I got there one step at a time. Xterra West Championship 2012

I was hoping to get a race photo to add to this post, but just found out today that Xterra didn't have a camera crew on hand that day after all.  So, this post comes with quite a few pre-race photos as well as a few after the fact.  I snapped this photo of my sweet tri-kit though, and thanks to Kona, I was racing in style.

Heading into the Xterra West Coast Championship race I had two goals in mind: To swim consistently, without stopping to breaststroke.......and to place in the top 2 of my age group, which would secure a spot at the Xterra World Championship in Maui.

What a pleasure to spend the weekend in the company of such great people. 
I laughed so many tears!

Luckily the patio had room for 5 bikes!

My body felt off on Friday, the day before the race.  My mind was a bit cloudy and my stomach felt nauseous.  It was raining and cold with a water temperature of 57 degrees, and during the pre-swim I actually felt like I wanted to vomit.  I had not ever experienced a "pre-swim" that felt this bad, but really tried to remain calm about what was to come on race day.  Tomorrow is a new day and I am ready for this race.

Remember what I said when I left?  I left my fenders and rain gear HOME!  I went to Vegas anticipating heat and sunshine.  Oops, mistake #1. 

We woke on race day to light rain and 44 degrees.  I knew the water was cold, but was surprised to hear that it actually dropped a couple of degrees overnight.  Luckily Mat had brought some extra gear with him, so I borrowed a pair of full finger gloves and a wind breaker, both 2 sizes too big.

The cold kept me from warming up too much and actually cut my pre-race preparations quite close as I almost missed body marking.  My body felt good though, and my mind was calm.  I made my way over to the swim just as the Pros were starting.  I had 6 minutes until it would be my turn.  I hopped in the water, careful not to get my head wet yet.  I slowly paddled around, giving my body a chance to acclimate to the temperature.  When the second heat had sent off, I slowly put my face in the water and took some slow strokes.  100% better than yesterday.  I was feeling good, and I knew I had prepared well to make this 1 mile swim.

I turned in time to make eye contact with Karen and exchange a thumbs up.  It was our turn, we were off.  I took probably no more than 15 strokes when my mind started to race and the fear and anxiety took over.  I had swimmers on my feet and at both sides, worry about not going fast enough and fear of being swum over.  Mistake #2:  I allowed my negative thoughts to take over and I spiraled down, and fast.  I was having a hard time putting my face in the water at all, thought I was going to throw up, and seriously contemplated climbing out.  I have no idea how long I remained in this state of panic and doom, but at the time it felt like FOREVER.  I sat there and watched what seemed like the entire amateur field swim away from me, and felt completely helpless.  I COULD NOT DO THIS.  As I looked over at the dock, I watched someone else climb out and call it quits.  I remember thinking to myself that this was just not my day and that there was no way that I could make this swim happen.  If I could not do 15 strokes, how could I possibly swim a mile? Just as soon as that final decision came into my mind, the fighter  inside took over, very gently.

Forget that I blew my goal of swimming the whole time.  I was sitting in the middle of this freezing cold lake not swimming at all!   I gave myself mini challenges.  "OK Mel. Swim for 10 strokes"  Done.  "20 strokes"  Done.  "30"  OK.  "Now to that buoy",  and so on.  I had to let go of the negative thoughts that took over and focus on giving myself manageable steps to work towards.  31minutes 28 seconds later, I reached for the railing.   I came out of the water last in my category but with a huge sigh of relief.

I ran to transition on two numb feet and fumbled while putting on my shoes and helmet.  I decided against wearing the jacket though, not wanting to waste time I did not have.   I was fired up to get on my bike and left transition on a mission.

