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Tanasi race

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.

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