The race was a really good learning experience. I definitely wasted lots of energy pre-race with my elevated HR from being so nervous.
The girls in 1st and 2nd place took off from the beginning & I never saw them again. Laps 1 & 2 I was with the 3rd place girl who had better technical skills than I do. On the first lap some guy accidently knocked me over on some rocks, I was scratched up but it only took a few seconds to recover. My goal was to do 36 minute laps. My first lap was 36, then 38, then 43 (clearly I bonked on the last lap). The 3rd lap I had nothing left. I fell into 4th and then shortly after into 5th. I started cramping in my calf and right behind my knee on the other leg. I got into survival mode at that point, I had some foggy thinking. I wanted to just take a nap. I really wanted to stop riding my bike that's for sure. Luckily there was still part of my brain that knew I had to finish. I felt like molasses, I can't believe I didn't come in last! When I crossed the finish line it took ALL I had to make it to my truck, open the back (the bed of the truck) and lay down. I was there, not moving for at least 10 minutes. I thought I was going to die! I've never hit a wall like that before.
I think I hit that wall for 2 reasons. 1st, I haven't rided at the intense level for long periods of time since my baby, really most of my training so far this year had been 1 hour moderate rides.
2nd, for the previous 4 days I had reduced my calories. I learned about "Clean Eating" by Tosca Reno and wanted to try it. Well, now I know that it's not a good time to reduce your calories right before a race. I felt clean & light, but I had no reserves in my body. I'm pretty sure that's why I was cramping, I had no reserves in my muscles.
I believe I can avoid cramping with figuring out a little better nutrition pre-race and during the race.
Results Board
Bike, Car, Desert, Post Race
Expert Women's Results
Playlist for the drive up to calm my nerves: The XX