Racing LAST Year

The last part of 2011 was a blur. A blur with some ups and downs all around - mainly the racing as the ups. AS previously written the Leadville race opened a new perspective of racing to me. I came out of that with a lot of confidence. The rest of the year it didn't reall matter where I raced - I just wanted to race what I wanted to race without any regard to points or finish placing. The whole year I had been dialing into a pace that could get me through a 100+ mile race. After Leadville I felt like I could let loose and just race how I wanted- and I lined up 11 times after that...and each time I put in some more "appropriate efforts" for the length of race I was in (see also leg burning and lung searing).

Couple highlights:

Sawtooth Challenge, Grand Marais: This was a nice, low pressure race but super fun!! This is the first time in awhile (several years...too long!!) that I stayed in a tent while at a race event. And Grand Marais, MN in August??...what a place to do it! I fell asleep and woke up to the sounds of Lake Superior waves, sea gulls, and spinning freewheels?? Didn't know untl then that the family in the campsite next to mine were also there for the race- coming down from Thunder Bay.

The race started with a neutral roll out from Artist's Point- the pier downtown- through the town and up into the Pincushion Mountains where the race officially was under way. We went uphill for a mile or so before the singletrack turned into curvy ski trail and went up some more. It was here that the laps began- 3 for my group. Up the skirail then a screaming fast, and VERY rough long descent to where more singletrack came. This singletrack is why I love riding anything up north- it was RAW. Ungroomed..but fast- depending on how quickly your elbows and knees could react to the gnarly, rocky, log riddled, off-camber into hairpin before steep power climb. I loved this course. Had a great race result too as I pushed my myself much harder than before, knowing that this was going to be a race around 2hrs.

Chequamegon 40, Cable, WI: I didn't quite have my race plan nailed down for this one. I had a similar situation when I was at Leadville...starting in the very back. Of the ~1900 racers there at the start, I was literally lined up in about 1,850th. I heard the word "GO!" but didn't move for at least 5 minutes...and at that point it was verrrrry slllooowwww through the town until I got out on the highway leading to the ski trail. Lots of time lost at the beginning but I was feeling good and was passing riders 10 to 20 at a time for quite awhile...no joke. I have to say it was fun doing that- being as I knew I wouldn't have the result I really wanted I decided to turn it into a "see how many I can pass before the end" race...basically, a 40 mile time trial.

There was one hardpack track through the grass of the ski trail- I got none of it as I never could find a pace group- riding in the grass takes a ton of extra work! TJ and I layed out a plan to keep it

easy until Fire Tower Hill (~half way through) where the rest of the race was much hillier than the first half. I was on a great pace and did all I could but in the end the best I got was past about 1500 of the other riders- still not bad for a 2hr 45min race! The way I felt during and after though has me itching to get another crack at this race...and I will have my bike on the line WAY early. The guys on the front row were there at 5:30am...3 1/2 hours before start.

From here some of the highlights include my first take on cyclocross racing...next post...

Breaks over

Yeah I've been away from this for awhile...however not due to lack of riding or racing. A lot has gone on this fall at the mountain biking, work, and more personal levels.

There were races in August and September that I wanted to write about...but it's crazy how after each race, all of a sudden it felt like life fast forwarded through two more! Working 50-60hrs per week and still trying to keep up with training...including sleep and FOOD! gets things moving pretty fast! ...and now I just raced my first event of 2012, haha!

I'm reflecting back over 2011 now...and building a preliminary schedule for 2012. This will be a good year ;)

Race Report: Leadville 100 - back online

Leadville 100 Yes...finally...my take on the Leadville 100 with pictures! Since the day I found out I was in, my thoughts have been a roller coaster about how this race will go. One day thinking nine hours or less is the main goal...others were maybe 10...or 11 hours...just finish?? I've never raced this long (distance or time) so everything was up in the air.

TJ helped calm my nerves a lot by insisting that he knew I was ready for the challenge. Since he's coached several others through preparation for this race, it was easy to believe him and confidence going into a race like this is key. I can't

thank my Mom, Dad, and sister and her boyfriend Jeremy enough for helping out and cheering me on! It by no means was an easy day for them- I'm sure it gets very long out there- but sounds like they had a great time with it all as well. Both stops on the course were well planned in advance and couldn’t have gone smoother thanks to them- again its extremely nice having confidence in all aspects out there!

Putting us in corrals this year was fine with me- my first time racing this so not much to compare but it seemed to work out very smooth! We were off into the neutral rollout with police escort just after Ken Chlouber started this race with the traditional shotgun blast. I was able to work my way up towards the front of my 'corral' by the time I got to the dirt and the race was truly underway. I was surprised at how fast I felt and easy it was to give juuuuuuust enough effort to be in the front of where the bottleneck up St. Kevins was likely to begin...I bet I passed 3-400 other riders or more from the start to that point.

