Training Log Archive: 'Bent

Event: GUATS Logs Rocks and Steel Multisport Adventure
 

Logs, Rocks and Steel-
I was thinking of pulling out of the race Wednesday, but lots of Leanimalizing and thumbs of death, TENS, acupuncture, Robaxacet, Arnica and a long hot shower at 5:15am got my neck manageable.

When Bash and I saw the solo contenders this year we realized we'd get clobbered, especially with how little biking we've done. Bash suggested we go co-ed, as we'd get to race together and portage a nice canoe instead of bashing our kayaks. Sounded like a good plan until Bill Trayling showed up with a very fit looking Kari, and an Olympic C2 racing canoe about 22' long and 18" wide. Like bringing a gun to a pillow fight.

Oh well, looked like some strong teams to battle for second too.

We had a pretty good run. We were able to tow almost the whole way, although it probably slowed us down more on the tricky footing and descents, and we came out about 8-10 min behind B & K.

On the paddle we started to catch teams. We saw another co-ed team that beat us on the run, and they were paddling well too, so we had to put the hammer down and run the portages, even with my aching neck. Low point- I ran the boat into a tree on the portage, twisting my neck so hard I went down like a ton of bricks onto the rocks. At least I didn't feel my whacked shin as my neck hurt so much. Highlight - a huge heron took off right next to Bash, accompanied by a hideous loud squawk- from Bash, and then another from the bird. We passed more male teams, and some solos including Crash and Ursula (who were paddling slow heavy tubs but re-caught us on the bike), and finally saw B & K's C2 just in front of us. We came in 3 minutes behind B & K, thanks to Bash's tight nav and some hard running on the portages.

On the bikes I had an easier time on the trails than Bash, but we were moving along OK & didn't dare tow. We caught B & K in a rough logged section, and Bill was walking both bikes while Kari was holding her arm. They'd had a big crash on tow- we gave them some meds but couldn't do more. The rest of the bike went fine, but by the time we hit road suitable for towing I was pedaling squares on the hills while Bash seemed to be getting stronger.

We kept expecting to get run down by other teams, but ended up winning the co-ed. B&K did finish, and got second. Leanimal won a tough battle with Crash and Ursula. Frankenjack won the male open ahead of BillyW and Relentless who were very close together in a superstar field.
Harper & John won male team, of course, 6th overall.

Great race, perfect weather, and tough competition.

C • Wow! 11

Neck's still bad. Time to fly the injured flag.
It's going to kill me to drive to work on such a nice day, but I need Thumbs of Death/ Leanimalizing if I can get away at lunch.

C • Get a good sleep in a tent 5

Ugh- my neck's been sore since some tough dentistry Monday, so I skipped my training today to see if some resting helps before LR&S.

Quick run to work.

Easier run home with bulletdog- she needs a rest day.

Extra pond hill intervals on the way to work- made it past the ruts.

After a tough day at work I was thinking about taking the short route home, but it was so nice out that Bulletdog and I did a tour of the Palgrave swimming holes & trails. Felt much better when I got home, but met Bash coming out to look for us since we were late. oops.

Island lake with Bash. Nice cool windy fall day. Oh yeah, it's August.