Decided to eat a grilled cheese sandwich and some chips.....then do a one mile race around the Capitol square. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Surprisingly, I couldn't talk Jennifer into giving it a try. (she's too smart to be lured into such foolishness.) She did agree to come along to take some pic's though. I should probably mention I hadn't run for the month leading up to this.....
Luckily the masters race didn't start until 4:15, so I had plenty of time to register, and get decent warm-up in. I also got to use the restroom in the Capitol...quite an upgrade from the usual porta-potties.
I watched a few of the other categories prior to my race. The mens open was won by a 20 something guy....with a time of 4:14. Even young kids were putting in competitive times....this did not bode well for me.
We finally line up for the start of the masters race. I recognize another racer from some of my duathlons. Again, not a good sign, as he always finishes ahead of me. The start was pretty fast, as expected. I tried to settle into about 6th place or so. I felt good for most of the first lap, but the uphill section started to take it out of me. The lead group of 5 gapped me by about 15 yards. I managed to maintain that gap, but couldn't close it down. The last turn into the finish had my legs feeling like noodles. Aerobically I was doing ok, but my legs weren't used to the speed.
I ended up being passed by two guys, and a really fast girl....all in the last 75 yards or so. I ended up with a decent time of 5:25. I was pretty happy with that, considering I hadn't run in a month or so.
I was completely and totally done after the race. I couldn't stop coughing for 30 minutes, and generally felt pretty crappy. I guess that's what happens when you decide to run a fast mile after eating a grilled cheese, and not running for a month.
I think if I focus more on this race for next year, I could go sub 5 minutes. The winner of the masters race came in at 4:56, so I think I'd have a chance.
Overall, not a bad afternoon, sure beat sitting on the couch watching tv.
Here's a link to the results.
I'll post some pic's soon.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Holy Hill Superweek Road Race
Alright, I'm almost caught up on posts.
Chris, Karl, and I made the trip over to Hartford on July 21st. Somehow I thought it would be a good idea to ride 5 laps of a hilly 8.1 mile course. (I was about to find out that it wasn't such a good idea....well, for me anyway.)
Chris and I loaded up the Element and made the 1 1/2 hour drive to Pike Lake State Park. Fairly uneventful drive over, without much traffic. Karl and Becky were driving separately, as they had to retrieve the pop-up camper from Becky's parents after the race. We made our way to pick up our numbers, and were a little surprised, for such a big event, the registration process was pretty slow. (and one woman was not what you'd call "customer service friendly") We eventually got our numbers and made it back to the vehicles. Other riders really started to pile in, and the lot was filling up fast. Karl and Becky got a spot right next to ours, which worked out well. I spoke with a few Brazen Dropout Masters riders before the race....trying to get some advice from them. Basically, ride fast, stay towards the front, and of course....watch out for crashes. I was able to watch out for crashes....but that was about it.
The atmosphere was pretty cool. A lot of big name teams, and the SRAM neutral support vehicles were sweet! We rode around checking out the scene, and eventually rolled out on the park roads for a quick warm-up. The actual "warm-up" didn't take very long, as it was already getting pretty toasty outside. The heat was definitely going to be a factor today. We were luckier than most, as the sun came out full force for the afternoon races. The starts times were running about 20 minutes behind schedule, so we rode around the parking lot waiting for the Masters race to go, and we were right after. I elected to do the Cat 4 race instead of Masters. Mostly because I didn't think I had the legs to go 50 miles, and I also wanted to race with Chris and Karl. (the young guys)
All 3 of us had pretty good start positions, but that didn't last long for Karl and myself. The "neutral" roll-out wasn't exactly neutral. There was a lot of jockeying for position on the way to the start. Unfortunately, Karl and I ended up towards the back. (we were "foolishly" following the yellow line rule) Chris was smart and wedged his was towards the front....while still obeying the yellow line rule. As I was to find out, a good front position was going to be key. (as it always is...)
The gun sounded and we were off. No real accelerations materialized, as it was mostly downhill for awhile. A few hard brake checks, but nothing too crazy. We eventually made a hard right, after a steep downhill....and the s@@t hit the fan. The first short kicker hill induced a hard acceleration, and I knew I was in trouble. I told Karl earlier that he should try to move up in the pack....I wish I had taken my own advice. I was off the back by about 20 yards, and try as I might, I just couldn't close down the gap. The group kept on the gas, as they knew they had some of us in difficulty. Karl fared better than I, but he never really made it back into the main group either. Chris was smart and strong, he stayed in the front half of the group and matched their accelerations.