Although I was ahead of the "walkers"- it was still packed. I noticed a few riders had formed a little conga line that was strategically and successfully navigating its way smoothly through this packed field on the climb. I jumped in line here

and passed another 1-200 relatively easy going up this climb- riding eyes up, leaving some room in front was very helpful- I had time to avoid some mistakes by other not-so-smooth riders and crested St. Kevins climb without incident! The screaming fast descent to the bottom of the next climb was super fast and before I knew it I was going up again- up and over Sugarloaf mountain. A good tough climb...rather uneventful though...which was fiiine by me.

After this crest comes the Powerline descent. The movies make a big deal of the technical level of this- but really it was not that bad at all. There was one relatively quick safe line, but I was definitely not descending as fast as I could have being stuck behind other riders. But each time I deviated from the beaten path to pass, the huge 12-24" deep ruts were just too much to risk hopping over, through, and around in a race like this. I stayed in line for the most part and again finished this section without incident...now at mile 20...turning onto the pavement towards Pipeline...wait...was that twitch a cramp in both hammy's??? Already?!?! This could be a very long (or very short race).

I blasted through the Pipeline feed zone at about 2hrs 13mins into this race. After that I jumped into a pace line with some folks wearing green 'Tennessee Pass' jerseys...and there was Roxanne Hall who I recognized from the movies- her story is pretty unbelievable- determination at its best!

50 mins later I arrive at the Twin Lakes feed zone. People EVERYWHERE! Running along side you cheering, cow bells, waving things- felt Tour de France-ish...of course I've only

seen that on TV before though. Eventually reach my crew- Jill ready and holding my musette anticipating a ride by hand-off. I did stop brefely- 10 seconds at most- dropped the three empty bottles and took off again- literally 10 seconds at most- awesome stop and can't thank them enough for being there to do that. Off to climb the BIIIIG hill- Columbine mountain was up next.

With those cramps stuck in my mind from earlier I was a little worried. Through the TL stop I still managed to be riding in the same group of about 10 riders including the Tennessee Pass team. I held a nice steady (not exactly fast) pace up the road part until the "Goat Path" section. I rode up where many were walking at first but then my hamstrings let go completely with 1-2 miles left to the top. I was walking- and baby steps at that. Each time I tried to get on and pedal my hamstrings lit up. Eventually I made it to the top- the group I was with was now looooooong gone.

I started the way down Columbine and again stuck behind several others not so strong descending...but gave me some time to gather my thoughts. The others I was passing that were on their way up made me realize my leg issues are not that bad...some of them were in for still a very long day and THOSE are the people that I admire. The determination you could see in their eyes and is very inspiring. I went down Columbine the whole way riding very safe and very slow compared to my usual kamikaze style- my split times reflect this.

As I passed through the TL feed zone I saw my family had packed up and moved just as planned and knew they'd be waiting at Pipeline for me. Still unsure

of my legs at this point I started up the little road climb out of TL and noticed by keeping a 50-60 rpm cadence my legs were able to handle a lot more gear- and speed ;) I picked my pace up again with this renewed feeling of excitement that while a sub-9 hour finish is gone, maybe at least sub 10hrs is still in the cards!

Pipeline station comes and there they are- my crew just as planned and I was about half a bottle left of the three I grabbed at TL outbound. I unloaded as much as I could in my pockets (rain jacket, arm warmers, gel wrappers, etc) and took off for the last stretch of this tour. The next time I stop is at the finish! For the most part I was right. I had to walk the bottom section of Powerline, as expected, but was able to muscle the rest in my 50-60 cadence without fail...I don't get it...don't know why...even HOW my legs could handle this but not 90 rpm lighter spin but whatever works I guess!

The climb up this was the craziest part of the race for me though...I never stopped- even when walking at the bottom it was always one step in front of the other...KEEP MOVING FORWARD!! Kept repeating this and its important to remember. After that steep section even though I rode the rest- it seemed to go FORRRREVERRRRR. Crested Sugarloaf now for the second time of the day 'cept the opposite direction- back down the mountain for the last big climb up St. Kevins. Keeping the cadence crazy low I again muscled my way up this road climb and seriously started making up some time and passed many others. Clicked down a few more gears and passed the crowd I was with on the Pipeline and up Columbine! I was feeling great and everything was coming together nicely for a strong finish! All the way up and over...then back down.

