One week after I completed 12 Hours of Sundance solo mountain bike race, I thought for sure I would have enough recovery time for Nationals, but I was wrong. All week long I tried to keep my legs loose for the race, but by the time Thursday came I started thinking that this race might be a disaster. Arriving to the race I was excited to see the press for Lance Armstrong, and to my surprise as I pulled into Pineview many newscasts and photographers were at Lance Armstrong's side. I quickly felt nervous about the race, especially the swim, but I jumped on my bike for a quick warmup as I rolled around the parking lot to loosen up.
As I pulled my wetsuit on I walked down the ramp to Pineview Reservoir and quickly jumped into the water to get my arms loose. As I came out of the water I was literally 10 feet away from Lance Armstrong. I was a little shocked seeing him in person so close, but I shook his hand and told him "good luck," and he replied "thank you, and good luck to you as well." The cannon shot off and I got into a pretty good rhythm around my first lap, but I felt myself slowing way down around my second lap of the swim due to a sharp pain in my side. I jumped out of the water and stretched my side quickly as I ran up the dock and made a smooth transition onto my bike.
As I pulled away on my bike I felt strong up Wheeler Canyon and found myself passing a lot of bikers headed up the trail. I thought it was awesome to see the support of all the people cheering on all the racers. As I headed up the last climb of Sardine Canyon my legs really started to hurt, the Solo 12 Hrs. of Sundance race was really starting to get to me. I backed off a little knowing I still had to run 6 miles, but I kept a good sturdy pace till I hit T2.
During the first 2 miles of the run I couldn't get a pace set. Finally the trail straighten out and allowed me to keep a steady pace till I hit the downhill. I could hear the music and the crowd which pushed me to the finish line! I was pretty happy with my results, even with my short recovery from the week before. I finished 45 minutes faster than I did the previous year.
Mr. Lance Armstrong
