June 27-30, 2019

Daily scores: 6, 8, 7, 8

Workout:

Mountain biking, Central Oregon


Day 1: (1st quarter of race course)

one hour, 7-10 miles, easy riding, called it when I started getting some pelvic pain, totally fine though



Day 2: (2nd quarter of race course)

26 miles, 2700 feet elevation gain, 4:31 time, average speed 7.9 miles/hr



Day 3: (3rd/4th quarter of race course)

25 miles, 2250 feet elevation gain, 5:15 time, average speed 7.1 miles/hr



Day 4: (not race route but good for fitness/fun, 13 miles of climbing followed by 13 down)

26 miles, 3100 feet elevation gain, 3:54 time, average speed 6.5 miles/hr



So so happy about putting this work in.  Not to mention, I had a great time doing it.  I really do love this.  It feels like freedom.  It's also really hard sometimes. 

I am inspired as far as potential for finishing this race goes.  The riding is so much faster than what I usually ride around home.  And the part of the course we didn't ride is mostly fire road which should just increase my overall pace.  It's more cross country than up and down.  There are some tough climbs but at least I've ridden them all now and can be mentally ready and fuel well for them.  I can see now how much my success will depend on my hydration and nutrition.  I sweat a lot and it wasn't nearly as hot as it will be in a high desert in the middle of July.  I got a lot of practice with fueling/hydrating this weekend.  Discovered I basically need to aim for more electrolytes and more food.  Body held up really well.  Ankle is a little off today/monday, but didn't bother me at all while riding.  My technical skills improved dramatically over the four days.  There are a lot more log over and rock step up type obstacles there and I needed that practice.  Super happy I was able to ride all four days in good shape.  I only crashed once!  And just have a few scrapes to show for it.  I'm tweaking my bike a bit to make it lighter and working with my clothes and pack to do the same.  And then I'm gonna go for it!  Not sure what will happen or how far I'll make it but I feel like it's worth giving the whole thing a shot.  It' sure to be an adventure regardless.  Thanks!