My legs felt incredibly strong and did exactly what I needed them to despite the numb blocks that now were my feet.  I enjoyed the ease and familiarity on the bike, knowing that now was my time to catch up.  I began counting calves marked with a 35 as I passed, the women in my age group.  I was seeing other racers that I knew and began to feel that maybe I was not as far back as I thought I was.  A few miles into the bike, friend Mike Stepanek came upon me and we ended up riding pretty much the entire rest of the bike leg together.  This was super fun, as we motivated each other to push the pace.  I was able to fuel well, as I raced with my VelEau hydration system.  This allowed me to drink all 42 ounces of Hammer Heed.  I also carried a Hammer Gel flask in my jersey and consumed probably 4 servings.  I was so happy that I decided to race with the VelEau.  The added weight of the system is so worth the ease of fueling. 

The Course was beautiful.  About as anti- Willamette Valley as it gets. 
This is Dan Hugo, photo from the Xterra site

About half way through the bike leg, my quads began to fatigue. Realizing during the pre-ride that my seat was too low, I forgot to make the adjustment before race day.  Mistake #3. I would not let this slow me down but worried that I may be killing my chances of a good run. I needed my quads for the run.  Other than my seat being a bit low, my bike, the Kona King Kahuna performed beautifully and I rode with confidence.

I came into transition feeling good.  I had no idea how many women were in front of me, but I was heading out to find them if they were.  The first few miles of this course are tough, with climbing ranging from gradual, to steep, to really steep.  At about mile 2 a woman in my age category passed me with beautiful form. I'm pretty sure that this was the first time that this has ever happened to me. Right away it was obvious that this woman was going to slay the run. And she did.  I enjoyed watching her stability and comfort as she navigated the climbs in front of me.  By mile 5, she had pulled away and made her way to the finish a minute and a half before me.

Since I have no race pic's of myself,  I thought I would put this one in.  As I was beginning my run, I was able to give a shout out to Leslie Paterson, 2nd place Pro women who was in hot pursuit of Renata Bucher who was in the lead.  The run course was in the shape of a lollipop, so the pros that were finishing crossed paths with those who were just getting started.  I have never before been so close to these lead girls before during the race!

Lesley Paterson chasing down Renata Bucher

I was surprised to find Mat still on the run course, the result of riding 15 miles with a flat tire.  Karen also flatted, but luckily had a few PSI remain allowing her to stay in contention for the podium.  Mistake #4  NONE OF US CARRIED FLAT GEAR. 


 I placed 2nd, thus earning my spot to World's.  Yippee!!! 

35-39 podium

Although this was not the perfect race, I take from it as much joy as I would if it had been.
By overcoming the mini obstacles that pop up throughout each race, that finish line always looks good.  And I say quietly to myself, "You did it".

Friends Taylor Seavey, Mathieu Signoretty, Rachel Beckman and Karen DeWolfe

Big Thank you to Topricin for Sponsoring me in the West Championship race.

John Klish and his girlfriend Sarah (whom I LOVE!!),
and Hannah Rae Finchamp, who will surely be at the top some day.

So much fun getting to know Icebreaker rep, Mike Stepanek and his family.
Xterra after party

Vegas Baby!!

The Corvallis girls are off to Las Vegas this morning to compete in the West Coast Championship Xterra race in Henderson. 

I have Karen DeWolfe to thank for introducing me to Xterra. After many miles on the trails and laps in the pool, we will venture off together for a race we dreamed of doing together 3 years ago.  Also joining us will be friend and Team Dirt teammate Rachel Beckman who is always up for adventure.

We leave the family, the mud and the cold behind and look forward to bringing some sunshine and dust back with us.

Details to come...............

Here we go!

The Beaver Freezer 2012

PMS induced insomnia two days leading up to the race.  I know this state oh to well.  My body is overcome by a rush of hormones that forces my mind to obsess on the otherwise smallest of worries.  I was experiencing some tightness in my right upper calf, and was "convinced", that it may be a ___. I won't even mention what I thought was possible because its just that ridiculous.

All day Friday I obsessed.  I regularly applied my favorite injury cream Topricin, self-massage and on and off icings throughout the day.  I also wore compression socks all day.  Still, the nagging sensation and the ball of tense muscle I felt on my calf was not anything I have ever felt before.  Worry set in, as I feared that I'd do more harm then good if I went ahead and participated in the Beaver Freezer.  This sprint triathlon was supposed to be a fun race simulation/ practice for my Xterra triathlon in Vegas the following week.  This is NOT supposed to be reason for me to be anxious and stressed.  UGH!!!  I WAS!!

