Training Log Archive: Mr WonderfulIn the 31 days ending Aug 31, 2014:
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Sunday Aug 31, 2014 #
Note
Fieldcrest appears to be getting a multi-user path between it and US23. (This is the service drive on the east side of northbound US 23.) I'm not sure where it will start, but it had a good chance of going from Lee Road down to Silver Lake from the looks of it while racing to church this morning.
6 AM
Walking warm up/down 17:00 1.06 mi (15:59 / mi)
ahr:82 max:91 slept:7.0 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Running 43:13 4.07 mi (10:37 / mi) +1m 10:36 / mi
ahr:138 max:176 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Strong GI discomfort at halfway mark. Lactose intolerance or worse? Ugh.
7 AM
Walking warm up/down 17:25 [1] 1.06 mi (16:24 / mi) +3m 16:16 / mi
ahr:97 max:137 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
7 PM
Walking 20:00 [3] 1.0 mi (20:00 / mi)
shoes: Keen Sandals
Saturday Aug 30, 2014 #
6 AM
Biking 57:16 13.99 mi (14.7 mph) +116m
ahr:140 max:167 slept:7.0 weight:200.2lbs shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Met w4j at the park and ride and continued over to the park office and then back to Bishop lake.
7 AM
Walking 3:08 0.11 mi (28:29 / mi)
ahr:89 max:98 shoes: Pearl Izumi Hikable Clipless B
Orienteering (Scouting) 3:26:01 *** 5.84 mi (35:18 / mi) +178m 32:15 / mi
ahr:103 max:160 spiked:10/14c shoes: Pearl Izumi Hikable Clipless B
Scouting most of red and some orange along the way.
Woods are thick, and filled with ivy. :(
Can I move my meet to December?
Some sections will still be nice though, I think. I guess that's o in Michigan.
Great company, with w4j, Michelle, and Cris.
Woods are thick, and filled with ivy. :(
Can I move my meet to December?
Some sections will still be nice though, I think. I guess that's o in Michigan.
Great company, with w4j, Michelle, and Cris.
10 AM
Biking 1:01:30 12.02 mi (11.7 mph) +67m
ahr:127 max:155 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Sprint back to the house. Time includes visit to pharmacy for ivy relief sprays. Not for me, but for dear wife who has a suspiciously white-fluffy-dog-waiting-for-crumbs size patch on her leg.
Friday Aug 29, 2014 #
6 PM
Walking 1:15:00 [3] 1.0 mi (1:15:01 / mi)
Lawn mowing. I think this discipline will be right after boogie boarding at USARAs.
C • bb 9
Wednesday Aug 27, 2014 #
6 PM
Walking 1:17:01 4.27 mi (18:03 / mi) +4m 18:00 / mi
ahr:87 max:99 slept:7.0 weight:201.8lbs shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
w/ 17 lb pack.
Checked out the dog park but most customers didn't look compatible with our seven pounder.
Checked out the dog park but most customers didn't look compatible with our seven pounder.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2014 #
Note
My tetanus is all boosted.
Some planned upgrades for the next 24 hr race season:
* Recharge truck a/c
* Reduce travel load to minimum possible. I didn't touch 70 liters of the stuff in my 90 liters of bin. Yet, I brought it!
* MS-1
* More paddling
* Armored pants
* Investigate bike transport improvements for more gear in the bed
Some planned upgrades for the next 24 hr race season:
* Recharge truck a/c
* Reduce travel load to minimum possible. I didn't touch 70 liters of the stuff in my 90 liters of bin. Yet, I brought it!
* MS-1
* More paddling
* Armored pants
* Investigate bike transport improvements for more gear in the bed
7 PM
Walking (Treadmill) 1:05:00 [1] 5.25 mi (12:23 / mi)
shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Sluggish. But foot okay, as long as you don't poke the sand bunch up spot with your finger.
Sunday Aug 24, 2014 #
12 AM
Note
Tl;dr, 4th in three person Co Ed @ Thunder Rolls, 5th overall. Would go back with armored pants. Props to MRA for their strong run.
Also, RD Gerry's enthusiasm was awesome and it was a great race HQ with cabins and a nice lodge.
Also, RD Gerry's enthusiasm was awesome and it was a great race HQ with cabins and a nice lodge.
Saturday Aug 23, 2014 #
Event: Thunder Rolls 12/24hr AR
12 AM
Walking (in a river) 45:00 [2] *** 2.0 mi (22:30 / mi)
4c slept:0.0 weight:201lbs shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
2014 Thunder Rolls as Wonderful Adventure Racers! with Maria and Tizoc
Wowser, 9 11x17 maps covering a humongous area, plus two satellite images, plus two more maps (11x17) coming later in the race. Intimidating. Plus a lot to manage. I think there is room for a lot of improvement hacking up the maps a bit to condense it down.
I didn't plan well and only slept six hours Thursday night and maybe 30 minutes at the end of the drive, so I was sleepy until the big O.
Started with a coasteering river walk. Fun to see dozens of people take the wrong fork in the camp and pick up several places there. Tizoc tended to our short team member and pulled her through any deep spots.
I got a lot of sand in my shoes and should have addressed it better.
Wowser, 9 11x17 maps covering a humongous area, plus two satellite images, plus two more maps (11x17) coming later in the race. Intimidating. Plus a lot to manage. I think there is room for a lot of improvement hacking up the maps a bit to condense it down.
I didn't plan well and only slept six hours Thursday night and maybe 30 minutes at the end of the drive, so I was sleepy until the big O.
Started with a coasteering river walk. Fun to see dozens of people take the wrong fork in the camp and pick up several places there. Tizoc tended to our short team member and pulled her through any deep spots.
I got a lot of sand in my shoes and should have addressed it better.
C • Nats 4
1 AM
Biking 3:15:00 [3] 27.3 mi (8.4 mph)
spiked:4/4c shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Bike from Mt Carroll to Hanover
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514189434
I was too sleepy to be strong. Navigation was fun and not too stressful, watching our bike computers and marking the turns. We walked a few hills, which was probably not ideal but that's life. Fun downhills, super speed!
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514189434
I was too sleepy to be strong. Navigation was fun and not too stressful, watching our bike computers and marking the turns. We walked a few hills, which was probably not ideal but that's life. Fun downhills, super speed!
