Battle the bear race report.

First race of the season down. Overall it was a success. There was no vomiting, no nausea and no cramping. My race report to coach is as follows:

"The race was today. I warmed up fine, and I finished the race. Two great things. I am pleased with how I did and how I felt when I was done, no stomach issues. However I was off the back after the first lap. I think only the really fast guys showed up. I beat my time from 2 years ago by probably 15minutes. My last lap was 10minutes slower than average because I was caught behind the juniors racing. So probably would have been closer to 25minutes faster. I was middle of the pack in 2011. I am happy with the time and it was the first race I finished since 2011. I am really happy that I did not have any GI issues that I have had in the past. Two years ago I could not get anything down for about an hour after the race. This year I had 2 little pbj's, a hammer race bar and a full bottle of recoverite within 10minutes of finishing. Then I had a veggie burrito. NO problems. During the race I had 3 bottles of perpetuem, which is more than I have ever had during a race. I think I need to work on that, 4 would have been better. The last lap I got that tingly feeling all over that tells me I am about to bonk. Luckily I was near the finish. Great day really, I am looking forward the the rest week and then what lays ahead."

When she wrote back she gave me praise and also, kidding on the square, that Maybe I didnt go hard enough. She is probably right. This next race I will have more confidence to hit it a little harder. I did get some pics of the race which I will post here-

The water must have stunk, look at that face. Also my right knee warmer kept slipping down and was very annoying. I took it off right after this picture was taken. The starting temp was probably 45deg with blue skies.

This is about the 4th lap, I am just starting to descend mt Carbon to about lake level then its maybe 5miles of flat twisty trails, not my specialty.

This is the last lap when "Baby face Larry" passes me just before the descent. He smoked me. I never saw him again. I think he was on his second cigar by the time I got to the finish line.
Actually it was pretty fun to see this guys race, after I got the race mentality out of my head. It took a few seconds to go from, "hurry hurry hurry" to enjoying seeing these juniors racing. The guy behind me here is 3033's father and is trying to coach him from behind me. That was pretty cool. The descent is pretty steep after this and most of the kids walked it, but the ones with no fear just held on and.....

This week is a recovery week which came at a great time. Work has been stressful mentally and physically. Coming up, more intervals at Lactate Threshold for long periods. Coach told me that they are difficult and that I should prepare mentally. Well, Im ready. I start these tomorrow.

Until next time- Enjoy the outdoors. Life is short and unpredictable.

PS- Thanks Coach. I am enjoying this experience.