My race strategy was to avoid being above Zone 3 for too long. This was, after all, a "training" race. I wanted to keep the cadence high and the hr low.

I usually like to go fast right out of the hole to avoid traffic in the beginning of the climb and then fall into my groove, but today it was different because I wanted to save energy and not burn out in a way that would affect my IM training. I rode comfortably and had a PowerGel 45 minutes into the ride. After passing the 15k mark, I switched to granny gear and rode all the way up to the top. I had not been able to do that in the two prior opportunities that I had done this ride in practice (had to walk a bit), but today I decided I would stay on the bike. Had another PowerGel at approx. 1:30 into the ride.

It was really funny though because at some points I had people pushing their bikes and passing me while I was still on mine! Also, at some points, it was so steep and I was so slow that the bike computer would not even register speed or time! I do feel that this IM training and has taken away some explosion from my legs; my preparation is now very different from my mountain bike days. I constantly had to remind myself that this race, or MTB-ing in general, was not my "goal" and I could not "leave it all on the course".

I was really looking forward to the downhill section, mainly because I didn't want any more climbing. The beginning of the downhill is about 3k of fast hills. In an attempt to pass another rider, I clipped his handlebar and hit the ground. Got me a small earth tattoo on the knee! I got up and when I finally did pass him we exchanged apologies for like one minute! Ahhh the camaraderie! And then came the fastest part of the downhill, my hands were aching and going numb, but I was loving it.

The last few sections of the downhill had some short, explosive climbs. As soon as this part started, I found people walking their bikes in nearly every single one of these climbs. I wondered what was wrong and then got my answer: my calves cramped up so badly that I also had to get off the bike. I could not believe it. I massaged them and carefully got back on the bike...my watch said 2:24, so I knew I still had about 30 mins to go. As I walked it off, I started thinking about my GF and how she would be handling the downhill and hoping she was fine. Then, I started to ride as effortlessly as I could, and luckily the cramps did not come back. As I got to the flats, I got really excited and decided to push the pace a little. I managed to catch 7 riders, the last one by half a wheel at the finish line!

I like this question. I had a sprint tri planned for today, had signed up and all! But that race was cancelled because of severe rains and floods that destroyed the roads to the site where it was going to be held. So I decided to do this race for fun and to accompany my GF in her first race of the season.

After my IM, which will be halfway through the MTB season, I might refocus on MTB and adventure racing until '06.

No warmdown, just went over to where my mates were (Travis, I like that word!) and nervously waited for my GF to arrive. She's had a recent history of MTB accidents, so I was really concerned. I didn't really care how she placed; I just wanted her to finish the race safe and sound.


MTB is a whole different monster. Bike handling skills, accelerations, climbing technique, etc. need to be properly trained. I was aware I had not done any of that prior to the race. Also, I tried to keep my HR from rising too much. Normally, I would race without HRM.

I went to have a good time, get a workout in and stick to my IM training plan, but not to race. That relaxed attitude takes a lot of pressure off, but it's still hard to have people passing you, who you know you could beat or race under different conditions.

Another limiter might have been "tapering". I've just concluded my hardest IM training week so far. Normally, prior to a race, I would have trained a quarter of the hours I trained this week!


Looking over the results, mine was a mid-pack finish if there ever was one!

Well organized race! I was so happy so see one of my adventure racing teammates (Edwin) get on the podium (3rd place in my category). His blazing race time was 2:10!

My girlfriend arrived 13/20 in her category and 549 overall. But, the real good news is that her downhill was nearly accident free! She scratched her shoulder a bit with a branch (actually passing someone!). She did get a chainring tatoo on her right calf while climbing though. As she was going up one of the steepest hills, her front wheel lifted and she fell backwards, unfortunately her chainrings got a piece of her leg. It's a superficial scratch. So she's fine, and I'm relieved!

My only worry was the cramps I had. I was properly hydrated but was somewhat tired and unrecovered prior to the race.

No pics yet...I'll as if any of my friends have any.