4 AM
Canoeing 1:00:00 [3] 3.14 mi (19:07 / mi)
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514198532
One of my worst canoeing legs (including the post O section to the marina). I was sleepy and felt powerless to row, plus the three person canoe was very crowded. If I was ever distracted (scenery, deadfall, race strategy) I lost sync with T and M and smacked my paddle into M's. I don't know why I was so uncoordinated. Plus visibility was a struggle - night, a little bit of mist, and two people and paddles. T made great callouts to steer us around obstacles, which helped.
I assume it was my operator error, but that boat was all over the place. It felt like T and maybe M's efforts had more effect on direction than normal, and getting the timing right to avoid overcorrection, etc. was off. But maybe I was just laggy from sleepiness.
At 4:30 am, a large fish (0.3 m) jumped into M's lap. Hilarity and shrieking ensued. M stood up, which made the boat tippy. We parked the boat and T grabbed the fish and tossed it back.
A lot of boats at the O take out made it easy to find.
One of my worst canoeing legs (including the post O section to the marina). I was sleepy and felt powerless to row, plus the three person canoe was very crowded. If I was ever distracted (scenery, deadfall, race strategy) I lost sync with T and M and smacked my paddle into M's. I don't know why I was so uncoordinated. Plus visibility was a struggle - night, a little bit of mist, and two people and paddles. T made great callouts to steer us around obstacles, which helped.
I assume it was my operator error, but that boat was all over the place. It felt like T and maybe M's efforts had more effect on direction than normal, and getting the timing right to avoid overcorrection, etc. was off. But maybe I was just laggy from sleepiness.
At 4:30 am, a large fish (0.3 m) jumped into M's lap. Hilarity and shrieking ensued. M stood up, which made the boat tippy. We parked the boat and T grabbed the fish and tossed it back.
A lot of boats at the O take out made it easy to find.
5 AM
Orienteering 2:00:00 [3] 3.25 mi (36:56 / mi)
shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514338180
Challenging (since dark) wobbling up to 10, trying to balance trails and direction. We were relunctant to bushwhack, wearing shorts for the paddle, but had to, then crossed the mucky water to get to the right spot. Then found a nice trail west, took it to the park border, followed the park border back out the spur to 11. 12 stymied me - we bore south, T hit the "correct" reentrant for 12, but I said it was too small, and there looked to be a more substantial one slightly west, so we followed that one down. I found barbed wire with my knee, probably should see about a tetanus booster.
Got to the bottom, had not seen it. Wha? Doubled checked, could not make sense of it. Eventually went to the river, pace counted back to the big reentrant...checked it again, nope. Finally after much time lost I decided to walk along the side hill from the big mapped, plotted location reentrant to the river, hoping maybe we were missing something, and there it was in a soft, shallow one just east of the main. Onward and upward.
Off to 13, just went to river, to creek, up creek, then back along the creek finally cutting up onto the spur, then back to the boat.
I got pretty scratched up - I should have worn pants, or put them on at the first sign of trouble. Maybe armored pants next time....
Challenging (since dark) wobbling up to 10, trying to balance trails and direction. We were relunctant to bushwhack, wearing shorts for the paddle, but had to, then crossed the mucky water to get to the right spot. Then found a nice trail west, took it to the park border, followed the park border back out the spur to 11. 12 stymied me - we bore south, T hit the "correct" reentrant for 12, but I said it was too small, and there looked to be a more substantial one slightly west, so we followed that one down. I found barbed wire with my knee, probably should see about a tetanus booster.
Got to the bottom, had not seen it. Wha? Doubled checked, could not make sense of it. Eventually went to the river, pace counted back to the big reentrant...checked it again, nope. Finally after much time lost I decided to walk along the side hill from the big mapped, plotted location reentrant to the river, hoping maybe we were missing something, and there it was in a soft, shallow one just east of the main. Onward and upward.
Off to 13, just went to river, to creek, up creek, then back along the creek finally cutting up onto the spur, then back to the boat.
I got pretty scratched up - I should have worn pants, or put them on at the first sign of trouble. Maybe armored pants next time....
C • 12 1
7 AM
Canoeing 4:30:00 [3] 15.78 mi (17:07 / mi)
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514350130
Remainder of the paddle. I continued to struggle to not lose the cadence sync. And have energy.
I'm not sure if any of the portage possibilities would have paid off...
Also, in hindsight, I think the main channel looks easier and faster. Kudos to T's excellent interpretation of the islands to get us efficiently to the marina without any wasted movement.
Quite a storm came through. The darkest part was never immediately overhead, but lightning struck on both sides of us and we pondered pulling over. It sounds like many teams were on the "if someone else does..." line, and since no one was, everybody just continued to the marina, with a sense of urgency.
Remainder of the paddle. I continued to struggle to not lose the cadence sync. And have energy.
I'm not sure if any of the portage possibilities would have paid off...
Also, in hindsight, I think the main channel looks easier and faster. Kudos to T's excellent interpretation of the islands to get us efficiently to the marina without any wasted movement.
Quite a storm came through. The darkest part was never immediately overhead, but lightning struck on both sides of us and we pondered pulling over. It sounds like many teams were on the "if someone else does..." line, and since no one was, everybody just continued to the marina, with a sense of urgency.
11 AM
Biking 30:00 [3] 2.6 mi (5.2 mph)
shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514357174
Up past a tree freshly destroyed by lightning - all exploded and reeking of pine. Pretty sweet!
T had a big save, as we stayed straight instead of turning onto "authorized vehicles only", but he was paying great attention to elevation and we quickly corrected.
Up past a tree freshly destroyed by lightning - all exploded and reeking of pine. Pretty sweet!
T had a big save, as we stayed straight instead of turning onto "authorized vehicles only", but he was paying great attention to elevation and we quickly corrected.
12 PM
Orienteering 7:00:00 [3] *** 12.0 mi (35:00 / mi)
spiked:19/21c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
I perked up, this being o on foot. Too much, as I lost five minutes not watching my compass to #18, before backtracking to take a safer route. Then, in perfect poor timing, after being essentially towed for the paddle, I was ready to power up hills, but perhaps not all were. Some energy management may be in order here. :)
We struggled the most with 27. All of the reentrants looked the same to me, and I didn't give it enough respect on the way over. I need to add more pace in for this sort of thing. So we mucked about, eventually going up to the top end of the main valley by the powerline after checking a few wrong ones at great energy/nettle cost, then pacing back to the reentrant. Finally got it, whew.
