Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Fat Chucks, please stand up

I touched briefly on how the race went Sat., but that was just a lame effort on my part. Fat Chucks deserves better........
The start was civil, I moved up to the back up the pro field for the start, not wanting to accept the 3rd row call up our age group received. It worked out well, as I settled into the top 6 or 7 as we headed up the hill and through the woods.
This day was one of attrition, as it was super windy, humid, and the course was ran backwards, so it just didn't seem to flow as it does the other way. I was constantly on and off the gas for 5 hrs, never really getting to let up.
The top 4 gapped us a little, so that left 4 more of us riding in a group through the tight single track that was out there. I was in 5th for a large portion of the first lap, until I washed out a bit and had to put a foot down to stay up.........back to 8th I went, but stayed there with the other guys.
Through the feed zone for the first time, Ed had me all ready. I discarded my current bottle, took the fresh one from him and proceeded on for #2........and shazaam! I picked up 2 spots into 5th right there. Never underestimate the importance of having a good crew at the race. I always pick up at least a couple spots because of it.
Lap 2 was more of the same. Push it up the hills, watch that tree, oops, hit that tree, through the dry creek beds, the course was becoming more familiar so I was getting more efficient. I wasn't feeling super strong yet, but that usually happens AFTER at least 3 hrs in the saddle.
Back through the feed zone, it was time to refresh my Clif gels and bottle, and take some Sportlegs.
It is beyond me why I don't see more people taking this. I'm a firm believer in the Sportlegs and recommend it highly, and they're not even a sponsor. **late edit: We now carry sample packs and bottles at the shop. Come on by and see me for some.**
Lap 3 was where I needed to be physically. I was able to mash a big gear when needed or power up a punchy little climb. Moved into 4th overall pretty early in the lap......up one of the climbs. I had a few close calls back in the woods, shoulder bumping some pine trees and using my bar ends as knuckle guards from the tight quarters. I could only see lapped riders in front of me, no sign of 3rd place, but I was still motivated to ride hard.
Back through the feed zone to start #4 and replenish the motor with the before mentioned wonder products, I was eager to get rolling. I was stuck in no mans land though. A couple minutes down on 3rd and a couple minutes up on 5th.......I pushed on. More of the same on #4, on the gas, off the gas, up ,down, around and over most anything you can imagine. That includes logs and the "oh so fun" split through the "Y" in the tree that knocked my foot completely out of my cleat......."whoa, easy Farm, only 1 more lap." Moved into 3rd as the guy in front of me was having difficulties at a checkpoint out on the course, I'll take it.
Crossed the line just shy of 5hrs, at 4:58 and change, about 7 minutes down from 2nd and 3 minutes up on 4th.
This marked the end of the marathon series. I was fortunate enough to make all 5 races, winning my class 3 times and 2nd twice. Enough to win the state marathon title in 30-39 open. It was my goal #1 for 2009 and I'm glad to see the hard work has paid off. Now on to 1 local race (Brownsville 6hr) and hitting the road for the rest of the year. Goal #2 Marathon Nationals in CO and goal #3 NUE 100 miler series starting in TN lie ahead.
I've got a real easy week up now, a little harder next, and hit the intensity after that. For now, I've got some sponsor stuff to work on. There's some things I'm working on that would really help. Hopefully I can update with good news in the near future.

Farm

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