Done with major climbs and I felt STRONG! Although still preparing for something unexpected I again aborted my kamikaze mountain downhill antics and stayed cautious. Still 12 miles or so to go. Once I got to the bottom and onto the dirt

road through the pasture I looked at my watch and realized 10 hours was still close but coming fast. I decided to ride as hard as I could until I blow up or finish- whichever comes first. I had heard the "Boulevard" referred to as the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" before as this is a 3.5 mile stretch of dirt road with a slight incline the entire way that can fool some and cause wicked cramps that destroy hopes of close time goals if pushed too hard...this was not the case for me. I was out of the saddle the entire time passing maybe 20-30 more riders here. It was absolutely one of the best feelings ever being able to finish my first 103.5 mile races smiling and sprinting!?!?!

I crossed the line at 9:59:47...yes that's 9hrs 59mins- NOT 10 hours ;-) Other than being out of breath from that final sprint at the end...I felt great! My family and crew were there to congratulate me as I hugged and thanked them all for helping. Hugged Marilee and thanked her for the race! Then my crew bought me a massage from Ella, the hot girl from Sweden. Seriously...how perfect is this! Bike worked flawlessly, feed drops worked perfectly, super strong finish...it was all so awesome. I CANNOT WAIT TO COME BACK...and destroy this time and get that big buckle.

I didn’t get my sub-nine hour finish this time...but after having time to evaluate everything now, if I wouldn't have kept trying to spin so fast and kept a lower easier cadence I could've been at least close if not reached that goal. My fitness is

definitely there! TJ worked with me through my crazy schedule with work, and moving, and several other things that threatened many times to derail my training progress to adjust my workouts and keep things in order. Its been a tumultuous summer that way, but, it all worked out in the end. After the race it was back to the condo in Silverthorne for nice soak in the hot tub and I ate the refridgerator.

Race Report: MNMBS #7 - Hillside Park, Elk River

Soooo busy lately not able to keep up!! Lots of work, lots of training, and trying to stay relaxed oand focused on both which has cut out some things like writing. I have been using Twitter- check it out: @slovickracing

Now for the race! Again keeping larger goals in mind I kept the burlier tires and heavy (but strong) wheelset on the bike. Maximum traction and some harder efforts on the twisty with lots of acceleration points made for a great day of training while racing. My goal this time was to start even slower than normal and maintain a pace that, by the end of the race, I could have kept going for another lap or two. With temps again in the 90's and mid-70s dew points this could work out well in many ways.

I started off in the main group of riders but towards the back. Keeping a nice sustainable pace through the first singletrack I was able to get a round a couple guys having some trouble navigating the fun but sometimes tricky Hillside course...and...as I've put it to many, that was pretty much it from there! Super fun SOLID race with NO DRAMA. Just awesome riding fast through the rockier and rooty sweet course that Hillside is. I finished with quite a bit left in the tank- definitely enough to do another lap- so this was a huge success...particularly how I felt after this race as opposed to previous ones where I kept overheating myself.

My note taking after each training ride and race recently has gotten better and is proving to be very helpful and should be huge in Leadville- now just 11 days away! The LT+ efforts are not as frequent as they need to be to place well in the MN series- some FAST riders in the Comp class this year. It still is hard to let that go a little- but I'm still loving getting out on the bike with a number plate with hopes to go all day and ride strong the whole time ;) TJ's weekly schedules having been falling in place perfectly with how my body seems to feel regarding off, endurance, and high intensity days. Pretty amazing stuff!

Race Report: MNMBS #6 - Mont Du Lac

Well...yeah so plans changed last minute...again. In my last post I mentioned feeling slightly sick and waking up early Saturday I wasn't quite ready yet. I had visions of having a so-so race and then being full-blown sick for the next few days because of my impatience to not race! So I skipped it, slept in, then after resting most of the day went out for a relatively easy couple hours on the road. That felt okay so went back and packed things up for what I knew was going to be a tough race near Duluth, MN...Mont Du Lac is also one of my favorite courses!

And tough it was for all...even just standing at the line it was hot and extremely humid. We did four laps with each having one long fire road climb that I made everytime, but not at the speeds I wanted. I tried out a new liquid fuel source (typically used in longer races)- which I think will work- but the rate of consumption needs to be worked on. I finished 3/4 of a bottle in the first 45 mins that I had originally set up for about 2-2 1/2 hrs worth...not good, and I was full...so full that it was hard to drink water! I sipped what I could and backed pace way down to try and stay reasonably hydrated until things settled and by the time it did, I was about mid third lap. Until then I had been in the small front ring for most of the race and lost soooooo much time on the others- but these are learning experiences. No mechanicals, flats, or crashes at least.