We lost a little time on another one - looked like one of the two main reenrant junctions, but it was up on a smaller secondary one, but at least we fixed that up quick.
Then did fine, although T cashed out water after 31 or so (hardly his first time in a race, we have to get him more water for long legs) had to find a hose near the course. I finally cleaned the sand out of my shoes - I was stupid to wait that long since it was well wedged between my foot and toes, and left foot still is sore there today.
We continued on and hit the oddly easy #35, in the nicest woods of the day.
We had seen no one in a while, then we stopped to adjust the map for the last three on our plan (no clear was going to happen...sad face) and BDAR passed us looking much perkier. Which sucked. Hit 37 with them, 38 right behind, and took a half hearted attempt at 39 on the way, but after destroyed T and M in nettles, I picked a spur instead of the big correct ridge, but we were all mostly okay with that and we went to the TA with 50 minutes on the table.
We struggled the most with 27. All of the reentrants looked the same to me, and I didn't give it enough respect on the way over. I need to add more pace in for this sort of thing. So we mucked about, eventually going up to the top end of the main valley by the powerline after checking a few wrong ones at great energy/nettle cost, then pacing back to the reentrant. Finally got it, whew.
We lost a little time on another one - looked like one of the two main reenrant junctions, but it was up on a smaller secondary one, but at least we fixed that up quick.
Then did fine, although T cashed out water after 31 or so (hardly his first time in a race, we have to get him more water for long legs) had to find a hose near the course. I finally cleaned the sand out of my shoes - I was stupid to wait that long since it was well wedged between my foot and toes, and left foot still is sore there today.
We continued on and hit the oddly easy #35, in the nicest woods of the day.
We had seen no one in a while, then we stopped to adjust the map for the last three on our plan (no clear was going to happen...sad face) and BDAR passed us looking much perkier. Which sucked. Hit 37 with them, 38 right behind, and took a half hearted attempt at 39 on the way, but after destroyed T and M in nettles, I picked a spur instead of the big correct ridge, but we were all mostly okay with that and we went to the TA with 50 minutes on the table.
7 PM
Biking 1:00:00 [3] 10.0 mi (10.0 mph)
shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
9 PM
Orienteering 2:30:00 [1] 2.2 mi (1:08:10 / mi)
shoes: Pearl Izumi Hikable Clipless B
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/514405206
A sort of anti climactic finish - we were back, we were kind of locked in place wise, just had to finish up some local activites. Labeled a bike o, but I think the bikes were more of a hassle than a help. We should have left them behind.
We left our bikes at 48 and picked them up after 54.
Rappel was fun and terrifying. "Don't let go of that rope!" Kind of wondered what happens if I do, and I've been up for most of 36 hours, and am kind out of it. I had trouble getting the sit position right.
Cave was fun - a bat flew out when I stuck my head in.
No one was manning the luge so we punched the point and left, then finished around 11 or so, very tired. Usually I don't eat much right after a race, but I tore into it.
Lots of things learned. A humbling race - I had hoped to give MRA more of a run for it but was just not able to. Perhaps next year.
A sort of anti climactic finish - we were back, we were kind of locked in place wise, just had to finish up some local activites. Labeled a bike o, but I think the bikes were more of a hassle than a help. We should have left them behind.
We left our bikes at 48 and picked them up after 54.
Rappel was fun and terrifying. "Don't let go of that rope!" Kind of wondered what happens if I do, and I've been up for most of 36 hours, and am kind out of it. I had trouble getting the sit position right.
Cave was fun - a bat flew out when I stuck my head in.
No one was manning the luge so we punched the point and left, then finished around 11 or so, very tired. Usually I don't eat much right after a race, but I tore into it.
Lots of things learned. A humbling race - I had hoped to give MRA more of a run for it but was just not able to. Perhaps next year.
Wednesday Aug 20, 2014 #
7 PM
Walking 42:15 [1] 2.23 mi (18:57 / mi) +4m 18:50 / mi
Easy way to taper: have work be too busy, then add crushing commutes on both ends. Voila!
Monday Aug 18, 2014 #
6 PM
Walking 1:08:48 3.67 mi (18:44 / mi) +5m 18:39 / mi
ahr:88 max:147
Hard part about course designing at Bishop is wanting to use everything. Red hovers at 7.5 km; total controls are not manageable yet at ~three dozen.
Sunday Aug 17, 2014 #
12 PM
Biking 22:54 5.88 mi (15.4 mph) +20m
ahr:145 max:166 slept:6.5 weight:201lbs shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
An "I am trying to pack too much into this morning" sprint from Brighton High School to Huron Meadows for Lesson #1. No clip in shoes, because I'm an idiot and cannot find them.
1 PM
Orienteering (Instruction) 40:47 * 1.19 mi (34:23 / mi) +12m 33:20 / mi
ahr:95 max:121 spiked:3/3c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Family #1. I think Dad was really getting it. Daughter was ready to cruise, regardless of map features. Son was getting assaulted by mosquitoes, so we bailed early. Mom tended to their cute 9 year old puppy. I usually advise trainees to bring bug spray; maybe I should keep some in my back as a just in case. Mosquitoes were horrific today, way worse than yesterday, and they were medium annoying then.
I am liking the south side; nice bit of white trails, then a red/orange just when they are getting it, with some fun terrain to exit, then some good choice back to base depending on interesting/speed. I will use this for the time being.
I am liking the south side; nice bit of white trails, then a red/orange just when they are getting it, with some fun terrain to exit, then some good choice back to base depending on interesting/speed. I will use this for the time being.
2 PM
Orienteering (Instruction) 45:00 [3] 1.3 mi (34:37 / mi)
shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Forgot to start my watch. Same route as yesterday until the point the track starts.
3 PM
Orienteering 46:02 1.32 mi (34:49 / mi) +15m 33:38 / mi
ahr:90 max:122 shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Mother (R), son (scout, J), and another scout (T).
They were looking at some merit badge info, so I tried to rattle off as much as I could cover before figuring I would lose these young high schoolers.
