headed to the short little portion of downs. I was looking forward to the jump however as I started toward it I ended up going off the trail, luckily I stayed loose and was able to get back on without losing my positioning.

From here it was time to climb. I love climbing. By this time I was going at a good pace--I was breathing hard, but I could also carry on a conversation. Just about where I wanted to be. I began to pass people one at a time, but I knew there was no way I would pass Jen. As I headed up I ended up behind 3 riders going into the single track with the steep climb. I made sure everyone knew to be ready for the steep climb. The young rider in front of me went even further and let them know he was going all the way up and if they couldn't do it he would appreciate if they move over. I let him know I would be right behind him, so don't mess up. One of the riders pulled aside while the rest of us went up. The young rider in front of me did not make it, and I ended up having to go around him. I got a little further but by going around I lost the traction I needed and skidded out at the top. I got off my bike took a couple of steps up and got back on just in time to see the first rider (a teammate) endo huge. I went by and saw he had flown right into a stutter bump--tough luck.

The next section of the ride is nice it is great recovery as you prepare for the next long section of climbing. I had a blast going down. As I headed whipped up the hill to the next portion of climbing I took time to down a gel, this was a huge mistake. The gel seemed to stick in my throat and I could not breathe as well. I had to drink from my water bottle several times to try and get rid of the coating it left in my throat. It was somewhere around here I saw Jen and we let out a hey how are you. She looked great and was going strong.

I continued on entering into the uphill switchback section. I was surprised at how many riders were struggling on this section. There were a lot of guys going down and dabbing to not skid out as they went up the switchback. Luckily there mishapes did nto affect me. As I entered into the next uphill somewhat technical section three riders got off their bikes and stopped. I actually had to holler out to let them know I was going up. I was surprised they did not expect me to go up--come on guys just because I'm a chick does not mean I am going to quit. I passed through all the guys, went up, and made it to the top without any incidences.

Now the downhill section. This time unlike my pre-ride I took it at a steady pace, and very controllable. I did not want to lose my positioning by crashing. Oh and did I mention there was a UMB rider behind me. I didn't know if she was in my division or not, but I was not going to lose my positioning. Once I got through the single track downhill I took off at full speed lightening. I actually hooped and hollered. At this point I rode hard and finished off hard.

I ended the race feeling really good about how I did--2nd place! I did not expect this, but I am glad. I feel great tonight and did not need to rest or end up crashing at home after the race. I am totally excited for the next race and know that I will be able to go full out for the next race. I can't wait--it feels great to know my health is almost 100%. I can't wait to go riding all this week!

Ooops one final thing. I rode without my camelback this time and only water bottles. It was great, I stayed cooler and was able to ride much better. Unless it's way long or impossible I am going to race with water bottles from now on.

At the start line!

Heading towards the finish line.

Triple Goobergross

I went for a road ride today. Usually these are not my fondest rides--I much prefer dirt. However, today it was just what I needed. I loved the feeling as I rode and the ease of pedaling at a steady pace. I was really pleased with how quickly I got to Vivian Park, I couldn't believe how easy it was. Then I turned around to go back. Aha I had a tail wind all the way up, no wonder it was so easy. Lucky for me it was not too bad and I was still able to keep a nice pace going back.

So on my ride there were a few gross things I experienced. The first was the nose blow. When I got up to Viv' Park, my nose was really runny, and of course there was no tissue nearby. Going back down I figured it would be manageable, but it wasn't and breathing was difficult. So I did the one thing I thought I would never do. I blew out my snot on the road--gross! I did fine, no dripage, or anything, and I was able to breathe, but it was soooo gross.

The second gross thing was the bug that splatted on my neck. This is actually not a big deal, but the guts were kind of gross. I forgot how many bugs there are in the warm weather.

The final gross and really goobergross was the grasshopper/bug that caught in my helmet strap on the side of my head. It landed just perfect between by head and the strap and got caught. Feeling it flutter around trapped caused me to quickly reach up and grab it, as I did I could feel the body squish in my fingers which caused my to squeal like a girl. It was really gross! I can't help it, but sometimes I am such a girly, girl and gross things definitely bring that out.

Test, Test, Test

Yesterday was a very long day. As a lot of you know my blood pressure has been really low, and it has been affecting my every day life. I finally got in to see an internist, and boy did he do a slew of tests.

