Placement: 7/14
Final Standings: 6th Place
There is a MUCH more difficult hill on the backside that got little spectator attention. This was a grinding hill that just went on and on. I continued to pass people on the climbs, but by this point in the race I don't know who or what class of racers I'm passing so I didn't read too much into it. I was focused on two things: Racing my own race and staying mentally strong.
This brings me to the second good thing about this race; I stayed mentally focused. I did not allow my mind to drift. I was constantly thinking about ways to improve efficiency, especially on single track.
The third good thing is nutrition. Although I could feel some cramps creeping up on the third lap, I took some endurolytes which seemed to take those dissipate the cramps. I used smaller water bottles filled with Heed to prevent over hydration. I took a Powerbar Gel prior the race as well as Anti-Fatigue pills. My body felt strong the entire race, but don't get me wrong I was happy to cross the finish line.
What I learned from this race is that I need to improve my efficiency in tight single track. There were some short power climbs full of tree roots that I just powered up with little effort, but once the trail got tight I was brake happy. I could power up and explode after the turn, but that's wasted energy. For the first time I did gain more trust in my tires. There were some seriously high speed tight turns that I didn't even touch the brakes. I also leaned way over almost putting knee on the ground. The tires (Kenda Nevegals) never slipped. I need to ride Bass River trail which is all tight single track. I think that will help me.
The second thing I need to do is increase my race time in HR Zone 5. I don't know how accurate my HRM is since it shows very little time in Zone 5. I can tell you now that my lungs were screaming. Even today I have a sore throat from breathing so hard. I changed the battery too. I will go buy some gel that's suppose to be more effective than just water.
Oh, as for removing my granny gear, I could have done this a long time ago. I didn't even come close to needing it, even on the power climbs.
Next race is November 10: Iceman Cometh. 28 miles, point to point.
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