I spent the rest of the race in time trial mode. I'm too damn stubborn to just admit I was out of contention. I gave it all I had for the rest of the race. I'd eventually catch a lone rider, and we'd work together for awhile....until they said, "oh, there's my support vehicle, I'm done." So, I'd move on to the next rider, or small group. I started cramping on lap 3 or so, and it only go worse from there.
I caught a guy just before the downhill on Cty E, and recovered in his draft for awhile. I eventually pulled around to take my pull....unfortunately, he never returned the favor. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties, and in decent shape, so I'm sure he was capable of taking a pull. (come on, we've been dropped big time, I'm not able to pull you back up to the group) He eventually came around and slowly pulled away from me on one of the climbs. I latched onto a couple of dropped Master racers, they were flying, and I took my turn at the front. Unfortunately, two of us couldn't hold the pace on the next climb....so I was all alone again. I dragged myself around for the final lap....the thought of getting caught by the field was enough to keep me moving. While it was close, I managed to not get lapped. I "sprinted" in by myself for DFL. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of guys who called it quits. (maybe they were racing the series, or maybe they just had enough) Either way, I finished the race.... dead last, but I was NOT going to quit.
Chris had an awesome race, even though he had a few close calls. Apparently there was some close quarters fighting for position, and one guy bumped another rider....sending him towards Chris. He thinks a quick release, or maybe a pedal made into his spokes. He managed to keep it upright, and stay in the group! (now there's some bike handling skills for you) He fought hard to the finish, and managed a well deserved 15th place. (in the money no less)
Karl managed to catch onto dropped rides throughout the race. He'd try to get them to work together, but didn't have much luck. He ended up hammering it to the next group, then the next, and so on. He pulled a young guy to the finish line, where Karl barely lost the sprint to youth....and good looks. (both of which Karl is in short supply;) I shouldn't talk, because I rolled in quite a bit later....for 45th place. I was cramping so badly at the finish, I couldn't bend my left leg. I managed to lean on the finishing barriers for a few minutes....until I could actually move.
Overall a fun race, but bad positioning, and a lack of experience made it a tough go. I wish I could have hung in there for a few laps, but hopefully I learned a little bit for future races. Here's a link to the results.
We did stay around to watch the Pro 1/2 guys race. I have to say, they are at a totally different level. The Rock Racing Team was there with the Escalade, and the CTS.....pretty sweet set-up. Karl and Chris both took some nice pic's, check them out. Here are a few of the hi-lites.
The calm before the storm....
Karl cresting the feedzone hill....where's everyone else?
Karl getting pipped at the finish...by a youngster
Mark, barely able to get out of his own way....(notice no one near me)
Chris....show me da' money!!
Chris, Karl, and I made the trip over to Hartford on July 21st. Somehow I thought it would be a good idea to ride 5 laps of a hilly 8.1 mile course. (I was about to find out that it wasn't such a good idea....well, for me anyway.)
Chris and I loaded up the Element and made the 1 1/2 hour drive to Pike Lake State Park. Fairly uneventful drive over, without much traffic. Karl and Becky were driving separately, as they had to retrieve the pop-up camper from Becky's parents after the race. We made our way to pick up our numbers, and were a little surprised, for such a big event, the registration process was pretty slow. (and one woman was not what you'd call "customer service friendly") We eventually got our numbers and made it back to the vehicles. Other riders really started to pile in, and the lot was filling up fast. Karl and Becky got a spot right next to ours, which worked out well. I spoke with a few Brazen Dropout Masters riders before the race....trying to get some advice from them. Basically, ride fast, stay towards the front, and of course....watch out for crashes. I was able to watch out for crashes....but that was about it.
The atmosphere was pretty cool. A lot of big name teams, and the SRAM neutral support vehicles were sweet! We rode around checking out the scene, and eventually rolled out on the park roads for a quick warm-up. The actual "warm-up" didn't take very long, as it was already getting pretty toasty outside. The heat was definitely going to be a factor today. We were luckier than most, as the sun came out full force for the afternoon races. The starts times were running about 20 minutes behind schedule, so we rode around the parking lot waiting for the Masters race to go, and we were right after. I elected to do the Cat 4 race instead of Masters. Mostly because I didn't think I had the legs to go 50 miles, and I also wanted to race with Chris and Karl. (the young guys)
All 3 of us had pretty good start positions, but that didn't last long for Karl and myself. The "neutral" roll-out wasn't exactly neutral. There was a lot of jockeying for position on the way to the start. Unfortunately, Karl and I ended up towards the back. (we were "foolishly" following the yellow line rule) Chris was smart and wedged his was towards the front....while still obeying the yellow line rule. As I was to find out, a good front position was going to be key. (as it always is...)