Then we finally stared up. T has done this sort of thing before, and charges off confident (or full of hubris). And sets a new record for being off. :)
Then they got the hang of it, white was a bit too easy for them. We split at the off trail once since the R & J were wearing shorts and there be ivy in these woods. T did great, got right to the circle reading well, then bobbled in the circle, but who among us has not done that?
We regroup. Then I suggest a point, and T tears off. He's identified the trail, only it's the completely wrong one. He charges off, J in tow. I mutter to R that they are completely wrong, but I want to see it play out, plus they can practice relocation and learn why your compass is a friend. R bails back to the car (in a happy way, no worries), and I catch up T & J. They assure me that the terrain and compass all match. Which is odd, as the swamp is on the wrong side and they are 180° off. Eventually I ask enough that T figures it out. Good lesson. We pick up the other one we are by. Then T and me have J do the last. I think he has the tools, but lacks the confidence to employ them. So we went through three solid APs circle the point before finally breaking out his compass and wandering.
Then T & R and I have a nice chat while J plays on his phone and eventually texts R to see if they can leave. Well, 66% happiness is not too bad.
They were looking at some merit badge info, so I tried to rattle off as much as I could cover before figuring I would lose these young high schoolers.
Then we finally stared up. T has done this sort of thing before, and charges off confident (or full of hubris). And sets a new record for being off. :)
Then they got the hang of it, white was a bit too easy for them. We split at the off trail once since the R & J were wearing shorts and there be ivy in these woods. T did great, got right to the circle reading well, then bobbled in the circle, but who among us has not done that?
We regroup. Then I suggest a point, and T tears off. He's identified the trail, only it's the completely wrong one. He charges off, J in tow. I mutter to R that they are completely wrong, but I want to see it play out, plus they can practice relocation and learn why your compass is a friend. R bails back to the car (in a happy way, no worries), and I catch up T & J. They assure me that the terrain and compass all match. Which is odd, as the swamp is on the wrong side and they are 180° off. Eventually I ask enough that T figures it out. Good lesson. We pick up the other one we are by. Then T and me have J do the last. I think he has the tools, but lacks the confidence to employ them. So we went through three solid APs circle the point before finally breaking out his compass and wandering.
Then T & R and I have a nice chat while J plays on his phone and eventually texts R to see if they can leave. Well, 66% happiness is not too bad.
4 PM
Biking 42:14 10.48 mi (14.9 mph) +38m
ahr:137 max:162 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Slight meander back to base.
6 PM
Walking warm up/down 17:05 1.02 mi (16:45 / mi)
ahr:91 max:111 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Found my pump and shoes while getting ready. woo woo
Biking 33:10 3.22 mi (5.8 mph) +3m
ahr:143 max:160
Kimberly was strong; I was beat. I would not have complained if she had wanted to stop after one mile, but she kept going so I did as well.
7 PM
Walking warm up/down 20:44 [1] 1.19 mi (17:24 / mi) +1m 17:22 / mi
ahr:100 max:110 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Saturday Aug 16, 2014 #
Orienteering 4:01:00 [3] *** 9.1 mi (26:29 / mi)
spiked:10/12c slept:5.0 weight:201lbs shoes: Inov8 Roclite 319
Shaking the cobwebs off o map skills....and many trees and shrubs. Ew. Also took some promo pics for the Facebook ads starting up this fall.
I realized I forgot my watch after I was already late to meet w4j. :(
Route:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/692685021
Went mostly alright, despite low visibility and some slow walking in less-than-perfect woods. Also, Alex made the streamers expert mode, as several were blue and yellow, which really washed out in the lush woods. :)
One big parallel ridge error, but recovered with AR-acceptable recovery time (not quite o ready).
Fun times, great to be back in the woods.
I realized I forgot my watch after I was already late to meet w4j. :(
Route:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/692685021
Went mostly alright, despite low visibility and some slow walking in less-than-perfect woods. Also, Alex made the streamers expert mode, as several were blue and yellow, which really washed out in the lush woods. :)
One big parallel ridge error, but recovered with AR-acceptable recovery time (not quite o ready).
Fun times, great to be back in the woods.
3 PM
Orienteering (Instruction) 1:18:14 *** 2.07 mi (37:48 / mi) +31m 36:07 / mi
ahr:86 max:117 spiked:8/8c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Wonderful mother and son. Son was really picking up on the features. Mother hopes to tag along on another lesson, but I think she was getting it. Working out of Cedar Ridge (south side) was a fun change from the north end, esp. since it has a couple nice-for-new folk off trail points that aren't game ending.
Woods are a wee bit thick in spots. Also so much ivy...........
Woods are a wee bit thick in spots. Also so much ivy...........
Friday Aug 15, 2014 #
6 AM
Running 19:53 2.24 mi (8:53 / mi) +3m 8:51 / mi
ahr:152 max:166 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
w/ sweatshirt (46°)
Thursday Aug 14, 2014 #
Note
An old friend did the Bryce Canyon half in 1:42:5x. It is somewhat downhill:
Could I get to 13.1 miles at 7:50 pace (1:42:41) by Oct 19 for the Detroit International Half?
My last 10k vdot only suggests a 1:44, and I was fading after 30 minutes - heart rate was drifting on up. But Oct 19th should be cool - average low is 43, high of 62. Race starts at 7 am in waves based on projected finish.
It's nine weeks away; though some would suggest I just do two sessions per week all out for 10 minutes and call it good, I was curious if something in the mid 20 mpw range would be sufficient or not. 4-6 miles of O serving as intervals each week, an easy 3-5 (probably asphalt), something in the ~10 mile range (on trail for stress injury prevention), then another 5 (again paved). This would be supplemented by normal 2015 WT prep of a couple bike rides and a canoe per week.
Could I get to 13.1 miles at 7:50 pace (1:42:41) by Oct 19 for the Detroit International Half?
My last 10k vdot only suggests a 1:44, and I was fading after 30 minutes - heart rate was drifting on up. But Oct 19th should be cool - average low is 43, high of 62. Race starts at 7 am in waves based on projected finish.
It's nine weeks away; though some would suggest I just do two sessions per week all out for 10 minutes and call it good, I was curious if something in the mid 20 mpw range would be sufficient or not. 4-6 miles of O serving as intervals each week, an easy 3-5 (probably asphalt), something in the ~10 mile range (on trail for stress injury prevention), then another 5 (again paved). This would be supplemented by normal 2015 WT prep of a couple bike rides and a canoe per week.
