Cabin
Ridden
Joined: Aug 14, 2003
Posts: 215
Location: Palmerston North, NZ
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 Posted: Tue 19/Jun/07 2:10pm Post subject: Xterra East Championship |
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Hi all,
Well, my XTERRA 07 mission phase #1 is now complete, as I sit in a cheap hotel near Richmond airport killing time before my flight(s) home tomorrow. And am happy to report that it again went pretty well.
XTERRA Richmond has become somewhat of an iconic event. Located literally in the heart of downtown Richmond it is a rather unique and challenging course. A river swim negotiating swift currents, and odd unexpected shallows. A tight, technical twisting MTB through singletrack, through storm drains, up/down stairs etc... And a fast flat run along canals, stairs, trails, and even dry riverbeds and rocks. Throw in 90+ degree (Fahrenheit) heat, and you have yourself a challenge.
My race? Solid. 13th pro, having got as high as 8th. So slightly disappointing. But I'm here to learn, and that I did. What did I learn today? The following kinda illustrate how my day went.....
- Swimming on the feet of the fast guys is really a whole lot easier
- Don't get too close to those feet, as when you get kicked in the face, swallow water and pause to cough and splutter..... you lose the feet. Damn
- Aim way high, when swimming across currents. Realising you are 50m below the buoy and having to swim straight upstream sucks and costs a lot of time. Kinda like walking up a down escalator.
- Make sure you check your equipment. Going to change your tyres before the race and realising they are damaged and useless.... and thus resorting to slicks is not cool.
- Hammer the MTB in an XTERRA regardless. Turns out riding like an MTB race and patiently following semi fast people is not a good idea. Doesn't really matter if you beat them into transition as you still have to run. Best take the time when you can.
- Be prepared for every eventuality. Packing light I didn't bring my race flats, only trail shoes. Not ideal for a fast run. My feet are a mess today.
- And never ever give up. When I dropped to 13th I kinda started cruising for 10mins or so in the run. I finally woke up with about 2km to go, and nearly re-caught a rapidly fading 12th placed athlete (the last money spot).
So you live and learn. I am definitely improving. Considerably closer to the front of the race (time wise) than a month ago. I'm started to understand my strengths, and more importantly my weaknesses. I'm 12th in the Pro points series and pretty fired up to get back for the final two races in the series.
So home to try and pay off the credit cards as quick as possible and start begging sponsors for $!
Thanks to all for your support and well wishes. Look forward to catching up soon.
Cheers
Cabin
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