I started out the day fasting so the doctor could run a bunch of tests. I eat every 2 to 3 hours, so this ended up being somewhat difficult as my appointment was at 11 am, but I figured I would survive. At 11:30 I went with the nurse and she took some blood and did my vitals. Then instead of going back to a room I got to go back to sit in the lobby. I was a little surprised that I didn't go back, but I figured it would be soon. 45 minutes later, and my tummy definitely needing food I checked with the gal to see how much longer it would be. Now I should defer by saying I knew it would be a long time. I have seen this doctor before and he is great and spends all the time necessary with you to figure out what is going on. However, this means you end up waiting because he does this with each of his patients. Eventually about 12:45 I got to go back.

In the back I waited about 20 more minutes for the doctor to arrive. Once he did arrive we went over all of my blood tests. Apparently I am very healthy with only two things a little off, and they were not of consequence. The next thing was to listen to my heart. Well, my heart is beating a little bit funny, so it was decided to do an ekg and a chest xray. At first the doctor thought I might have a bundle branch something or other, but it turns out that was not the case. Instead the right side of my heart likes to rest before the left. This means absolutely nothing. So the heart is good, the blood is good, so now it is time for an MRI. What luck the hospital has an immediate opening. This is good however it is now 2:30 I am hungry, shaking and desperate need of food! Luckily they pushed the appointment to 3:45 and I didn't need to be there until 3:15. This gave me just enough time to run home, grab a sandwich and run back to the hospital. The MRI ended at 4:35, if I had not eaten I think I would have died!

Of course the results of the MRI will not be until next week, but that's okay, because I am pretty sure like the blood tests it will come back I am healthy--it runs in the family. Anyway, what that means is back to square one. What is causing the low blood pressure? Hopefully there were other blood tests that I don't know about. I guess we'll find out.

On the Mend

Late yesterday I went with Jolene up to Soldier Hollow to pre-ride for the next race. The plan was to ride one lap, meet Dot and do a second lap. It was good to see Jolene it seems we haven't ridden together forever! Something almost always comes up. This time it almost did as Mandy was sick, but my husband came to the rescue and got home in time for me to leave and go ride. He's such a great guy.

I felt pretty good as Jolene and I rode up the hill. This time last year I rode the same trail with Jolene and she was talking and I was gasping for air. This year we both were talking--I guess that means we weren't going too fast, however it was nice to be able to talk and ride, I never thought I would be able to do such a thing. Jolene makes it look so effortless, I was sure this could never be achieved.

It's funny how not riding a trail for a year you forget the trail. At the first of our ride I kept waiting and waiting for the little steep climb to come. But it did not come. I thought for sure it was near the first of the course, and alas it is, but it seemed to take forever before we finally came upon it. The little steep was not as washed out as last year however after Wednesday and by the time I get to it at the race I suspect it will not be in as good of condition.

For some reason I did not remember the climbing that came before this little steep, but the next part I remembered quite well. I think this is because of all the incidents that occurred at this point--getting jammed up by riders, Tasha on the side with a chain problem, & Jolene in front of me with her chain breaking. Those type of incidents create some poignant memories on a trail.

As Jolene and I rode my phone started to ring. Typically I do not answer my phone while riding, but I figured it was Dot, so I stopped and answered the phone. Sure enough it was, but she did not know she had called me. As I answered I could hear her radio, but no response from Dot. I kept saying hello, but still no response. Somehow Dot's phone had called me. Since Dot did not answer back I called her and luckily she answered. This was good as we found out she was only 30 minutes away, and we were only 3.5 miles into the course. There was no way we would be able to do the entire course before Dot arrived, so we made some adjustments to our ride.

Jolene and I decided we would ride for a bit and then when it was close to 30 minutes we would drop down. It turned out the best time for us to go down was right before the up hill climb on the switchbacks. Amazing how that works, missing the last half of the climbing. No worries, I knew we'd get the opportunity to do it again. The best part is we got to go down. I never thought I would say this as I am usually such a chicken on the downhill, but this was a blast, and for some reason I did not have my usual fear.

Jolene and I got back to meet Dot with about 5 minutes to spare. Thank goodness as my camel back needed refilling. I drank over a liter on the trail! I was feeling the ride and needed a lot of hydrating. We had only gone 5.97 miles--I don't think I have ever drank that much on such a short amount of riding.

