Training Log Archive: STORM

Although I'd like to think that my 'experiment' of hanging back and trying to enjoy the ride through Bear100 would have worked, I'll unfortunately never know. Things started well, but the record-breaking heat hit me hard. By late afternoon I had to take a 90-minute recovery break, but with the sun finally gone and the temps slowly cooling, I figured I was home free. However, a cold front moved in overnight, bringing heavy rain and mudslide trails (as well as a pretty spectacular lightshow). By 137km, my skin was still burning hot but I was shaking uncontrollably in the wet and cold. My stomach decided it would have no more of the shifts in extremes, and revolted violently. With another 1,500 feet of climbing and 3,600 feet of descending still ahead of me, I knew I needed some more recovery time, but there wasn't enough left before the 36 hour cut off. I called it with 23km to go.

So thankful to Browner for her awesome crewing - I couldn't possibly have made it as far as I did without her. Despite being weather-cursed, this was a fantastic racecourse and a great experience, but definitely an ass-kicker! Highly recommend it if anyone is interested.

C • 137km in some crazy conditions 6

In Logan, Utah for the Bear100 after a fantastic few days enjoying Park City. Race start is 6:00am tomorrow (it's a Friday race so that it doesn't run into Sunday - lotsa Mormons here). After having experienced horrible stomach nastiness in 7 of 8 ultras that I've done at 100km or more, my game plan going into this one is to forget everything I've ever attempted in the past and just try to enjoy this one (as much as a hundred-miler can be enjoyed). I'm going to start slow, I'm going to continue slow, and I'm going to forget every competitive instinct I know (or at least try to). The goal this time is simply to reach the finish to get my 4 UTMB points, and to not hate every second of it while doing so!

C • Good luck! 7

Wasatch Crest. Un...freaking...real...

Best ride I've ever done on the most spectacular day imaginable. Close to 10,000 feet for most of it (yes, we took a shuttle) and nothing but incredible views and fun rolling singletrack throughout. So sad that we have to leave this place tomorrow...

C • Wow 2

Phenomenal ride along Mid Mountain - a 25 mile point-to-point stretch of non-stop singletrack at 8,000 feet (we took a shuttle to the start and basically finished at our doorstep). Words can't do it justice...

Tomorrow - Wasatch Crest, which is apparently even better. This place is unreal!

C • Looks amazing!!! 1

Great ride around the Flying Dog loop on the north edge of Park City. Initial climb was pretty tough, but the way down was phenomenal. No pics as I forgot to bring the iPad, and Browner and I both forgot the piece that connects the camera to the iPad. Mid Mountain trail tomorrow - should be epic!

C • Fun! 3

At the Denver Airport with Browner en route to Salt Lake City. Taste testing interesting-looking local beer...

C • Have a great trip! 1

Stupid spinning

Stupid spinning

Quick rip through Kelso

Easy road run

Event: Storm the 'Scarpment
 

Final STS course checks at Kelso

Sausage Suit Time Trials at Dufferin Forest with Browner (another event in the "Substance Project" race series which Browner has really taken to). So amazed by how much great singletrack is in this area. Great ride.






No, third place was not won by a dog...

C • Great pic! 5

Urban ride to the Don trails with Browner.

18km road run. Felt speedy tonight - first time in a long while...

C • Good to hear! 2

Light run through Hilton