I'm still in marathon and ultra-endurance mode. Which can confuse my brain at times during the regular XC races for pacing strategies. While I do like to see better finishing positions in this series, right now I'm more into trying new things during these races to find out where all the limits are- including nutrition. So in that regard, technically Mont Du was a success in that I think I'm gonna like the new fuel source- provided I keep a closer eye on the intake of it, and the fact that in the last climbs of my 4th lap I was able to carry a larger gear and go faster than I had in previous laps.

Hopefully heat and humidity will dial down for this next weekend. On Saturday, there is a 4/8 hour 100% singletrack race at the Murphy-Hanrehan course in Savage, MN that I am currently planning to do the 8 hours solo...IF the heat and humidity dial down by then.

Thanks John Reinan for the bottle hand-ups!

Race on!

Next Race...and Buck Hill MNMBS Race Report

It was HOT!...and that is about it for the Buck Hill report :)

So anyway...felt a little on the verge of a cold coming on yesterday so skipped the Buck Hill race in lieu of some more recovery. It doesn't seem like things progressed over night so hopefully I was just a little overtired. Shifting daily work schedules to 2 hours earlier does take a little getting used to.

Congrats to John Reinan on back-to-back podium finishes this week...Sport class as part of MN Series on Sunday and Rec class at Thursday night races at Buck Hill last night!

Next race for me...marathon XC or regular XC???? On the fence...MNMBS Mont Du Lac or WEM Series Levis Trow 50 miler ...I've been really having fun (and performing better it seems??) at the longer races so I'm choosing Levis- race start at 1pm Saturday. Looks to be a multi-lap race according to what was done last year and should be a fun race from what I've heard about the trails...only x-factor to mess this plan up is the 50% chance of rain and t-storms in the area...hmmmmm...

Race Report: Firecracker 50 - Breckenridge!!

I was a little intimidated coming into this race. With 10,400 feet of climbing over 54 miles (all done over 9,500 feet elevation of course) this was sure to be a huge test. I set up the bike the day before with Kenda Karmas which have been my “go to” tire for races with unpredictable terrain.

This race is such an event. I didn’t realize how much the town gets into this! The race started off with several waves lined up on Main St for a neutral procession that kicks off the towns 4th of July parade. Each wave had its own marshal and was paraded through town starting at 9:30am and 2 minute intervals after that. My wave rolled through the town led by Olympic speed skier CJ Mueller (dressed as one of America's fore fathers)- pretty cool!!

There were thousands people lined up on the streets roaring and cheering us on- it ‘almost’ made me forget the butterflys going wild in my stomach for what I was about to do.

At the edge of town, Uncle Sam pulled off to the side, bid us ‘Good Luck!’ and we were off onto a road climb to start the 27 mile lap. After about four miles up and just after the ‘Wild Turkey’ guys with the van, stereo blaring Rocky music, and WT shot hand-offs (…already??), the road turned to gravel and stayed that way until the first neutral feed zone around mile 6 or 7. The full course is made up of 3 climbs and 3 descents with a neutral feed zone close to the top of each climb. This first climb, albeit long, was not real steep and we were even able to form sort of a draft line. I tucked into 2nd place here, and not sure how much I was gonna need in reserve, eventually drifted back to about 8th or 9th but still had the leaders in sight.

After ripping the first descent, I reached the second climb which had the toughest part of the course. Part of the climb was a mile or so section that was steep, rocky, and wet…with snow banks. Picture Red Wing’s Stairway to Heaven climb but two or three times as long and the extra elements. Most people around me were pushing their bikes up this. I was able to pedal the whole way and made up some good time in doing so without wasting the legs…I was going to see this again in 27 miles. The rest of the lap went off without much drama- just sweet mountain race course riding.

The second lap I started off in 8th place and feeling very strong. I was anxious to jump on the pedals and crank hard but knew I’d pay for it still with 27 miles to go. First climb was nice and steady- even hit the ramp that the Wild turkey guys had set up beside the van! …luckily I did NOT crash in front of them! I got passed by another rider in my class that also seemed very strong- I latched on to his wheel and we took off. However, on the descent off the first climb, drama part 1 happens…1/4 inch tear in the tread of the rear tire. After messing with it for 5 minutes I have it fixed…now with a tube.

I reached the bottom of the second more punishing and grueling climb…my strategy worked awesome for keeping the legs strong because I saw a young woman rider riding this with me…we were the only two on this hill still riding- all others were walking. I bet we passed 40 other riders along the way up- not exaggerating. Confidence was flying as high as can be at this point!! Once again the rest of the lap was clicking off well…all the way until I crested the last climb. Jus starting the descent back towards Breckenridge drama part 2 happens…kicked up a rock off the front wheel and left the business end of it standing straight up for the rear tire to pinch flat…I have no more spare. I had to ride very conservatively for a mile or so on a flat tire on a descent that I should have been flying down.