SO, I wake up at 6am Saturday morning after a sleepless night and my calf feels great.  I apply the Topricin and feel the muscle as soft and pliable.  No golf ball sized knot that I felt the day before.  Phew. 

Trevor left at 6:45 to volunteer at the transition zone. ( what a guy, eh?)  The kids were quietly reading in their beds, and I finally drug them out at about 7:15.  Luckily for me, my start time was not until 9:30, and the race begins about a mile from my house! If I was there by 8:30, I should be fine.


It was fun knowing so many of the volunteers.  I joined the OSU triathlon club this past summer and regularly swim with the team.  One of my swimming pals marked my arms and legs and wished me well.  I went to my spot in transition and quickly arranged my things.  It was cold, and I was really chilled.  As I shivered, my hands didn't work as quickly as I would have liked them to.  I hung my wind jacket on the bar and set my gloves on top of my helmet just in case I needed them for the run.  I had planned to have a Hammer gel on the bike but could not find it.  Oh well, I was cold and wanted to get inside.  I overheard someone say that it was 9:00.  Time to head to the pool.

I made my way to Langton Hall where the women would be swimming.  The energy was high in the locker room and I had fun seeing some friends who would be swimming at the same time. I was still chilled, and found  it difficult to warm up.  I jumped into the warm up pool along with the 20 other women that were starting at 9:30 and swam a few laps.  It probably was only about 10 meters across, with swimmers everywhere, but as I dodged,  I was able to get a few strokes in. It felt good.  My body felt long and at ease in the water.  I was excited!

I made my way to lane 4 and assumed my 3rd position.  My teeth were chattering as it was really chilly.  I focused on my breath, and tried to calm.  It was my turn to go.  I pushed off and felt pretty good until I flipped at the wall and missed.  I missed the second flip and shit, I was out of breath.  A bit freaked out, my rhythm fell apart for the next 50 meters or so and then I feel the tap on my foot.  The women behind me needed to pass.  A bit deflated, I stopped at the next wall and let her pass.  I should have jumped on her draft, but I stalled for a moment to regain my composure. A deep breath, head down and I self-talked my way until the end.  I tried to find a rhythm, focus on high elbows and a long reach.

 After missing the first two flips, I decided not to try any more since it really taxed my energy.  I also had no idea how many laps I had swum.  All of my mental energy was going to staying calm and thinking about my stroke.  As I came to the wall,  I heard a "last lap" called but didn't  know if that was directed at me. It was my understanding that there would be a kick board dropped in the water as a visual.  Believe me, I wanted that to be my last lap!  I came back around and turned again since I still had not seen the kick board.  I notice the women behind me gets out though and no one else is in front of me.  I turn around a few strokes out and the counter says I am done.  A bit frustrated, I pull myself out.  Not the swim I had hoped for, but it was DONE!

It felt good to run barefoot on the cold cement sidewalks back to transition.  I passed quite a few people here and was excited to get on my bike.  As I approached the transition zone I reminded myself to look for the pink bandanna I had tied next to my bike.  I headed in the right direction, then passed it!  I realized I had gone too far pretty quickly and turned around to see my stuff right where I left it.  I was warm now and did not want to mess with a jacket, so I put on my helmet, glasses, shoes and gloves and grabbed my bike.  It was fun having Trevor at the transition zone and he yelled words of encouragement as I left.  The boys were there with him and I gave them a holler and a thumbs up.

I felt good.  This was a course I know well and I was on a sick fast bike. Ok, lets back up a bit and tell you about the bike.

Alleck demonstrates just how light this bike is!

Keller tries to convince me that I should trade my mtn bike in for this one!

 My friend Karl Haunold with Felt Bicycles happened to be in town with the demo fleet and said he had the perfect bike for me to use for the freezer.  The  specs: FETL B-16 Triathlon  women's specific carbon 52 inch.  This is an early generation FELT tri- bike, but it looked as current as I could have imagined.