With Dot's arrival we took off to do the entire trail this time. I felt good, but could tell my body was not back to what I am used to. We weren't riding hard, but I could feel the ride was starting to take a toll on my body. By the time we got to the switchback climb I was tired. We went up and I wanted to stop, I wanted to rest, but of course I was not going to do this. That would be humiliating and giving up, and I did not want to give up. So I didn't give up, but kept on pedaling. Somewhere on an uphill turn I skidded out and Jolene went by. I don't think normally anyone would skid on this section, especially because it is an uphill climb, but my body was tired and I was not at my normal capacity, so I ended up skidding. At this point I had to wait a minute, so I did, but then continued on determined I could make it through.

On this climb there are snow shoe signs, for me they are markers there is one more little steep climb I need to make. I prepped for it and started up. I only made it 3 feet and I could no longer steer my bike the right direction. I went another 2 feet and lost my balance. I continued riding all the way up, but kept losing my balance and having to stop. At the top of the climb I decided I needed to stop. I took off my camel back and pulled out a package of shot bloks. It was time to get some food into me and take a break. I knew the bloks would not work right away, but I needed the break. I was a little disappointed about the break, but I knew by the time I got to the top, being as tired as I was, going down would be bad and I would not be able to control my bike very well.

The trail where I took my short picnic. See that hill Dot was waiting for me on that hill.

View from my picnic area. I don't see this too much as during a race and pre-ride I am focused more on riding than looking & riding.

Once I finished my short picnic I took off. I looked up and low and behold there is Dot at the top of the hill. I wondered if she saw me picnicking. Not 30 seconds later there is Jolene. Sorry gals, I know you hate to wait, but I had to stop or I would have bonked for sure. I eventually got to the top and Jolene and Dot were ready to go, so down we went. I followed, but not for long. We did not go far when I decided to hip check the ground. I was going too fast and braked too hard on the rear. Funny thing was I was right behind Jolene, but she was so focused on her ride she did not hear me go down. I got back on my bike and continued down. You think I would have learned from my hip check and a previous miss of a turn our first time down.that I would slow down, but no I continued to push my speed. It wasn't until I missed the final switchback and had to stop completely on my bike that I decided perhaps it would be better to slow down a little bit in this section and clear it instead of getting all stopped up.

The rest of the down however there was no holding back. I had a blast flying down the hill. The cool part was last time this year I was petrified going down this portion, and had my brakes on most of the time. This year I had to slow down to make some turns--what a difference a year makes!

I eventually made it to the end where Dot and Jolene were patiently waiting. I have to say Dot is an amazing rider. She just keeps going and going and nothing seems to tire her. While we left to go to the car she was charging up the hill for a second lap. Oh and did I mention she had worked out early that day.

It turns out is was good I did not do 2 laps as my body would not have been able to handle this. I was spent, tired and totally exhausted after the ride. I drank over 3 water bottles and had to eat as my body was shaking and a little unsteady. Had I done 2 laps I think I would have probably bonked and set my recovery back.

This ride was good and gave me a better perspective as to where I am in my riding at this point. Before this ride I was feeling a bit down about how I was riding. I did not know if my poor riding at the races was due to my health, or if I was going backwards and had lost all of the progress I had made over the last year. I have truly felt out of shape. Because this ride was not at race pace, and my body was still exhausted I could tell it was due to health issues. What a relief because I was really beginning to feel down about my riding. Just about 3 weeks ago I rode much further than what I did at Soldier Hollow and did not feel any exhaustion. Because this ride was mild and I was exhausted it gives me hope that down the road I will be back in shape and up to par as soon as my health is fully restored. Because of my health being not at it's best, I don't know how long it will be before I am fully back, I have had to change some of my goals for the race season.

Originally my goal was to come out and win my division. I wanted to come out and do awesome and far surpass what I did last year. At this point I need to take that goal off the table. If I keep it there I will only end up discouraging myself as I cannot race at my full ability at this time. Instead I am going to work on my time and completing the race. I figure if I can come in close to my time then I will have improved from the previous year, and actually then I am showing nothing but improvement. As for winning well, the season isn't over yet and when I am back to good health I can re-evaluate if this is possible.