Several riders went by before one has a tube that he hands off. Pull off the trail and attempt to fix…pumping and pumping to get inflated as quick as possible…turns out the tube has a hole in it…drama #3. Looking for the hole or tear I start getting things back together to just start riding again on a flat…many many riders going by at this point and blood is beginning to boil a little…then another rider goes by with a tube that he promised was good. Take the bike back apart reinstall new tube and off I go to regain any spots possible but at least stop the bleeding of losing time and positions.

Drama #4…apparently I didn’t get enough air in the tube…because another mile up the trail- ”hissssssssssssss”…with only a couple miles to go and I can start to hear the crowd and the announcer in Breckenridge I don’t stop- just pin it, and hope for the best. Lots of teeth chattering rock and root sections mixed with a dozen or so banked switchbacks later I finally finish the descent and the race crank as hard as I can on the now destroyed rear tire through the finish line. The crowds around there were awesome and coming up to the finish with the flat got some extra cheers.

That rider I was with in the first part of the second lap finished 5th…I netted a disappointing 15th with all the tire drama. However, there were many positives that came out of this race. I had set this race in mind as a test for my fitness levels and how preparations are going for the Leadville 100 on August 13th and I’m pumped for how well the performance was in that regard.

Special thanks to my Dad for helping out with all the pre-race preparations which really helped me relax and focus on what I needed to do. He likes to get involved on the racing I’m doing and that kind of support makes life doing this so much easier and more fun.

Also, thanks to TJ for working with my crazy schedule to keep adjusting the workouts that prepare me for these long races. I’m training for the longer marathon and ultra-endurance XC type stuff and its showing.

Also, the volunteers there were awesome!! I was able to use bottles the entire time due to the frequency of neutral handoff points. Super fun event, well organized, tons of people, awesome awesome course…and I want to come back next year…with a little better tire selection.

Firecracker 50: Officially In!

Off to Colorado tomorrow! Big days of altitude training- long Saturday ride planned, a good tune up ride Sunday, and the Firecracker 50 in Breckenridge on Monday the 4th of July!

Looking forward to this race as I've read about for years and finally have the opportunity to do it. My energy and fitness feels like its finally coming back with some much needed long nights of sleep and routine training again setup by TJ. This is all in good timing when I just received the email today that I'm off the waiting list and in the race!

Should be a great fitness test to set the stage for whats to come in the next six weeks of training for and eventually racing the Leadville 100. Plus another reason to visit CO...like I needed one ;)

Race Report: MNMBS #4 - Red Wing

Last weekend was the fourth stop of the MN series at Red Wing. The events leading up to this race greatly distracted any good race prep, so once again I went into this race...more or less just ride, have fun, and see what happens. I've raced here only twice before with the last time being in 2008 and have to say I was glad to be back!

Once again, I had no power but at least a little more endurance-like efforts to have a fun ride. The 'Stairway to Heaven' climb is a great one- steep, loose, rocky stuff that provides GREAT training. I really liked the course and need to make the drive down to ride there more often.

I didn't finish the greatest, but a solid race to build on overall- all things considered. Some unfortunate race news from the event was cheating (some caught and some rumored to have cut the course in Citizen and Comp classes) and also a bad crash by one of the Sport women- get well soon Sam!

Puppy Problems...

So after the move...last week I was doing what I could (albeit unsuccessfully) to try and get recovered and well rested and loose. Firday morning brought another major distraction. My 6 1/2 month old puppy Italian Greyhound, Ajax, (very fast runner and is just as clumsy as fast) is running one direction- looking in another- and clips his front leg on a chair.

The vet showed me xrays and how badly he broke his leg. Luckily he's still a puppy, and with the help and extreme generosity of Jenny at Lifeline Italian Greyhound Rescuehe was able to get the surgery he needed on Monday from the best in the region at Inver Grove Animal Hospital on Monday.

My little buddy is confined to a kennel for much of the time because of his ambitions to take flight off anything at anytime...apparently even with a broken leg- although he is a little more hesitant at least. Luckily the pain meds keep him well relaxed and drousy enough to handle it for now. The surgeons expect full recovery since he is so young and they were able to realign everything nicely.

Needless to say though there were some long nights this last weekend with him before his surgery...if he couldn't sleep well...he wasn't gonna let anyone else sleep well! Luckily he wil be okay though...he's on the road to recovery.