I had planned to ride my Specialized carbon  Crux cyclocross bike, as I don't own a rode bike or a triathlon bike.  I did the freezer last year on the Crux with a good result and I figured I would just to it again. Riding a tri-specific bike sounded like fun, so I met Karl down at Peak about 5:00 the night before the race. I sat on the bike while he made a few adjustments, and then peddled around a bit to check the fit.  I have only ridden a road bike once, and never a triathlon bike or with aero bars.  As I rode off, I felt as comfortable as I do wearing high heals, which is not at all!  I didn't have a helmet on at the time and was wearing flip-flops.  I was thinking that there was no way in Hell I would ride this bike in the race tomorrow, I felt out of control and quite honestly like it would be dangerous.  The front end felt  twitchy and that tiny little tire staring back at me made me nervous.  I'm used to riding a mountain bike with huge burly tires!!  The shifting at the end of the aero bar was nothing I had ever seen before, let alone used and the brakes were left down on the drops.  It seemed like a lot to manage, but I smiled back at Karl's generosity and brought the bike home.

The boys and I ran through a couple "mock" transitions and I was able to get the feel for the bike.  A few minutes with the shifters and in the areo position and it all felt familiar.  It was a bike, and I know how to ride a bike!  So back to the race I go...........

I felt awesome, and having the sun on my back was incredible.  The road was pretty congested with other racers but I tried to give ample friendly warnings when I was ready to pass.  It felt good to ride at my comfortable pace and continue to catch people.  I came upon Trey Jackson, a friend and Local Team Dirt team-mate.  I passed him, but he stuck with me and we were able to chat a bit.  At the Walnut turn around I reached for my water bottle, fumbled and dropped it.  I don't think I have ever heard the thud of a full water bottle hit the cement before, but that sound stuck with me for a while.  Luckily, Trey dodged my blue bullet and kept with me.  I was thirsty, but told myself that it was a short race and I did not really NEED the drink.  Trey and I rode together until the Oak Creek turn where he was hung up by a car.  I was fortunate not to have any traffic stalls on the bike course. I loved that bike!  I felt so comfortable AND speedy fast!  I kept it in the big ring and stood on the climbs, relaxing into the aero position on the flats.  I felt great and was excited to turn onto campus way, the home stretch!  The energy was good and I loved hearing friends cheering me on.

I hopped off the bike right in front of Trevor and the kids and awkwardly ran to my place in transition.  Running in bike shoes on the pavement while pushing a bike feels pretty strange, and I was thirsty.  I hammered on the bike and was feeling the adrenaline as I changed out of my bike shoes and into my run.  Aha!  The hammer gel that I could not find before the race was now found as I stuffed my left foot into my shoe and felt something odd.  I ripped my shoe off, turned it upside down and there was the gel.  Left shoe back on, then fumbled with the right one.  I was feeling very clumsy and did I mention thirsty?  I failed to have a water bottle in transition, but I took the hammer gel with me on the run.

Lovin the Hammer support!

My legs felt great right away, and I found a good pace.  Spectators were everywhere offering great words of encouragement. I was a bit frantic as I needed a drink and had no idea where the aid station would be. Finally I was told that it was on the other side of the Memorial Union, 1 mile.  I decided I would take half of the Hammer gel before I reached the aid station.  I was happy to see my friend Lizzy, with a wide smile and 2 cups of liquid!  I grabbed one, stopped my run and drank the whole thing.  Ah, this felt better.  Now I was off, feeling strong.  It was then that I realized that my calf felt great!  All that worry for nothing!  3 laps around the MU went pretty quickly, then I turned onto the home stretch.  I made it!

Its always fun to finish an event, and the energy between the volunteers and the fellow competitors is always great.  I indulged in a calf massage by a local chiropractor William O'Donnell with Vertibrata Chiropractic, and relaxed with my family and friends while re-capping the day.

