I started out very tentative about racing Snowbird. I guess you could say I have been having a less than positive attitude about racing this last week. I am a very competitive person, and although I joke about being in the back of the pack and I talk about my improvement sometimes you begin to wonder if it is worth it. However, with all of that said I do like to race and I do like pushing myself.
So how was I going to convince myself to go to Snowbird. I did the most logical thing I relied on riding up with a friend. I called Jolene and she was going to race--great now I had someone to ride up with and a way to make sure I would go race.
The night before the race was not what I would call stellar. I did not eat well, I played 2 softball games (pulled my butt muscle at my final game), I did not get to sleep until midnight and of course I woke up 30 minutes earlier than planned at 5:30. "Oh well" I told myself it's not like I was going to do well anyway....still not a very good attitude, glad I was riding with Jolene.
We arrived at the race in good time. We registered got ready, and rode up to the start line. I was going to warm up, but by the time I rode up the hill Ed was calling to stage the race. Not a good way to start a race wtih cold legs. Once again "oh well".
My first lap I ended up in 3rd, but rode not to the best of my abililty. I was bobbling around on the single track and on the downhill I kept braking making the down less than fluid. Coming around for my 2nd lap Keith, Chris and KC were on the sidelines watching people go by. I rode by and I hear Keith telling me to push it pedal faster and catch the guys in front of me. I start to push it pedaled a little bit better and with more determination. I was able to pass 3 guys.
I kept riding, but we hit a small section of down and I still was not riding well--very frustrating. There is a great section of up hill switch backs going up to the top. As I rode these I became fatigued and my heart was definitely feeling worked. I rode, but backed off my pedals. Near the top who should I hear behind me, Keith encouraging me to push and pedal. I did and made it to the down hill road. I started out tenative again, but then Chris blew by me on his bike and I picked up my speed. For some reason my confidence was growing. KC and Keith came by with more words of encouragement and my confidence continued to increase.
I rode down the road okay, not great, but much faster than my 1st lap. I then entered the single track and saw KC in front of me. I like riding behind KC, so my goal was to try and catch her. This time I rode the single track like I know how--no front brake and better rear braking on the turns. I made it all the way down the single track riding much better, all thanks to seeing a teammate in front of me.
As I rounded the chair lift and went up the final real climb Keith was once again encouraging and pushing me along. I kept going and went hard on the single track until finally my legs were too tired to go anymore. I ended the race tired, exhausted and glad I rode better.
I always tell people interested in racing they should join a team. I explain the benefits and usually get a skeptical look. Well Snowbird is proof of what team mates can do to support you. Had it not been for the encouragement as I rode I would have stayed back and kept at a moderate pace, I wouldn't have ridden the down hill well, and I definitely would not have pushed myself to my limits. But thanks to their encouragement I ended like I should have. My time wasn't great, and my attitude still needs some adjusting, but I think that comes with any recovery. In the mean time I took 3rd and I am happy with that.
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