What a field! These cats were super-fast. I was obviously not strong enough for my SS gearing "choice." I was running a 32t-18t ratio. It was great on the flats but murder on the climbs. My 20t cog was welded to my rear wheel after a year of abuse/torque/friction so when I sent it in for warranty, they could only offer an 18t rear cog as a replacement. Lucky me!
I was honored that Lisa Randall invited me to come up to the race with her and Chris for the day. I was originally going to the Ft. Yargo 6 hr but this race sounded more enticing. I've only been racing for 2 years and riding for 3 but to be in a field of such elite racers is quite humbling. All part of the learning process. I did bike well however with good climbing and downhill handling. On some of the climbs I thought my eyes were going to start bleeding though. I was going so fast on some of the downhill that the trail started to blur. Don't know how I rode it clean but I'll take it. All in all, I felt good but could've benefited from the 20t or massively stronger legs and lungs. Next year...
I'm also trying the Paleo Diet for 30 days which means no refined sugars, grains, alcohol. So far, I'm feeling good about it but I have had to tweak my race day nutrition a bit by adding some sweet potatoes here and there. They really do help. Also doing some extra fruit (bananas,raisins) and gels before the race.
Something wonderful is happening. I am being serious. For the past year or so I've been developing this sense of love and compassion for humanity. That sounds like a really broad, general statement but it's true. I'm becoming more perceptive of others and more forgiving. I believe we're all doing the best with the hand we're given. I use these words because I don't know how else to describe this very subtle feeling. It's a swelling in the heart and a sense of well-being and contentment. Some days it borders on joy. Sure, I still get irritated with nuisances like drivers when they tailgate me or cut me off in traffic but overall, I am developing something here. Maybe my soul is expanding. I'm beginning to feel as though I'm finally a part of the human race. In the past, I've felt so aloof and misanthropic so this is strange for me. I can't exactly pinpoint when it began. I wonder if it's just part of the maturation process but I hope...