Gate City Grind

OK. I'll probably never do that again.

I did the Gate City Grind this weekend. Really, the race is not all that bad - on paper. I mean, I raced in the Masters 35+ division... so I didn't have nearly the miles to do as most everyone else. But it still sucked.

The road race was a 35 mile venture. Really, it's a beautiful course out and around Arimo and McCammon. It's pretty hilly... but it was Saturday's wind that killed me. I wanted to quit after the first lap.... but I decided to stay with it and "pedal" the second lap. There were times I was fighting to go 8 mph. Yes... more affirmation that I'm not a very good cyclist. I finished the race, though, and I was pissed. I just wanted to go home - and cry the whole way there.

Once I got home I had 3 hours to prepare for the TT - and decide whether or not to actually continue with the stage race. I took a nap in the hot tub... and decided I'd do one more stage. The TT wasn't too bad. The winds were quite calm and I managed a 17:42 for the 6.2 mile sprint. That's a 21mph average - and 20 seconds faster than my previous best.

The next morning came early and I rode the crit. It was 40 minutes around the loop at Holt Arena. That's 20 minutes farther than I'd ever rode that crit before. I got lapped by the Cat4 womens field 3 times. But I made it. There was a MORAL VICTORY!!! I even got a nifty trophy - because there were only three in my field. Check out my video, though... at www.trimedidaho.com. Then, scroll down and click on the Gate City Grind link! It's pretty cool!

Even though I felt like that poor, pathetic person that finishes the Ironman at 11:59pm, I was proud to finish that stage race. I probably will do it again, but I'm going to actually get on my bike a few times in the weeks before the race! yes... hadn't ridden my bike since Bfoot tri and I was spent to begin with.

By the way.. I'm paying for the lack of preparedness. I'm pretty sick... bad head cold. Feel like crap!

Twin Falls Triathlon in less than 2 weeks. GOTTA TRAIN.. but have no energy!