The gun sounded and we were off. No real accelerations materialized, as it was mostly downhill for awhile. A few hard brake checks, but nothing too crazy. We eventually made a hard right, after a steep downhill....and the s@@t hit the fan. The first short kicker hill induced a hard acceleration, and I knew I was in trouble. I told Karl earlier that he should try to move up in the pack....I wish I had taken my own advice. I was off the back by about 20 yards, and try as I might, I just couldn't close down the gap. The group kept on the gas, as they knew they had some of us in difficulty. Karl fared better than I, but he never really made it back into the main group either. Chris was smart and strong, he stayed in the front half of the group and matched their accelerations.
I spent the rest of the race in time trial mode. I'm too damn stubborn to just admit I was out of contention. I gave it all I had for the rest of the race. I'd eventually catch a lone rider, and we'd work together for awhile....until they said, "oh, there's my support vehicle, I'm done." So, I'd move on to the next rider, or small group. I started cramping on lap 3 or so, and it only go worse from there.
I caught a guy just before the downhill on Cty E, and recovered in his draft for awhile. I eventually pulled around to take my pull....unfortunately, he never returned the favor. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties, and in decent shape, so I'm sure he was capable of taking a pull. (come on, we've been dropped big time, I'm not able to pull you back up to the group) He eventually came around and slowly pulled away from me on one of the climbs. I latched onto a couple of dropped Master racers, they were flying, and I took my turn at the front. Unfortunately, two of us couldn't hold the pace on the next climb....so I was all alone again. I dragged myself around for the final lap....the thought of getting caught by the field was enough to keep me moving. While it was close, I managed to not get lapped. I "sprinted" in by myself for DFL. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of guys who called it quits. (maybe they were racing the series, or maybe they just had enough) Either way, I finished the race.... dead last, but I was NOT going to quit.
Chris had an awesome race, even though he had a few close calls. Apparently there was some close quarters fighting for position, and one guy bumped another rider....sending him towards Chris. He thinks a quick release, or maybe a pedal made into his spokes. He managed to keep it upright, and stay in the group! (now there's some bike handling skills for you) He fought hard to the finish, and managed a well deserved 15th place. (in the money no less)
Karl managed to catch onto dropped rides throughout the race. He'd try to get them to work together, but didn't have much luck. He ended up hammering it to the next group, then the next, and so on. He pulled a young guy to the finish line, where Karl barely lost the sprint to youth....and good looks. (both of which Karl is in short supply;) I shouldn't talk, because I rolled in quite a bit later....for 45th place. I was cramping so badly at the finish, I couldn't bend my left leg. I managed to lean on the finishing barriers for a few minutes....until I could actually move.
Overall a fun race, but bad positioning, and a lack of experience made it a tough go. I wish I could have hung in there for a few laps, but hopefully I learned a little bit for future races. Here's a link to the results.
We did stay around to watch the Pro 1/2 guys race. I have to say, they are at a totally different level. The Rock Racing Team was there with the Escalade, and the CTS.....pretty sweet set-up. Karl and Chris both took some nice pic's, check them out. Here are a few of the hi-lites.
The calm before the storm....
Karl cresting the feedzone hill....where's everyone else?
Karl getting pipped at the finish...by a youngster
Mark, barely able to get out of his own way....(notice no one near me)
Chris....show me da' money!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Levis/Trow 2008 (aka Levis Trousers)
I know, I'm way behind on posting.....but I'm working on it.
Karl and I drove the Element up to Hatfield for the Levis Trow 100 Endurance MTB Race. Neither one of us had done a mountain bike race.....especially one that lasted 6 hours.
We met Chris, Gail, John, and Michele who had arrived earlier in the day. (and saved us a sweet parking spot, Thanks!) Upon arriving, we noticed an inordinate amount of ambulances in the parking lot.....not a good sign. We thought maybe they were preparing for our inevitable crash. (No doubt they had heard of our mad skilz' on the mtb's, and were anxious to practice their triage technique.) Thankfully it turned out to be some fairly minor crashes, but we were still a little worried. Experienced, fully capable mountain bikers were being carted off by ambulance...this did not bode well for us. The weather was surprisingly cool....and occasionally rainy. Thankfully by the time our race started, the sun had come back out, sort of.
The race begins with a Lemans style start. (everyone running to their bikes) Karl and I were probably two of the fastest runners there. Unfortunately, we were also probably two of the slowest mountain bikers. We could have led the race....for about the first 20 seconds or so, but opted to hang back and stay out of the way.
