Adventure Racing race (Multisport) 7:21:09 75.97 km (5:48 / km) +914m5:29 / km ahr:160 max:188
Storm the 'Scarpment at Kelso. Not sure if STORM performed some sacrifice to the gods, but perfect weather as ALWAYS for this event.
Some changes this year with a small obstacle course in the run. The run was also extended as the water level was too low to have the paddle where planned, so there was an additional 1.5km of running added for each lap. Disappointing about the absence of trail running given the trails at Kelso are awesome, but also feel STORM must have had a reason to change the format. Also this year was a 5 and 8 hour race, instead of the historic 10 hours.
Check-in was (as always) quick and seamless. Race started dead on time, with a small added run to pick up some flags and spread out the field. After returning to the start with the flags, it was a quick run through the overpass to the bikes where we would climb up the escarpment. Although I wasn't close to the front (speed running...not my specialty), I did manage to get to the first climb up Fire with minimal traffic. The first bike had 2-3 climbs, but nothing worse than Fire. We then hit the quarry, where we dumped the bikes off for a run around the quarry and through various obstacles. I was a bit concerned about what these would be, but they weren't too bad, with some military over and unders, crawling under mesh, through tires etc. I didn't love them, but they also were painless enough to not be a big deal. The hardest part of this run was a long, grassy climb out of the quarry back to the bikes. After that section it was a nice fast and flowy singletrack ride to the ski hills, and a sweet (fast) downhill back to the bike TA, a run to the boats for a short paddle, and a run back to the start/finish.
Most laps were pretty much the same. Lap 4 I rode with another solo racer for a while, and although it was nice to have company I think it slowed me down a bit. Lap 5, which turned out to be my last lap, I ended up pushing a bit harder to keep a few solo riders who were behind me at bay. Super nice to see DDon11 come back and run with me into the finish at the end of my day. Much appreciated.
Ended up 2nd in the Masters Solo, but was happier to find out I finished 3rd out of all the solos (thankfully no fast AR racers racing solo...hehe). Although I wasn't sure if I was going to do this race, I was super happy I did. I saw some good friends throughout the day (DDon11, Hermes, 1L, Chief). Tons of racers were super encouraging, along with the awesome volunteers like Patty and the Logrents (who were like a personal cheering squad). I felt great physically, and managed to keep running all day. I think I kept all my TAs to under a few minutes.
Was nice to see a good turnout for this race, as STORM certainly deserves it. His races are completely dialed.
Celebrated on the ride home with a Starbucks Venti Mocha Frappuccino which could be the most appetizing post-race drink I have ever had (especially after a day of warm eLoad and Gatorade). Now on to the ice cream...
Run (Trail) 55:01 7.53 km (7:18 / km) +81m6:56 / km ahr:161 max:180 shoes: Salomon S-Lab 4s
With Simpy working late we had a night ride planned at Durham. DDon11 was meeting us up there, so he and I decided to sneak in a short trail run before the ride. Parking lot was packed, but once we got out on the trails the traffic wasn't too bad. It was the perfect time of day with the light and temps dropping that made for a super nice run. I feared trying to keep up with DD, so I went light and left the pack in the car.
8 PM
Mountain Biking1:23:36 16.28 km (11.7 kph) +197m ahr:149 max:186
Night ride with Simpy and DDon11. The bummer about night riding at Durham is you can't cross the road into Walkers Wood at night, so we had to stick exclusively to the north end. Simpy had a full-suss rental 29er that we took turns on, and I have to say I was very impressed. Rolled easily, and definitely felt like you got more for less effort. Very nice bike.
The ride was super fun, and I am a huge fan of doing anything at night in the woods (insert comments here). Riding at night with lights, cool temperatures, and on good trails is one of my favourite things to do.