Xterra Garnet Hill

This might have been my best Xterra result to date but oddly enough it was perhaps one of the hardest. It's funny how races can work out like that. On days where you feel great, you can totally flop or you days when you struggle you can end up doing well.

The race was held in North River, NY right smack in the middle of Adirondack Park and held on cross country ski trails. That meant that the only flat part of the race would be the swim. The swim was held in a small little lake. It's the type of lake that doesn't have a name, only a number. Lucky number 13. It's a good thing I'm not superstitious. Right before the swim, I was surprised to see my friend Rob (who has been so dominant at every race he's entered this year). He pre-rode the course and warned me that there's no flow and it's constant spinning through thick matted grass, mud, and gravel.

The race starts and I sprint the first couple hundred meters to get some separation from the field. Soon, I'm all alone and I'm trying to keep the pace high while still conserving as much energy as possible. The calm waters and straight out and bike swim course made the time fly by with minimal sighting. I hit the beach and sprint to transition.

Transition went well and I'm out second (a relay team passed me as their swimmer only had to tag their biker and didn't have to worry about peeling off a wetsuit). Out on the course, I soon realized this was going to be leg burning work. Rob was right about the terrain. I could get not traction even with my super wide 29x2.3 tires and running super low pressures. I was struggling just to maintain momentum. The only thing worse than trying to climb up those hills was descending them. I was slipping and sliding all over the place. The grass also covered various stumps, rocks, and ruts that threatened to throw off any rider not paying attention. These were not the trails I enjoy riding. But  everyone is facing the same conditions, nothing to do but suck it up and keep the legs moving.

I survive the bike and make it to the run. The run was identical terrain as the bike which slowed everyone down. However, I felt like in the past few races I babied the run and still had some left in the tank when I crossed the line. I didn't want to do that again so I made sure to keep my strides short and my turn over fast. Before I know it, I'm at the turn around and I begin the ascent to the finish line. On the way back, I see another competitor about 2 minutes behind me. I was determined to not get passed on the run, as this is what usually happens. I made sure to keep pushing myself but there were some steep grades where I had to power hike up to keep myself from blowing up. The course finally leveled off a bit and I kept pushing towards the finish and looking over my shoulder to see if any competitors are running up on me. Finally I cross the line fifth overall and first in my age group.

I'm really excited about this race. It was a struggle the whole way and I never got into a rhythm but was still able to manage a good result. It's good to know I can race consistently even when things aren't going my way. It bodes well for Utah where I'll be rested and ready to go. I've got the rest of the summer off from racing so hopefully I'll be able to continue to improve.