Wednesday Aug 13, 2014 #
Note
Rage replacement? They stress no knowledge of any medical stuff, just possibly penalties if you guess wrong. Pinckney again
http://www.medwar.org/midwest/
http://www.medwar.org/midwest/
5 PM
Running 38:41 3.7 mi (10:27 / mi) +146m 9:19 / mi
ahr:157 max:174 slept:6.0 shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Barton -> KL -> Bird Hills -> Barton home again. Warm, but not too bad in the shade. Some extra hills as needed.
7 PM
Walking 1:08:59 3.91 mi (17:39 / mi) +3m 17:37 / mi
ahr:98 max:110 shoes: Brooks Ghost Red
Walked dog #2 to the sewer bill drop off via the short cut. Which was littered with teenagers and litter.
Tuesday Aug 12, 2014 #
Note
Time to plan bike o before we lose possibly our best/only venue. Link to Badlands makeover courtesy of w4j.
http://www.freep.com/article/20140811/NEWS05/30811...
Now that I finally have a permit rolling for Bishop Lake, one wonders if we should/could have a "rust buster" at Huron Meadows, some sort of 30-45 minute score o on just half of the map (naturally south of Hammel). Something like that I could flag in ~two-three hours and then hang in two hours flat on event morning...that would be easy enough. Like 9/6 or something.
http://www.freep.com/article/20140811/NEWS05/30811...
Now that I finally have a permit rolling for Bishop Lake, one wonders if we should/could have a "rust buster" at Huron Meadows, some sort of 30-45 minute score o on just half of the map (naturally south of Hammel). Something like that I could flag in ~two-three hours and then hang in two hours flat on event morning...that would be easy enough. Like 9/6 or something.
Monday Aug 11, 2014 #
5 PM
Running 43:11 4.49 mi (9:37 / mi) +4m 9:35 / mi
ahr:151 max:160 slept:4.0 shoes: Brooks Ghost Red
Good gravy it's humid. Felt great...for twenty minutes.
Sunday Aug 10, 2014 #
7 PM
Walking 43:00 [1] 2.26 mi (19:02 / mi) +4m 18:55 / mi
11 PM
Biking 1:52:14 24.6 mi (13.2 mph) +161m
ahr:126 max:154 slept:9.0 weight:199.2lbs shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Wimped out of a bike run bike during the afternoon heat - instead choosing to do some basement purging. It looks much better now, still a ways to go.
Then finally got out late and bombed down to A2, then a little single track, picking directions at random, then oddly respectful of the closed signs for Pontiac Trail, so more single track (Leslie Park), then up and around and again unusually mindful of the detour, and eventually home. Refreshing and cool.
I need to figure out why my chain and front d conspire to put the derailleur into my tire (twice on this journey).
Then finally got out late and bombed down to A2, then a little single track, picking directions at random, then oddly respectful of the closed signs for Pontiac Trail, so more single track (Leslie Park), then up and around and again unusually mindful of the detour, and eventually home. Refreshing and cool.
I need to figure out why my chain and front d conspire to put the derailleur into my tire (twice on this journey).
Saturday Aug 9, 2014 #
10 AM
Biking 1:53:02 22.11 mi (11.7 mph) +180m
ahr:142 max:173 slept:8.0 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
I took the long way around to Torn Shirt, which then destroyed me. It wasn't the climbs (though I walked a few of those); it's the too large for me two+ in a row drops. I don't have the skills or fearlessness to take them on. Then I started running late, so I bailed out via the medical trail to Blue, then sort of scootered to the stairs and off I went. I'm not worthy.
12 PM
Orienteering 1:52:38 3.25 mi (34:41 / mi) +25m 33:53 / mi
ahr:99 max:163 shoes: Pearl Izumi Hikable Clipless B
Tagged along with Ati's second group of navigation trainees. They took on the permanent course as a score o. They were doing great, and appeared to improve throughout. Then to make the movie I abandoned them on a major trail and jogged it in. :) (There was a second escort as well, they weren't left hanging.)
I need to fire up petition.org and campaign to relocate CL to something vaguely fun. It's too overgrown!
I need to fire up petition.org and campaign to relocate CL to something vaguely fun. It's too overgrown!
2 PM
Biking 28:25 7.61 mi (16.1 mph) +32m
ahr:152 max:169 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Then a rocket ride back since I stayed slightly longer than planned. I brought five bike bottles on this outing, and polished the final one off in my sub. Hot!
Thursday Aug 7, 2014 #
Note
Cool city bike: http://oregonmanifest.com/
No exercise last night, but five hours of puttering in the garage means the Escape fits - I am experimenting with the "happy wife happy life" philosophy. I did my best to purge some things....but must purge more! Trash can is full anyway so I have a week to work up more nerve to purge. I should get the Mini fixed as if I built a few shelves and did a lot of paring down, you could almost fit that in and still have the space hog items (trike, mower, 2x wheelchairs) in front. Would be nice when winter hits.
No exercise last night, but five hours of puttering in the garage means the Escape fits - I am experimenting with the "happy wife happy life" philosophy. I did my best to purge some things....but must purge more! Trash can is full anyway so I have a week to work up more nerve to purge. I should get the Mini fixed as if I built a few shelves and did a lot of paring down, you could almost fit that in and still have the space hog items (trike, mower, 2x wheelchairs) in front. Would be nice when winter hits.
Monday Aug 4, 2014 #
6 PM
Canoeing 1:32:58 7.4 mi (12:34 / mi) +2m 12:33 / mi
ahr:89 max:136 shoes: Pirate Canoe
Coach Cooper indulged my paddling suggestion, so we ran up to the 2nd bridge and back. The brief rain prior to our arrival made Kensington our own private lake.
Briefly cracked 6 mph twice in ye olde boat. Cooper got a great workout as my spare paddle would be great as a squat bar.
Briefly cracked 6 mph twice in ye olde boat. Cooper got a great workout as my spare paddle would be great as a squat bar.
