Spring Racing-Trying to Train and Race During the Wacky Mid-Atlantic Spring Time Weather
Freak snow storms, rescheduled races, best co-workers ever and lack luster motivation...working through early season struggles to earn podium spots.
Rattlin' Off Road Marathon 50K
April 14, 2018
Wiser State Forest, Lykens, PA
Jess 2nd overall female; Joël 2nd single speed
This is one of our favorite races, we just keep going back year after year. It's a tough race, super rocky and technical terrain. Overall not too much climbing; just one big sustained climb in the beginning to get up to the ridge top and then that climb as a descent at the end. In between this the course traverses challenging single track with a few double track and gravel roads thrown in.
Rattlin' is one of those races where one has to be on their "A" game both mentally and physically; sometimes you are and sometimes you are not. This year was a "not" time. Many demanding things going on during life in general the previous weeks had me showing up at the starting line not really ready and not really inspired to race hard. Besides life in general, the weather for this race was less than stellar. The day before when I was teaching a Liv Ambassador clinic the sun was shining and it was around 80 degrees. On race day, the very next day, it was rainy and damp and not much above 40 or 50 degrees for the entire race.
But regardless of what life and mother nature throw at me, I always make sure to push as hard as my mind and body will allow for how they were feeling. Not my best effort out there but still enough to earn a podium spot, 2nd overall female. I was content with my race; neither ecstatic nor disappointed. I enjoyed the course, enjoyed being out there, and enjoyed seeing many cycling friends after a long winter. Standing around the fire pit after the race was probably one of the best parts of the day; just relaxing and talking with friends is one of the many reasons Joël and I do all this crazy stuff.
As for Joël, he pushed hard from start to finish. He was happy with his race and also earned himself a podium spot, 2nd in the single speed division. He just loves the rocks and technical terrain of this race.
Leesburg Bakers Dozen
April 21, 2018 (rescheduled from April 7)
Private estate, Leesburg, PA
Joël 1st open men; Jess 2nd overall female
Due to a freak April snowstorm this race was rescheduled. I know the race director chose the best option for the racers, the race, and the course, but WOW did this rescheduling cause chaos in the Nankman household. Well, just for me, but Joël had to deal with my high stress levels and constant freaking out about the rescheduling process. I was supposed to work on the Saturday of the new race date. All I can say is THANK YOU to my wonderful co-workers and boss who went above and beyond to give me Saturday off, re-do the schedule, and gave me some extra hours off for travel time the day before the race. This race would not have been possible without the help and support of my colleagues.
As for the event itself, wow, did this race hurt. The winning woman and I battled it out for a good portion of the race; I ended up 2nd overall female. Even after she put some distance on me, I kept pushing hard because it's a race, one never knows what can happen. After almost 14 hours of hard riding, I felt almost as tired as I do after a 24 hour race; this course and effort were exhausting. I came home sore, tired, huge blisters on my hands and chafing in sensitive and private areas but all the while knowing I pushed the hardest I could.
Joël put in a top-notch effort, racing to the very end. In second place with only a few laps to go, he was told he was gaining on the first place guy. That was the inspiration Joël needed and he turned on the afterburners. He moved into 1st place with not much time to go and held his position. A hard effort and a well deserved win.
How did Cliff feel about this weekend of racing? He was not so sure about what to make of our weekend neighbors.
Iron Furnace 50K marathon
May 5, 2018
Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt, NJ
Jess 2nd overall female; Joël mid-pack open men
I flatted at about mile three of the race. I was in second place, with the lead women within sight when I heard the whoosh of air out of my tire. As I fixed the flat (thank goodness for all those Liv Ambassador Fix-a-Flat clinics I teach) the remainder of the womens field passed on by. Great group of ladies, yes, we are racing but they all offered to help if needed. Once I was up and rolling again, it was a game of catch-up. By about mid race passed back all the ladies and was again in second place. I never saw the lead rider again after my flat, but I kept pushing hard to make sure I kept my podium spot and finished where I was as 2nd female.
Despite my mechanical, I had a great day out there. The course was challenging yet fun, beautiful scenery, and I certainly pushed hard after that flat to catch back and pass all the other ladies which was some great high intensity training. Many friendly and supportive racers out there to talk to and help inspire each other.
Joël had a lack-luster day. He rode in the open category on his single speed. He just wasn't feeling it and opted to take a more casual approach for this race.
On the Rocks at French Creek 4 Hour Endurance
May 12, 2018
French Creek State Park, Elverson, PA
Jess 1st overall women, Joël 1st single speed
Originally, this weekend was supposed a 24 hour race in Pittsburg, One and Done. But due to this race being rescheduled about a week prior, we opted to head to French Creek instead. Not a bad choice, both Joël and I really enjoy that race course. Only kink in this plan...I also had a medical procedure scheduled the day before that could have hampered my race.
I went to bed the night before the Mid-Atlantic Super Series On the Rocks at French Creek race wonder if this might be my first ever "DNS" (did not start) or "DNF" (did not finish).
The day before the race I had a nerve blocking procedure done to help treat chronic back pain. I was told I would be sore...but the day prior I could barely function. Another day to thank my co-workers; they made sure I took it easy, gave me a break, and helped me out throughout the day. Thanks to everyone! I hardly slept the night prior to the race due to the discomfort. Just moving hurt after the procedure...how was I supposed to race the next day? But I was determined to try to race; at least get out there to start the ride and see what happens. Race mentality and adrenaline are a wonderful thing...4 + hours later of muddy, rocky, rootsy fun I won the women's endurance race
As for Joël, he pushed hard for the win, making it a race until just about the end. He and the second place single speeder were battling it out until just about the end. Unfortunately a mechanical took out the other guy and Joël was able to secure his win. He just enjoys this course and was so happy to be out there giving it his all to take the win.
How did we celebrate our wins... with a stop for ice cream on the way home.
So that's it, a recap of the early season Spring races. They had their high and low points; some great moments and some less that stellar moments. The weather made for tough training, a ever changing race atmosphere, and sometimes just a general lack of motivation The only one in the household that is probably sad to see the snow go away is Cliff. He doesn't like the heat, he prefers the cold; as he shows us via photo. Now it's time to get back on schedule, get out of the Winter funk, and get back to riding bikes with 110% effort. Here's to upcoming Summer racing!
-Jess