A Good Idea?

Tomorrow I embark on my first mountain bike race- a duathlon in Hot Springs Arkansas.

I am not sure what to say for myself. I went to the race course today (where they are hosting a 6 hour mtn bike race), and I was more intimidated than I ever was for the Ironman. I was surrounded by racers in cycling team kits with some pros mingled in between. I kept looking for beginners, but I didn't see any. I looked and felt like a dweeb as I walked up in my too big for me, heavy, platform pedals, no shocks borrowed bike. For once, I was glad I did not have my Los Locos team kit on, because I surely would have embarrassed my fellow teammates.

Surely the big dogs are just doing the Saturday mountain bike race and leaving the duathlon for beginners like me, right? Of course not. I didn't meet a single beginner signed up for the duathlon. Just some pros and local standouts.

But before all of that- let me just say, my intentions were good. I have always wanted to a mountain bike race. I borrowed a bike from a teammate Daniel in the fall with the intentions of learning to ride it post surgery. It took a couple of months before my knee was strong enough to try the off-road cycling. I was not good at it and went down a lot, but it was nice to try something new and be away from cars. I didn't have many opportunities to ride the mtn bike since I can't ride after work. Many of my available weekends were rained out- which left me exactly 3 mountain bike rides....EVER.

I was completely okay with this. I was fine coming to this race as a very inexperienced beginner. I understood I may even be the last place finisher, but that was okay. I know I don't have the skills or strength to race a mountain bike yet. (shoot, I am not sure I can actually do the run part of the duathlon yet!). However, I was completely unprepared to be the only beginner on a course that is way beyond my very limited abilities. Yep- this is not Shelby Farms (and Shelby Farms is hard for me). When you see "lower mountain trail" on the map, that means there is an upper mountain trail too. It means there is a mountain!

I set off today to preview some of the course...not sure if I will ever do that again. I am not sure if it was the multiple creek crossings, multiple bridges, switchbacks up the mountain, loss of control down the mountain, rocky terrain, or length of time it actually took me to complete a portion of the course, but at some point I decided that I would be better served not attempting this race tomorrow. Many, many people at the end of their 6 hour race flew by me- some offering words of encouragement, and others telling me to "be safe" since my beginner status seemed to be glowing strong.

It took me some time, but I convinced myself to do the race tomorrow and try to complete the course. I have set a big challenge for myself (on accident) but I plan to see it through. Although I was slightly chastised from some friends for picking this race as my first, I remain hopeful that some other beginners will show up and keep me company.

So race plan as follows: run at a pace that motivates me to pick up the training at home and ride with enjoyment for the entirety of the ride. Let's hope for a good mountain bike experience tomorrow!