Well, I got it done! This was truly an Epic weekend, ending with an earned slot to the 2009 World Xterra Champs. in Maui, HI in October. This post will take awhile to write, as there is so much to say, and many pictures to post - I'll begin slowly, and edit accordingly.
On Friday, I headed to Warren Vt. and Sugarbush Mountain Resort for the Northeastern Xterra Cup race. My goal was to place in one of two slots available for a Worlds qualifier. After having a slow start to the xterra season due to injury etc., I was happy to finally get a chance to race, albeit a little nervous.
Car was loaded and on the road by 6:30 AM...
After a long (9hr.) cruisy and uneventful drive to Vermont (headed across 401...) we arrived in Sugarbush in tome for a pre ride of the 'race course' - or rather, trek through a month's worth of downpours, up and down mountains, going the wrong way on a downhill course. The course was 17km, and took us over 2 hrs....yup....2hrs. The start, and swim location, was at the snow making pond for Sugarbush - big pool of murky water due to all the rain. Checked it out, and headed up out of T1...We caught up to a couple Pros on the way up, and we all agreed - this was going to be a race for the runners. The first 5km. took approx. 1 hr., straight up, PLENTY of hike-a-bike and deep mud and roots. W quickly became very disgruntled. Dark moments arose, and there was a serious lack of sense of humour. At least the sun was out, and we were in the mountains, so really, it beats just about anything...
After a couple hours, we pulled into the transition zone - very hungry as 17k should have only taken 1 hr. and I didn't bring along enough fuel. Washed the bikes, registered, and headed to the store for food, and campsite to set up. We were staying about 1/2 hr. away in Bristol at the Maple Hill campsite.
After a good night around the fire, and a quite campsite with a pretty stream flowing beside, we arose anxious to take on the day, and check out the run course. It was only 11K - 2 x 5.5 K loops, so we figured we would go for an easy cruise around once, and then get to doing our bike maintenance, and gear set for tomorrow. Well...once again, the trail went straight up! We would go up the mountain 5 mins., down 1 min, up 5 mins., down 2 mins...and on...the hills were so steep and muddy and rough, so lots of walking was required - it took us 40 mins. to get around once!!!! Needless to say, we were quaking in our boots (or Vibram 5 Fingers as it were...) about the chances of finishing this course on race day.
Hung out at the race venue to watch the Trail Run athletes come in (Xterra 22K Trail Race), and then headed to camp to get set for the big day.
We then headed back to Sugarbush for a pasta feed, and whilst there, endured the most horrendous thinderstorm - torrential rain - the race course drowned...again...and our spirits sank.
We were trying hard to see the humour in all of this as we headed back to camp, praying that the rain stayed away from our side of the mountain. Encountered an amazing double rainbow over the mts. as we drove, but still, the rain had hit.
Tents were drowned and the site was full of mud. The river raged, we wept alittle, and retreated to our tents to sulk. No sleep to be had as the thunder continued deep into the night, complete with lightning, and then more torrential rain...not an ideal pre race rest, but thems the breaks I suppose.
Did some serious considering upon waking as to wether or not I would race, but figured I had to since I had come this far. I was nervous!!
Comments