Wow, it's so cool to have so many Zoka teammates getting such great results! But like J Dub said, as long as you're having fun out there that's what counts. Well, maybe our sponsors wouldn't think that, but you know what I mean.
So, case in point, I did not finish well but I consider my race yesterday the best one I've had all year. It was a great course, the weather was awesome, people stayed upright, it was well organized, it was about 20 miles further than I've ever raced before, my back held up, and as Tom and Christine mentioned I had a great chase back to the field.
Both times up the Wall I felt relatively fine and passed most people around me, but I was toward the back when we started and got totally blocked by several slower people. After the second time up Tom, Gary, and I had a little ground to make up and we did that no problem on the down hill.
At about the 45 mile mark some vice grips flew up from the road and took a hold of my left hamstring. I actually yelled in agony as I literally couldn't pedal. I coasted to the shoulder trying to release the lock jaw grip on my leg. One of the follow cars asked if I needed help as I looked like I was having a seizure as I tried to straighten out my leg. I watched the peloton ride out of site.
I managed to get back on the bike and slowly got back up to speed. I put my head down and just kept at it. I reached way down deep in the race wallet. My only hope was if the pack slowed up for a bit which had been happening previously. I gave it everything I had for 4 miles and finally started closing in on them. My last effort to reconnect was spurred on by the 3 follow cars as they cheered me on out their windows!
Once in the pack I was able to recover. But at mile 60 going up the final hill with only 2 miles left my right quad decided to go for the death grip and once again I was off on the shoulder absolutely unable to pedal. Damn, 50 meters more and I would've been over the top and finishing with the pack.
I was well hydrated leading up to the race and drank plenty during so I think it was probably my lack of training at that distance. Most of my races this year have only been about 40 minutes.
I must mention I felt bad for Gary since he wasn't in the break and nobody would really work with him to bring it back. I went to the front once and worked with some Ti guys, but if I had any hope of finishing I wouldn't be able to do much with Gary. So, Gary, being the cool guy he is, helped us C/D guys out in the end and Tom got that great placing!
I'm always amazed that usually less than 1/4 of the guys out racing (that don't have a teammate in a break) won't go to the front and help drive the pace. I really can't believe it. And I can say this cuz I generally do go to the front and do what I can. But so many guys never go to the front and they also don't place at the end either. Oh well, it's up to us I guess.
For you PR regulars I'm skipping tomorrow night. My back and legs need a little more recovery. Cheers.
Z "cramp from hell" Dog
