I finished!

I went to Ironcross this year with one goal: to finish.

Being an Ironcross virgin I had no idea what to expect except for the horror stories that my team mates told. I knew it was going to be difficult. I knew it was going to involve a lot of climbing. I knew it would a long time to complete. I knew it would mean carrying my bike while clinging to rocks and roots. But you really don't know until you do it what is BS and what has been drastically exaggerated. Well, as I sit here now I can say that it was difficult; there was a lot of climbing, it took me a long time and there actually was a part where, with my bike on my back, I clawed my way up a steep and rocky hill making sure I had my footing before taking another step so that I didn't tumble back down to the bottom!

The hardest part for me was not knowing the course; not knowing what was coming up or where I was at any given point in time. I probably could have pushed harder but I kept thinking a BIG climb was coming even though I already passed it. JB recon'd the course a couple of times leading up to the race and next year I'd like to join him at least once so that I know where I am and what is up ahead.

I don't have any cool stories like Liz or Dinsey. My race was pretty uneventful. I just pedaled, drank a lot of water (too much) and ate every chance I got so that I didn't bonk. It turns out I probably spent too much time eating and drinking because I had to stop and pee too many times.

When it was all said and done I finished in 5:15 which I think is pretty respectable for my first time and considering my longest ride leading up to the race was only 60 miles. I haven't been out to the mountains in years and I haven't been putting in too many miles so I'll take 5:15 for now.

Thanks to Kevin and Dinsey for keeping me motivated with everything else I have going on and to all my teammates (Bill, Tim, Laura, JB, Dinsey, Liz, Carol, Art, Mike, Mark, Steve-O, Kev, Mike and Sally) for encouraging me through out the day. That crew actually makes racing and suffering fun!

And yes, I'm definitely going back next year!