Monday, October 1, 2007

Pando Race CPS #7 (Final Race)

Race Time: 1:18:18
Placement: 7/14
Final Standings: 6th Place


Well, the Pando Race, as well as this years CPS events are all over. Here is the link to my Pando Race MB Page. This was a great race for me for a number of reasons. First, there were to sizeable climbs, which plays to my strengths. With the climb right at the start (100ft at 15% grade) I decided to go medium cadence about 85% energy. I just put my head down an cranked it out. Little did I know this would put me in first by the time I crested the hill. We entered the tight single track, which I am so slow at. I let the guy behind me pass so I can watch how he went through the trail, thus minimizing my energy consumption. I believe I was in third by the time the first lap ended.

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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