The 2 Soldier Hollows

Mad Dog Race Team 2011 

I didn't write about my race last week, there was not much to write, because I failed to show up.  I was there physically, but mentally I did not show up.  I had a very bad attitude about the course, and basically was only riding because it was being sponsored by Mad Dog--poor reason I know, but I did show up.

Since my attitude was so poor, I did not feel competitive and was there to try, but not hard.  It took a wrong turn, and losing a spot to change my whole perspective.  It was at that point I started to ride hard.  After the race was over and I had time to reflect, I was very disappointed in myself.  I wasn,t fatigued or coughing off the finish line.  In fact, I wasn't anything I should have been--I was very disappointed I didn't give it my best.  Giving it my best I wouldn't have placed different, but at least I would have put forth a good effort.  With all this reflection I decided the next race was not going to be a repeat.

Muddy results.

Lining up for race #2 at Soldier Hollow, I was very nervous.  You see, since I had decided I was going to try really hard my nerves got the best of me.  Not so much about placing, but about being able to meet my goal.  With that said, can I just say when you are nervous and you are waiting for Ed to call your division up it is just pure torture--it also, causes many problems with the bladder.

Once on the line my nerves calmed down and I took off.  I rode strong and felt good the whole race.  I did have one small wipe out at the top of the course with the mud.  Because of this I ended up running three switchbacks that were loaded with water and mud.  I don't know if this was a good idea or not, but I felt it would be better than crashing--either way I would lose time and I really didn't want to find out the hard way.  I crossed the finshed line and felt great, I had tried hard, and had the typical I rode hard cough.  Results were good and best of all I gave it my best effort.  Goal from henceforth, no more bad attitude; ride hard and have fun.

Sport Women Podium

Picture by Kay Hutchings

Picture by Kay Hutchings

Picture by Kay Hutchings

Picture by Kay Hutchings

Soldier Hollow & More

I woke up this morning looking at the rain coming down and wondering if it was really going to be a good day for a race.  I made breakfast, and while it was cooking checked twitter to see if the race was still on--I was secretly hoping it was not, so I could go back to my nice warm bed, the idea of being in the cold, wet rain just did not seem appealing.  Much to my surprise the race was still on, so I ate, got ready and left for the race.

As I drove to the race I had my doubts about the conditions.  It was raining pretty hard, and mixed in with the rain was some snow.  It was this the whole drive up to the stop sign at Soldier Hollow and then it was nothing more than a light sprinkle.  I was completely amazed.
Snow on the course.

I was excited for the race today.  I felt good.  This week has been a good week for riding.  I feel like it is actually my first week on the bike where I have not suffered and had to push harder than I probably was supposed to.  The 2 weeks prior to this seemed more like a hurry and get on your bike so you can ride for the 12 hour race and then the week following was recover and ride.  This week I took it easy and followed the training plan Aaron has set up for me.  Aaron is sponsoring Mad Dog and part of the sponsorship was training some of the riders.  I am one of the lucky few who get training.  I have to say I feel very fortunate, because Aaron is familar working with people with health problmes, and he knows the little extras I need right now.  It also gives me some sort of plan to follow for recovery.

Getting to the start line today, I felt good about how I would be able to ride.  I had pre-ridden the course on Thursday and felt good when I finished the course.  As we lined up there were a total of 5 Mad Dog women on the start line--all my friends and all a great support.  We took off and for a portion of the start I stayed with them.  I ended up in the back on the hill climb, but this time I was on their wheels not way back.  We climbed and I continued to see them.  My goal was to stay with them as long as possible and I did--I was so excited.

As I climbed there was on UMB rider in front of me.  I was staying close, but could just not seem to get enough push to pass her.  I was riding hard, but I didn't want to push too hard and  blow up.  I kept reminding myself this was the first of the race and all I needed to do was keep her in my sight.  We rode and rode, and then all of the sudden we were to the first downhill.  It was here I was able to pass her.  I rode hard trying to put distance between us, but it was not enough.  Eventually she passed me.  I didn't give up, but kept riding and keeping her close in my sights.

This turned out to be a good thing, and eventually we hit a good hill climb, and I was finally able to catch her and pass.  From here I kept riding as hard as I could hoping she would not be able to catch me.  I also, was working really hard hoping I could get a glimpse of the gals in front of me.  It worked both ways.  I was able to keep ahead of the lady I passed, and on the uphill pavement climb I saw someone from my division.

When I finished I felt so good.  I had finished the course without any physical complications, and I had achieved two small goals, one to see the ladies in my division and two finish feeling good about what I had done. 

The end of the race was great.  I felt like I had accomplished something this race.  I feel like my health is starting to come back and I am making progress.  Although it is in baby steps it is progress.  I had a great time hanging out with the team after waiting on awards.  Oh, and the cool part--lady Mad Dogs did a 1st - 5th sweep, with me getting the lucky number!!!

Me - Fifth Place

Gayle - Tweety Chair

Tiffany - 3rd 

Heather - 2nd 

Jen - 1st

Women's Sport 1st - 6th

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.

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.