Saturday Aug 2, 2014 #
8 AM
Adventure Race race 1 [3] *** 0.0 mi +866m null / mi
ahr:129 max:180 slept:6.5
Seven years, dozens of races, never better than second...today, all forty checkpoints, thirty seconds to spare, one overall win...euphoric
Running 11:33 [3] 2.2 km (5:15 / km)
spiked:1/1c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Perhaps I was too casual..."It's only an eight hour race..." I showed up in jeans, then the briefing used much of time pre race, and then I was scrambling to get started...We planned to run hard from the gun to the put in to be at the front of the boat pack, but we missed the start by 15-30 seconds. And with varying amounts of suggested gear still in our vehicles. Oh no, no no no. So we were several teams back to hit TA1.
Canoeing 1:30:55 [3] 12.2 km (7:27 / km)
spiked:4/4c shoes: Pirate Canoe
I almost grabbed Shane's canoe, as it's just a shinier version of mine, but I noticed the fancy paddle and what the heck? found our boat. Maria and I put in and figured Tizoc would be right behind...but he was back a bit. And then falling back further. We lily dipped, but he still wasn't catching up. Noo...I could see so many boats getting ahead. At least it will be good team training. Then I remember I had my WeGo teamlink tow rope in my pack. We stopped, hitched up Tizoc's rental 'yak, and then were able to at least roughly maintain pace with the back of the lead pack. Towing a kayak with the WeGo worked great, other than at punches when the odd other team would park between our boats. And Maria and I exuberantly left CP1 not realizing Tizoc hadn't boarded, so when he tried a deep reentry he tipped. Sorry, man.
I have always wanted to paddle a bit on the Grand so that was fun. I was very nervous though - there were a lot of boats ahead, and the nav on the balance of the course didn't look hard enough to slow folks down. I wanted to win, but were we even going to make top ten? Well, give 'er anyway.
At some point on the paddle or when the canoe was brought back the WeGo broke a bit, but I think I can fix it. Also I know how sort of how it's constructed now so maybe I will make a beefy canoe tow version.
I have always wanted to paddle a bit on the Grand so that was fun. I was very nervous though - there were a lot of boats ahead, and the nav on the balance of the course didn't look hard enough to slow folks down. I wanted to win, but were we even going to make top ten? Well, give 'er anyway.
At some point on the paddle or when the canoe was brought back the WeGo broke a bit, but I think I can fix it. Also I know how sort of how it's constructed now so maybe I will make a beefy canoe tow version.
10 AM
Biking 1:58:22 [3] 25.7 km (13.0 kph)
spiked:14/14c shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
#29 was the oddest point - do you get it early en route to the first o section, or after the second to last o section? My swag was after the 2nd was shorter, so we beelined for the o section via the other points.
We nearly overshot the first turn off point by the Cannonsburg SGA singletrack. We need a better signal for this than "GUYS IT'S THE FLAG HEY MAN COME BACK FLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG" as this may have helped a team that overshot it to backtrack.
Then the singletrack looked shorter than the road, so we took that. It worked well for us - we were only going 10-12, but it was shorter, much cooler (well shaded) and single the sand and skills limited speed, it was an aerobic recovery. So we did both optional singletrack sections.
At Cannonsburg Ski Area, we worked down to #7, then took a pretty straight line across the slopes to pick up the white loop trailhead. I think that worked well, it moved quick.
The baby trail at the ski area is kind of near my top end for comfort. Poor Maria had a few spills. My front tire slid out for a low slide. I tried to yank my foot off to get it down, but my foot stayed clip and by fortune or blessing the front tire came with my foot and when it hit the ground it hooked up and I didn't wipe out.
Mark really toyed with us - first bike o bingo came quick, then it was a monster gap to the next, then they were quick again.
I swear we followed the "This Way Be Easier" signs heading out, and yet we ended up in the skills park, which was scary so we cut back to the correct exit.
Maria took up the tow after the ski area. Finally, after installing my line dog leash in 2013, it would finally see some real use.
We only thought we passed a couple teams at this point, and we thought we were well back yet.
We nearly overshot the first turn off point by the Cannonsburg SGA singletrack. We need a better signal for this than "GUYS IT'S THE FLAG HEY MAN COME BACK FLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG" as this may have helped a team that overshot it to backtrack.
Then the singletrack looked shorter than the road, so we took that. It worked well for us - we were only going 10-12, but it was shorter, much cooler (well shaded) and single the sand and skills limited speed, it was an aerobic recovery. So we did both optional singletrack sections.
At Cannonsburg Ski Area, we worked down to #7, then took a pretty straight line across the slopes to pick up the white loop trailhead. I think that worked well, it moved quick.
The baby trail at the ski area is kind of near my top end for comfort. Poor Maria had a few spills. My front tire slid out for a low slide. I tried to yank my foot off to get it down, but my foot stayed clip and by fortune or blessing the front tire came with my foot and when it hit the ground it hooked up and I didn't wipe out.
Mark really toyed with us - first bike o bingo came quick, then it was a monster gap to the next, then they were quick again.
I swear we followed the "This Way Be Easier" signs heading out, and yet we ended up in the skills park, which was scary so we cut back to the correct exit.
Maria took up the tow after the ski area. Finally, after installing my line dog leash in 2013, it would finally see some real use.
We only thought we passed a couple teams at this point, and we thought we were well back yet.
12 PM
Orienteering 43:20 [3] *** 4.4 km (9:51 / km)
spiked:3/4c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
And yet we arrived at TA3 in third! I was surprised by happy. We were not too far behind the other teams. We jogged most of the way to the first with a two person male team. Then encountered the super solo, Mr. Orange (John) en route to the second.
Route to the 14 was only slightly confused by the extra trails, but we could see the marshes and ponds and that helped. Then to the 15, I purposely went to the wrong earlier reentrant as the AP for the correct second reentrant. We acquired Mr. Orange in the first wrong one ("What's a reentrant?" he asked). So we tried to shake him for the 16 NW of Pickerel Lake - he took the trail while we went high. Woods were open. But we didn't see the flag when we popped onto the reentrant, so we took it to the top. Tizoc thought about confirming, but I was certain this was it, so we ran back down and picked it up.
Swim from #17 was tempting, but swimming is slow and the bushwhack looked rough so we jogged it in. ~42 minutes is what the volunteers called out for a split. We had passed the other two teams, although Mr. Orange transitioned faster (cages instead of clips!) and left ahead of us. We strategized at this time that if we were still with Mr Orange at Peace Park, we would go in the opposite direction and rely on our experience and hope he bobbled.
