OK, OK, I know it is the end of March and all, but is my ski season really over? Did doing my first race really mark the end of playing in the snow? Am I really a bike racer again?
I did start my season yesterday racing the GORGE ROUBAIX, but before I tell you about the ultimate suffer fest I experienced yesterday, I have some ski stories left from March. (skip to race recap below if you really don't care!) And some mountain biking for Tim's birthday weekend. And I managed to sneak away to Whistler with some friends for a few days. I anticipated skiing 3 days, but my back could only take 2. And on the 2nd day, I went in one run early (gasp!). I did get some fantastic skate skiing in on the 3rd day, so I haven't been a total slouch. It was a blast and fun to get back to a place I love.
But then it had to start eventually. I had to start riding my bike. I was resistant. So much so that the weekend before racing, I did 2 XC skis when I should have been riding, but with new snow and Wendy and the dogs up at the cabin, how could I say no? Plus, I had gotten a flat I couldn't fix the day prior, less driving, mom was visiting so less time away from her, etc, etc, etc. I have a million excuses, but really, I just love snow. But I also love riding my bike and I am back!
I reluctantly signed up for the Gorge Roubaix, but I remembered promising Chad Sperry that I would do the race if it happened. For that, I would race 'off the couch'. As the time approached for the race, I had been on my bike exactly 12 times. Many times not feeling so awesome. I think I had 'trained' for a week. But honestly, I could have bailed just as easily as I could have raced since I didn't think I was ready to race. Fact was, it was supposed to be a beautiful day, my Mom was set up at the cabin all comfy with a book and Tim was going with or without me, so heck with it, I was going to race. Especially since the womens field almost got cut. And in the end, there were 40 women in the new "open women" category. A great field. Here is a little race recap. (You can skip it if you get bored easily.)
GORGE ROUBAIX RACE RECAP: Brrrrr!. Lining up at 10:40, it was still in the 30's. I was flummoxed on attire. Couldn't make a decision on anything. It had been awhile since I had raced. Heck, I only did 2 cx races and you wear a skinsuit. Thermal or not. Easy. But with a forecast of sunshine and 61, and being cold the day prior, I was skeptical. And good thing. Ear band on, thick arm/knee warmers, windproof base layer, shoe covers and initially a jacket, I survived. Not too long after our 'neutral' roll out, an attack went. I was not in position to cover it, but my teammate Megan (I have those now in our local road races. Very exciting.) covered it and to my surprise, no one really chased. No one. And since my teammate was up the road now, I had zero responsibility, so I just chilled. Dropped back, took off my jacket, went back to near the front. Just rode my bike. It was nice. Granted, it was hard for me to not chase attacks, but I also was a realist about my fitness level. So the first long gradual climb came and Lisa Magness was drilling the pace. The peloton shattered. Amy Campbell (another one of those teammates I speak of) was on Lisa and I stuck like glue to Amy, suffering to no end, willing myself to stay on.
Then the right turn came to go up the gravel hill and it was as though a trigger went off in my brain. I could see on the swithback that my teammate in the break had been dropped, so I had to go and help her. The dirt just propelled me. I had Lelah (yep, 'nother teammate) with me and we worked together up that hard gravel climb. Once we hit the apex, I was relieved and just let it go. And unfortunately Lelah came off, but I did catch Megan and grabbbed her so she could rest while we went to catch #2, a strong Sara Fletcher. We caught her at the end of the gravel, then the three of us worked together to catch #1, Anna Christiansen. Then we were 4. Hmmmm? I have never been in a break with a teammate before. How was this supposed to work??? I had NO CLUE. But neither of us were in any condition to attack and counter. So the four of us continued to work together and we got to the last climb before the impending uphill finish. I somehow ended up in front for a bit. Then I was so cross eyed, I could not tell you how it went down. I just know I stood up at the bottom of the climb and was determined to climb it as fast as I could. Sara came by and I thought that was the winning move, but she slowed, so I willed myself by her and kept going, trying to sprint for the line and apparently I crossed it first. I will honestly say that was the most unexpected win. I put no expectations on myself for the race except to have fun and survive. But somehow, I won. People asked me how I did afterwards and I would reply with a hint of surprise in my voice, "Actually, I won." And then they would respond, "big surprise." That kind of annoyed me. It WAS a big surprise. I had to quit racing in July last year. I had back surgery in August. And since then I have done exactly one hour, 10 minutes and 20 seconds of racing. In over 7 months. It has been a humbling process of working hard to get strong again. And on the bike is where I feel the least like my 'old self'. It is frustrating, but I continue to be diligent in the exercises that will get me there and until then, I will surprise myself. The old measurement is gone. Every victory will be a gift.