The start was fairly uneventful, since it was double track for the first 1/4 mile or so. Once we dumped into the single track, the fun really started. I managed to stick with Michele for awhile. The course got pretty technical, and Michele graciously let me go around. (so she'd have a better view of me crashing no doubt.) I actually felt pretty good that first lap. There was A LOT of climbing, and riding the single speed with a 32/19 gear didn't really help. I could have used a 22, but no such luck. The trail eventually leveled out and got faster. I was just starting to get a good flow going.....and the next thing you know my front tire rolls off the rim. Sweet, now I have a fully inflated tube wrapped around my fork. I jump off and commence to the repair. (while Michele passes me by the way) Karl stops to make sure I'm ok, and hangs out for awhile. (Thanks!)The tube seems to be in good shape, so I re-use it. (of course that causes a problem later on) I used my hand pump, instead of bringing CO2....big mistake, way too slow. I re-mount and take off down the trail, trying to make up time. Unfortunately, the tube must have a slow leak, so I end up stopping again to replace with a new tube. Nice, there goes another 5 minutes. I eventually roll back in around 1 hour 54 minutes.
I grab a quick bite to eat, and head back out. The second lap was less eventful...as far as no major mis-haps. I did manage to almost launch myself over the bars. I over cooked it into a loose left hand corner, and the front wheel started to wash out. I saved it, but at the expense of some skin. The momentum from the slide threw me forward on the bike. I smacked my knee on the two bolts holding the stem....needless to say, this was really painful. I told myself to keep pedaling and work it out. I knew if I stopped, it would lock up tight. Also on my second lap I rolled up on fellow blogger Brittany. I linked to her blog off Renee's Madcross site. I introduced myself best I could. (although breathing was difficult at the time) Brittany always has some interesting, funny, and entertaining stuff on her blog...check it out. We parted ways at the 25 mile turn off, and I was on my own for awhile. I started cramping later in the lap....never a good sign. I did manage to roll in at 1 hour 44 minutes....better than expected.
Karl was back at the vehicle re-fueling, so we decided to try and ride the last lap together. I was doing ok until we hit the first real climbs. The cramping kicked in with a vengeance. I was relegated to walking a few times....even on some of the "easier" climbs. Karl was nice guy and waited for me....although I think both of us were feeling the affects by then. Karl gave up one of his gels in an attempt to stave off my cramping. We managed to straggle in with a 2 hour 3 minute lap time. (including our rest break) We debated going out for a 4th lap, but decided against it. I was cramping bad enough during the last lap, a 4th would have been really tough. Hind site....we probably should have gone out for the 4th, but at the time, it was the right decision.
Michele was riding like a woman posessed, and ended up first in the Women's 50 Mile Solo. She was riding consistent 1 hour 40 minute lap times. Nice job Michele, way to go! Gail rode a strong race knocking out 3 laps, and finishing in 4th place.
Chris and John were battling it out for bragging rights. Chris finally heard the unmistakeable "ding-ding" of John's infamous compass bell. John eventually pulled in about 9 minutes ahead of Chris. Both rode some pretty impressive lap times...in the 1:20's for most of the day. John finished 15th, and Chris 16th, in a very competitive 50 Mile Men's Solo Division. Nice job guy's! Here's a link to the detailed results.
After the awards we packed up and headed towards Black River Falls. Everyone was pretty hungry, so we chowed down at the local Perkins.....good food, but kind of slow service. I also had a MAJOR hamstring cramp while sitting at the table. Needless to say, I was hopping around trying to work that out. I'm sure the other customers thought I was a freak....but you gotta' do what you gotta' do in a situation like that. We ended up rolling into Stoughton around 12:30 am. Overall a really fun race. I learned a lot....things I'd have to put into use at 24 Hours of 9 Mile.....but that's another post all together.
Here are a few pic's courtesy of Karl...
The Element comes in real handy
John, Michele, and Chris hang out in style
Chris welcomes Gail back from her last lap
Do I really need to say anything?
Karl and I drove the Element up to Hatfield for the Levis Trow 100 Endurance MTB Race. Neither one of us had done a mountain bike race.....especially one that lasted 6 hours.