Route to the 14 was only slightly confused by the extra trails, but we could see the marshes and ponds and that helped. Then to the 15, I purposely went to the wrong earlier reentrant as the AP for the correct second reentrant. We acquired Mr. Orange in the first wrong one ("What's a reentrant?" he asked). So we tried to shake him for the 16 NW of Pickerel Lake - he took the trail while we went high. Woods were open. But we didn't see the flag when we popped onto the reentrant, so we took it to the top. Tizoc thought about confirming, but I was certain this was it, so we ran back down and picked it up.
Swim from #17 was tempting, but swimming is slow and the bushwhack looked rough so we jogged it in. ~42 minutes is what the volunteers called out for a split. We had passed the other two teams, although Mr. Orange transitioned faster (cages instead of clips!) and left ahead of us. We strategized at this time that if we were still with Mr Orange at Peace Park, we would go in the opposite direction and rely on our experience and hope he bobbled.
1 PM
Biking 55:08 [3] *** 14.3 km (15.6 kph)
spiked:3/4c shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
At this point I'm starting to think the course is slightly longer than eight hours. But we must keep going - Mr Orange is ahead, the two male is not far behind.
We pick up 18 and take the paved trail rather than the dirt to 19. 19 was fun; I love running up creeks. Plus there was a free Hammer Gel in the creek, which I consumed later.
Maria unfortunately found barbed wire at 20, but has a fresh tetanus shot and will be okay.
We botched 21 - I didn't trust my distance eyeball and odometer, so we checked the first stream for a couple minutes before deciding it must be farther down the road. Debated routes to TA4, went east and down to 2 Mile rather than back up to 4 Mile.
We pick up 18 and take the paved trail rather than the dirt to 19. 19 was fun; I love running up creeks. Plus there was a free Hammer Gel in the creek, which I consumed later.
Maria unfortunately found barbed wire at 20, but has a fresh tetanus shot and will be okay.
We botched 21 - I didn't trust my distance eyeball and odometer, so we checked the first stream for a couple minutes before deciding it must be farther down the road. Debated routes to TA4, went east and down to 2 Mile rather than back up to 4 Mile.
2 PM
Orienteering 1:11:34 [3] 5.7 km (12:33 / km)
spiked:8/8c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Time to do work. Lots of teams had skipped some portion of the course, as there were a lot more bikes than Mr Orange's. We again had a little trouble with the trails before deciding "well there's the marsh either way". Hit that, crossed the marsh (I was expecting waist deep, but it was not much more than ankle). Bang into the next in a reentrant. Then I went conservative for 24 - it's a big spur, but there were two spurs. So we went to a trail / creek junction to make our bearing, then hit the spur and cruised up. Mr Orange was around somewhere so we tried to push up a bit. Got it, and then raced to get out of there, hoping that would give others the opportunity to pick the wrong spur.
Then my crappiest orienteering of the day looked like I was a pro - I wanted to jump between trails to 25, but easy walking pushed me waaaay off line...which wasn't terrible because of the trail as a catch, so we ended up tripping on 25. I'll take luck.
Mostly today the maps made unusually good sense so we went right to 26, not much trouble with the one on the creek, then just a minor quibble picking a good size but not quite right reentrant for...27? We had elected to take 30 by foot, looking close to the o course and too far to grab via bike. And with that we were out of there, after a brief pit stop (I knew I was due for one of those in a race).
Then my crappiest orienteering of the day looked like I was a pro - I wanted to jump between trails to 25, but easy walking pushed me waaaay off line...which wasn't terrible because of the trail as a catch, so we ended up tripping on 25. I'll take luck.
Mostly today the maps made unusually good sense so we went right to 26, not much trouble with the one on the creek, then just a minor quibble picking a good size but not quite right reentrant for...27? We had elected to take 30 by foot, looking close to the o course and too far to grab via bike. And with that we were out of there, after a brief pit stop (I knew I was due for one of those in a race).
3 PM
Biking 49:46 [3] 16.5 km (19.9 kph)
shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Leaving TA4, we have heard Mr Orange has skipped one. But did he skip perfectly, and now has exactly enough time to clear the rest of the course? Oh no. We will have to go for the sweep. Or rather, we will pick up 29 and 31, go past the Finish, start a timer, dog it, and then use that as a baseline to figure out a must-depart time, and see what we could do.
Biking went okay. I gave some more tow. I was secretly hoping the tows would be ending as I was feeling the heat and getting tired. I didn't want to eat anything - the shot blocks and chews that are so tasty when fresh sounded awful. I need a food to eat when I don't want to eat. So used gels a bit here, which for the time being will fill that roll.
We didn't realize Dogwood went through after #31, so we were prepared to bushwhack through a county park but then it ended at Pettis, hooray.
Made it near the start finish, started and early timer, didn't push super hard (but probably too hard for timing purposes), and had it at almost exactly eight minutes back to the finish. Okay, we will shoot for 10-12 and go hard, no problem.
Biking went okay. I gave some more tow. I was secretly hoping the tows would be ending as I was feeling the heat and getting tired. I didn't want to eat anything - the shot blocks and chews that are so tasty when fresh sounded awful. I need a food to eat when I don't want to eat. So used gels a bit here, which for the time being will fill that roll.
We didn't realize Dogwood went through after #31, so we were prepared to bushwhack through a county park but then it ended at Pettis, hooray.
Made it near the start finish, started and early timer, didn't push super hard (but probably too hard for timing purposes), and had it at almost exactly eight minutes back to the finish. Okay, we will shoot for 10-12 and go hard, no problem.
4 PM
Orienteering 29:19 [3] *** 2.4 km (12:13 / km)
spiked:3/4c shoes: Pearl Izumi Hikable Clipless B
Man oh man...there was next to no time left, Pickerel was 42 minutes and much flatter....I don't know. Let's go though. Tizoc and I kept on our bike shoes for time. We charged south on trails, then found the big spur. Or at least a very big spur. That's gotta be it, eh? It's huge. Climb climb climb. Okay, that took very slightly too long. But it's mostly fast to the next CP. We go. And go.
Maria and Tizoc know we have to leave the 2nd CP after 15 minutes. We hit 15 minutes. I'm sure we are now at the soft tip top of the reentrant. "Just a little farther". "Okay, a few more seconds, but then we have to go."
