Best One Yet

I woke Saturday morning not sure if I was going to go to the race or not.  I wasn't sure if it would hurt me or not to race.  I had tried to find someone to car pool with that way I could blame going to the race on car pooling, but that didn't pan out.  So early Saturday morning I was riding around the neighborhood in my pjs determining if I hurt too much to ride.  Riding around the neighborhood was easy, so I made  the decision to go, and I am so glad I did.

Conditions for the race were great--nice weather, tacky trail, what more cold you ask for.  My laps went great.  I felt good the whole time, I kept hydrated like I needed to, I kept my nutrition up, and I made it through the race.  Yes, my legs got tired, but near the end where you would expect them to.  Yes, my heart rate did it's normal thing, but near the end not during the entire race.  Best of all I out did my time from last year!  I was faster on both my laps versus the one lap I did last year.  I finally am making improvement.  I have a long ways to go before I really get up to the Sport Division level, but this race showed me I am headed in the right direction.

Sherwood Hills

I was still coming off being sick this week, and wasn't sure if I would to to this race. My blood pressure has been low. On Monday is was 70/40 and my husband was determined I need to go to the hospital. After calling Arantix-Doc he decided I could wait for medical attention, I needed to see a doctor soon and there would be no riding of bikes. I didn't feel up to riding, so for the first time staying off my bike was not to much of a challenge. My first ride of the week ended up being Friday. I decided if I could ride my bike to work and back without any major set backs then I could go to the race. It worked out and so the next morning off to the race we went.

The morning of the race I felt good. There was a small showing in our division, perhaps because of Mother's Day weekend. I am not quite sure why, but the weather was perfect for a race. We waited and bantered a little bit at the start, and then it was our time to go up. I started off the line great, and then got into a pace. I knew Jen would be up soon, and sure enough she was. We talked for a movement as we rode. Jen made a comment she was on the wrong side, and right at that moment I got smacked in the face by a branch! I let her know she was not on the wrong side. About 1/2 a mile into the race I all of the sudden quit breathing. Jen heard me gasp and asked if I was okay, I let her know asthma and we continued on. From that point on I kept having problems breathing, and when I could breathe it burned my throat. I am guessing this is what happens when you do not ride for almost 2 weeks.

It didn't take long for Jen to pull a little bit ahead of me, but little by little she pulled away. I just couldn't get my legs to go. My side ached during most of the race--it wasn't bad, but it was annoying.My legs and body just did not seem to want to work. By the last hill of the race I actually geared down to my granny gear. I was tired and felt completely out of shape. I thought I was up to par, but by the time the race was over I realized I was not. I don't know if it was because I have been sick, or if it was because I have been off my bike for close to 2 weeks. Perhaps it is a combination of both. It was good to be out, and I love racing, and the trail was fun. So despite the semi-poor riding I had a good time. It's always great to be on the bike.

At the start chatting it up.

Off to a good start.

Mandy waiting her turn at the start line.

Mandy is off to a good start.

Finishing her race.

Happy to be done with my race.

Mandy on the podium.

Me, Jen & Sally podium--Sally was off watching the race.