Although I was not happy with my swim, I still managed to improve my 500meter swim time by 7 seconds to post a 8:40.  I posted the fastest  12 mile bike split thanks to Karl and Felt bicycles with a 34:52, one minute 15 seconds faster than last year!  And the 3.1 mile run was 21:18, twelve seconds faster than last year!    I placed 3rd overall with a time of 1:09:18.

What a great day, in the company of good friends and the SUN!!!  Vegas, here I come!!

Battle wounds on both knees from the aero bar ends! A small price to pay for such a fun ride :) They looked way worse than they felt!

It was a mudslinger no doubt!

We woke at 6am,  slipped into our Team Dirt sweatshirts and excitedly gathered around the breakfast table. The boys were thrilled that their 1st kiddy race of the season was finally here! Trevor and I indulged ourselves in their excitement, although the heavy rainfall throughout the night was not exactly the motivation we were looking for.  The night before each of them carefully gathered every item of their race "kit" and placed them in the duffel.  We ate our breakfast as we discussed our days plan of attack. 

Snuggle time with Alleck

Of course, we also had to laugh at the weather, as it had been raining now for about 2 weeks straight with no signs of letting up.  Mike Ripley, the race director had sent out an email to all the participants earlier in the week stating that there was more water on the course this year than ever in the history of the race.  Since this was the 25th year of the race and there are stacks of muddy testimonials to describe its past, it looks like we are in for a Mudslinger to remember.

We worked our volunteer shift at the registration table, and listened to the rain pound the gymnasium roof. I stalled getting changed into my race clothes until the last minute and squeezed in a 7 minute warm up AT THE MOST.  I decided to wear my Icebreaker wool jersey, and my  Showers Pass rain shell over the top to ensure that I stayed warm.  Although I heated up quick on the climbs, I was happy to have the layers for the descents.  What I could have done without though was my lobster claw winter gloves.  Although I enjoyed the toasty hands and fingers, they made my fueling attempts pretty difficult.  I fumbled with my jacket zippers, and even crashed when the outside layer caught on my brake lever as I reached for my water bottle. 

Just getting started.  Mud where?

The race was everything that I expected it to be, with plenty of gravel roads to climb and muddy trails to challenge my stability while descending.  This is where I was so happy with my bike, the Kona King Kahuna.  That bike climbs like a champ and the 29inch wheels add superb traction in the mud.  I really felt solid and in control on most of the trails as long as I kept my momentum up.  It was when I would slow down and hesitate that I felt the most squirrelly.  Collar Bone Alley gave me grief as I have yet to muster the courage to bunny hop the water bars, but Panama Canal was a blast.  As muddy as it was, I was surprised at how fast I was able to go.  I would bet to say that I was one of the loudest riders down that trail as I hooted and hollered with a wide smile and mud in my teeth, TWICE!

Trevor rips down Super Tree

I came across the finish line and went straight to the van, where Trevor was already cleaned up.  The boys were dressed in their race kits and ready to start their race.  I made sure to drink some recoverite immediately, and began to wash away the layers of dirt.  We brought a huge garbage bag for all the muddy clothes.  Smart move Trevor!  We were a mess.  Seriously, we probably took 3 pounds of mud off the course EACH!

Happy to have finished!

Now it was the boys turn. The race was on.  Seriously, this is the best part of the day.  I just love seeing my boys riding their bikes and having a blast doing it.  All of us parents, tired and cold from our day on the course, get a surge of energy as we cheer the kids on and sometimes even run along side.  Keller rides his blissful race with a wide smile, where Alleck is the serious one who huffs and puffs his way through. 

Alleck tries to make his move early!

Keller is all smiles!

It was a good day for us all.  Trevor placed 2nd, I 3rd and the boys both managed to stay upright throughout their race!

A great day spend with our Team Dirt friends :)

I was utterly impressed by the efficiency of our clean-up.  As we arrived home, the rain continued to fall.  The boys jumped in the bath, and Trevor and I began our attack. 4 mud covered bikes and a huge bag of muddy clothes to deal with, and we have our system down.  Not an hour had passed, and we were all snuggled on the couch awaiting the delivery of our pizza dinner.