I can see it now. This is the reentrant. The ridge and its spur are forming up nicely on my right. I can see the other side shaping up. We just glide down, it's here. But I can't see the flag yet.
Maria and Tizoc stop. "We have to go back!" "No, it's here! Ten more seconds!" I push as far as I can, they start screaming. "Come back!" But I know it's here. Finally, so close to acquiescing, I spot it. "Here here here! It's right here!" We are now between 60 and 90 seconds behind. Crap, it'll be tight. No backtracking, we either spike the last two or leave. Surely no one else can have them? This is a tough course.
We glide down the hill towards the next one. It's knoll, but I'm treating it like the end of a soft spur. I hope we didn't hit the spur too high. Then I finally spot an open meadowy small knoll. That's it, that's it. The team reminds me we are really, really short on time. I run ahead to confirm. "It's here!"
We will have a frantic exit. Crap, trails. Do they go the right way? Yes. Wait, no. We have to bushwhack. Team is tired, and we are back off trail. I can't figure out which spur is correct. We get back on a trail. Mark probably gave us an easy one, so it's in one of these two reentrants. Tizoc monitors the right; I the left. Finally, I spot it. Punch and full throttle to the lot down the hills. We have cleared the course, now we just have to finish. Victory shall be ours! I am giddy.
Maria and Tizoc know we have to leave the 2nd CP after 15 minutes. We hit 15 minutes. I'm sure we are now at the soft tip top of the reentrant. "Just a little farther". "Okay, a few more seconds, but then we have to go."
I can see it now. This is the reentrant. The ridge and its spur are forming up nicely on my right. I can see the other side shaping up. We just glide down, it's here. But I can't see the flag yet.
Maria and Tizoc stop. "We have to go back!" "No, it's here! Ten more seconds!" I push as far as I can, they start screaming. "Come back!" But I know it's here. Finally, so close to acquiescing, I spot it. "Here here here! It's right here!" We are now between 60 and 90 seconds behind. Crap, it'll be tight. No backtracking, we either spike the last two or leave. Surely no one else can have them? This is a tough course.
We glide down the hill towards the next one. It's knoll, but I'm treating it like the end of a soft spur. I hope we didn't hit the spur too high. Then I finally spot an open meadowy small knoll. That's it, that's it. The team reminds me we are really, really short on time. I run ahead to confirm. "It's here!"
We will have a frantic exit. Crap, trails. Do they go the right way? Yes. Wait, no. We have to bushwhack. Team is tired, and we are back off trail. I can't figure out which spur is correct. We get back on a trail. Mark probably gave us an easy one, so it's in one of these two reentrants. Tizoc monitors the right; I the left. Finally, I spot it. Punch and full throttle to the lot down the hills. We have cleared the course, now we just have to finish. Victory shall be ours! I am giddy.
Biking 10:16 [3] 3.4 km (19.9 kph)
shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Here it is. No one else is ahead of us. We have an easy eight minute ride back to the finish, and ten minutes to do it. I will finally win an AR! Seven years!
We are rolling. 18 mph, perfect. I wonder if we should back off - we have two minutes, we are in first, no point in kiling ourselves. But I say nothing.
Then it happens. Tizoc's hamstrings cramp impossibly hard. He gets off his bike. He can't get back on. We have NO TIME for this. Can you get back on your bike? I cannot get back on mi bike. If you get back on your bike, I can tow you - you have to get back on your bike. I can't.
No non onononononononononononononononon
This is the worst bike ride of my AR life. We are right there. Right there. 1.5 miles to go.
I am a terrible person so I consider if I can ditch Tizoc. Maria and I are the two person team - we can go win. I'm sure he'd forgive us.
But then he can get on his bike. Okay. I pedal hard, but it's 10-11 mph - that is not enough. Maria, get back here and push Tizoc.
Tizoc finally recovers a little and can pedal with one leg. This gets us back over 15 mph and Maria creates a draft. Oh crap, this is waaay too tight, but I think maybe yes?
We get to the bend. We have 90 or 120 seconds, I think we can make it. Tizoc calls out to jump the curb near my truck. We only have 75-100m to the finish. We jump the curb, and his chain jams - he is done pedaling. "Tow me, my chain is locked!" We yell at Maria to go ahead, this will be the 99 foot rule to the max. I pedal hard, standing, straining, but it's 10 mph tops up that light grade.
And we make it, not too far behind Maria, with 30 seconds to spare. Oh boy. Never again that close, never again.
The waves of joy have lasted for two days now, I think. I am so happy. I float for the rest of the day, and am the last racer to leave, so enjoying the moment.
We are rolling. 18 mph, perfect. I wonder if we should back off - we have two minutes, we are in first, no point in kiling ourselves. But I say nothing.
Then it happens. Tizoc's hamstrings cramp impossibly hard. He gets off his bike. He can't get back on. We have NO TIME for this. Can you get back on your bike? I cannot get back on mi bike. If you get back on your bike, I can tow you - you have to get back on your bike. I can't.
No non onononononononononononononononon
This is the worst bike ride of my AR life. We are right there. Right there. 1.5 miles to go.
I am a terrible person so I consider if I can ditch Tizoc. Maria and I are the two person team - we can go win. I'm sure he'd forgive us.
But then he can get on his bike. Okay. I pedal hard, but it's 10-11 mph - that is not enough. Maria, get back here and push Tizoc.
Tizoc finally recovers a little and can pedal with one leg. This gets us back over 15 mph and Maria creates a draft. Oh crap, this is waaay too tight, but I think maybe yes?
We get to the bend. We have 90 or 120 seconds, I think we can make it. Tizoc calls out to jump the curb near my truck. We only have 75-100m to the finish. We jump the curb, and his chain jams - he is done pedaling. "Tow me, my chain is locked!" We yell at Maria to go ahead, this will be the 99 foot rule to the max. I pedal hard, standing, straining, but it's 10 mph tops up that light grade.
And we make it, not too far behind Maria, with 30 seconds to spare. Oh boy. Never again that close, never again.
The waves of joy have lasted for two days now, I think. I am so happy. I float for the rest of the day, and am the last racer to leave, so enjoying the moment.
Friday Aug 1, 2014 #
Event: Laramie Daze