Better Late Than Never

So, the year is nearly half over, but my season is only 1/6th over, so I'm not as behind as it might seem. Normally by now I would have done a mountain bike race and possibly a triathlon, but Steph and I decided we would do 4/8 of the Xterra Pan America races in hopes of both getting enough points to be competitive in the series. With rule changes and a rough start, it might make that a bit more challenging, but plan is to enjoy the travel, race hard, and see what happens. Our first adventure took us to Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.



Sunset beach photo seemed like a good way to start this off

FINAL PUSH

I have done a terrible job of updating since Alabama. It has been a challenging year trying to keep up with the pros and stay mentally strong.  After getting sick in Alabama, I was hoping to turn things around for Beaver Creek.  I felt I needed some additional bike volume, so I took advantage of Scarlett's absence (gone to Wyoming with my parents for 3 weeks), and hit it hard on the bike. 

2nd lap and I'm still smiling - must not have ridden hard enough

XTERRA OAK MOUNTAIN CHAMPIONSHIP

So, May 21st marked my first Xterra as an elite triathlete.  I knew going into this season that the decision to race elite would be very challenging. But, I enjoy challenges, so I figured why not?  Knowing my swim/bike had improved a bit since last year and with pretty big gains in my run, I was really looking forward to this event.  In addition to my own goals, I was really excited to race with Steph and knew she was on track for a good performance as well.

A little Enduro action on part of the sweet course in Oak Mountain State Park

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I can't believe it's May. This year has vanished so far. Between training, the kiddo, buying a house with Steph, and work, it seems that I/we have had no time for relaxing.  Anyway, I'm hoping to regroup here soon, and get the stress levels down. In the meantime, here is a brief recap since Worlds last November.

XTERRA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Wow!!! What a year this has been.  I'm going to start this post with a thank you to my coach, sponsors and supporters.  Obviously I put in the time to get the results, but with their help I have been able to focus more on the training and I'm extremely grateful.  A special shout out to these two for supporting me in my endeavors throughout the years. 

The supportive parents

XTERRA WILD RIDE

I'm back!!! After Beaver Creek I took a much needed rest.  After 2 weeks of recovery and 2 weeks of endurance work, I was getting anxious to race again.  Xterra Wild Ride is one of my favorite venues, and I have used it in the past as a test before my final push to Nationals in September.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend the weekend with my good friends Chad & Karen Self along with their little guy Carter.  They got married in McCall and did this race on their wedding day, so it was fun to be part of their anniversary celebration.

Reflective Pre-Race Smokey B&W Sunset Pose

XTERRA MOUNTAIN CHAMPIONSHIP

This is a way delayed, so I will keep it shorter than previous entries (this will be difficult, as I am a detail oriented engineer and am compelled to explain things thoroughly at all times).  As the Xterra races switch to the big mountain races (lots of climbing, less technical, high elevation), my training had to adapt.  Prior to Beaver Creek (Mountain Championship) I spent some time at higher elevation, and training involved lots of sustained climbing and hill intervals. I have always been a pretty good climber on the bike (sustained), but never realized how much fitness was required to sustain race efforts on these courses and still be able to finish strong in the run.  I guess this could explain my mediocre performances at Nationals/Worlds in previous years.  Luckily, as I have mentioned many times, Josiah is a master and got me dialed.

I'm collecting a lot of these this year