We met Chris, Gail, John, and Michele who had arrived earlier in the day. (and saved us a sweet parking spot, Thanks!) Upon arriving, we noticed an inordinate amount of ambulances in the parking lot.....not a good sign. We thought maybe they were preparing for our inevitable crash. (No doubt they had heard of our mad skilz' on the mtb's, and were anxious to practice their triage technique.) Thankfully it turned out to be some fairly minor crashes, but we were still a little worried. Experienced, fully capable mountain bikers were being carted off by ambulance...this did not bode well for us. The weather was surprisingly cool....and occasionally rainy. Thankfully by the time our race started, the sun had come back out, sort of.
The race begins with a Lemans style start. (everyone running to their bikes) Karl and I were probably two of the fastest runners there. Unfortunately, we were also probably two of the slowest mountain bikers. We could have led the race....for about the first 20 seconds or so, but opted to hang back and stay out of the way.
The start was fairly uneventful, since it was double track for the first 1/4 mile or so. Once we dumped into the single track, the fun really started. I managed to stick with Michele for awhile. The course got pretty technical, and Michele graciously let me go around. (so she'd have a better view of me crashing no doubt.) I actually felt pretty good that first lap. There was A LOT of climbing, and riding the single speed with a 32/19 gear didn't really help. I could have used a 22, but no such luck. The trail eventually leveled out and got faster. I was just starting to get a good flow going.....and the next thing you know my front tire rolls off the rim. Sweet, now I have a fully inflated tube wrapped around my fork. I jump off and commence to the repair. (while Michele passes me by the way) Karl stops to make sure I'm ok, and hangs out for awhile. (Thanks!)The tube seems to be in good shape, so I re-use it. (of course that causes a problem later on) I used my hand pump, instead of bringing CO2....big mistake, way too slow. I re-mount and take off down the trail, trying to make up time. Unfortunately, the tube must have a slow leak, so I end up stopping again to replace with a new tube. Nice, there goes another 5 minutes. I eventually roll back in around 1 hour 54 minutes.
I grab a quick bite to eat, and head back out. The second lap was less eventful...as far as no major mis-haps. I did manage to almost launch myself over the bars. I over cooked it into a loose left hand corner, and the front wheel started to wash out. I saved it, but at the expense of some skin. The momentum from the slide threw me forward on the bike. I smacked my knee on the two bolts holding the stem....needless to say, this was really painful. I told myself to keep pedaling and work it out. I knew if I stopped, it would lock up tight. Also on my second lap I rolled up on fellow blogger Brittany. I linked to her blog off Renee's Madcross site. I introduced myself best I could. (although breathing was difficult at the time) Brittany always has some interesting, funny, and entertaining stuff on her blog...check it out. We parted ways at the 25 mile turn off, and I was on my own for awhile. I started cramping later in the lap....never a good sign. I did manage to roll in at 1 hour 44 minutes....better than expected.
Karl was back at the vehicle re-fueling, so we decided to try and ride the last lap together. I was doing ok until we hit the first real climbs. The cramping kicked in with a vengeance. I was relegated to walking a few times....even on some of the "easier" climbs. Karl was nice guy and waited for me....although I think both of us were feeling the affects by then. Karl gave up one of his gels in an attempt to stave off my cramping. We managed to straggle in with a 2 hour 3 minute lap time. (including our rest break) We debated going out for a 4th lap, but decided against it. I was cramping bad enough during the last lap, a 4th would have been really tough. Hind site....we probably should have gone out for the 4th, but at the time, it was the right decision.
Michele was riding like a woman posessed, and ended up first in the Women's 50 Mile Solo. She was riding consistent 1 hour 40 minute lap times. Nice job Michele, way to go! Gail rode a strong race knocking out 3 laps, and finishing in 4th place.
Chris and John were battling it out for bragging rights. Chris finally heard the unmistakeable "ding-ding" of John's infamous compass bell. John eventually pulled in about 9 minutes ahead of Chris. Both rode some pretty impressive lap times...in the 1:20's for most of the day. John finished 15th, and Chris 16th, in a very competitive 50 Mile Men's Solo Division. Nice job guy's! Here's a link to the detailed results.
After the awards we packed up and headed towards Black River Falls. Everyone was pretty hungry, so we chowed down at the local Perkins.....good food, but kind of slow service. I also had a MAJOR hamstring cramp while sitting at the table. Needless to say, I was hopping around trying to work that out. I'm sure the other customers thought I was a freak....but you gotta' do what you gotta' do in a situation like that. We ended up rolling into Stoughton around 12:30 am. Overall a really fun race. I learned a lot....things I'd have to put into use at 24 Hours of 9 Mile.....but that's another post all together.
Here are a few pic's courtesy of Karl...
The Element comes in real handy
John, Michele, and Chris hang out in style
Chris welcomes Gail back from her last lap
Do I really need to say anything?
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