What a difference two years makes! My first 50k was at Pindland in 2013. It was super wet, muddy, and a long day of running. I was ready; I laced up my sneakers and gave it what I had- it took me 4 Hours, 53 minutes to cross the finish line, but I was first in my age group and 24th overall with a 9:26/ mile pace. Not too shabby.

Ready for the 50k- 2013

Muddy Trails in 2013!

I went into this year’s race with the same mentality- no expectations. After all, this year is VERY different! This season, I take one ‘race’ at a time. One weekend at a time. One workout at a time. It was a last minute decision to register, but I did it. At 26 weeks pregnant, I knew I could still manage 25 km (about 15.5 miles) of trails. I have been running pretty consistently- 6 miles here, 10 miles there. My pace is even more slow & steady now then it ever has been but I can get out there, listen to my body, hydrate well, and get the miles in. The biggest unknown at Pineland this year would be the temperature. It was predicted to be sunny and HOT.  A pregnant lady’s least favorite conditions.

25k, 2015. 26 weeks and counting!

Pineland Farms is a great place for events. Jeff and I have crossed raced here (on our bikes) and we’ve also come here to xc ski in the winter. The terrain is rolling- without any major hills- and the trails are non technical and wide. Plus, it’s a fun destination since Freeport, ME is only about 15 minutes away.

2014 skate ski at Pineland

A couple days before the race this year, a miracle happened! Jeff shared that maybe he, too, would race Pineland and run with me. (WHOA!!!!)

That’s 25 kilometers- 15.5 miles! Jeff is an athlete and in great shape. He rides his bike like nobody’s business and can go for hours- but he’s really NOT much of a runner. Usually, he’d laugh in my face if I asked him to go for a run with me. His likes his biking… and biking only. This announcement came out of the blue… and I’m still not really sure why… but I was SO EXCITED! The last time Jeff and I ran together was at Chad’s Lost A Lot Trail run (last year) and before that… I’m not even sure I can remember. I was more nervous about Jeff running this distance then I was about making it myself. 🙂

The course. 25k does 1 lap. The 50k does 2 laps.

We did so well! I was proud of us. Jeff and I ran together the entire race. It was hot, but not as hot as I had expected it to be. It was sunny and there were a lot of open fields to run across, but I carried my running pack with me (70 oz of water) and some of my own food. I think by the end of the race I had consumed over 100 oz of water- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Jeff carried a handheld water bottle and took advantage of each aid station for food and water.

We lathered ourselves in sunscreen and set out at a slow & steady pace. After 2 hours and 55 minutes (an 11:16/ mile) we crossed the finish line. I only had to stop for about 6 pee breaks in the woods… and Jeff only had about 3 major blisters. Overall, we were 254th/ 255th out of 429 people and I was the 106th woman (out of 216 ladies who raced the 25k). For a pregnant lady, I think that’s pretty darn good. And for a non-runner, Jeff did awesome! (I keep telling him that with a little more time on his feet, he’d actually be a competitive trail runner… but I don’t think he’s interested.)

Another fun pregnancy adventure!

The last day of our 26th week- Monday after Sunday’s race.

Me & my Mom at the finish of the 2013 50k.

Brandon Baker & I at the 2013 50k awards ceremony.

2013- I told you it was muddy!

10 miles and a t shirt!

Another last minute pregnant race decision. This was a fun one! The long course was 10 miles, which I knew I could do, and it was set around the trail system in Concord, NH (near the hospital). Jeff and I come here often. Usually we’re mountain biking because the trails are super fun and technical (rocky & rooty). Lately, since my mountain biking has been almost non-exsistant, I’ve come here to run while Jeff rides. This network of trails is only about 30 minutes from our house, so it’s a quick place for us to get in some exercise… with a convenient stop at the grocery store afterwards, or a bite to eat in town.

My local running friend, Becky, and I carpooled to the race together. I encouraged her to sign up after I registered, since it was right in our backyard. We’ve been running the roads around Northfield since last fall. She’s a seasoned marathon runner, but this would be her first real trail run. (So exciting and she did great!) We didn’t actually run the course together, but it’s nice to have one familiar face at the finish line.

Becky & I after a trail run at Franklin Falls.

Pregnant lady action shot!

I wrapped up the race in 1 hour, 53 minutes (an 11:20/ mile pace). That felt pretty solid since some of the course required walking- it was hot! (And as I shared on my Facebook page… we should probably cut that time in half, since baby and I make two.) 🙂

There was one aid station with water, but that’s it. It was helpful to have a 70 oz camelback and my own snacks for along the way.

I was a little embarrassed at first when I came across my race photos online. After all, these aren’t the most flattering of photos- red face, sweaty hair, big boobs, and protruding bump. But YA KNOW WHAT…

… there weren’t any other pregnant ladies out there running around. It took a little while for me to actually appreciate the photos, but now I’m proud of my active bump. If I can go out there and do it with a baby on board… anyone can go out there and do it. I might be slower; I might not look fashionable or graceful, but I feel great staying active. So far, our doctor approves of my activity (as long as I stay super hydrated and listen to my body).  Plus, as you can see in the photo, there are still people running behind me. I promised Baby Underhill that. “mommy doesn’t do last place”, but if it really came down to it, I’d be happy with a last place finish over first seat on the couch. What mommy doesn’t do, is nothing.  My moving baby seems to be a happy baby… and that works for both of us right now.

This was another great adventure with my baby bump!

One hour and forty five minutes after packing up two separate cars, Jeff and I left Northfield and arrived at my parents house in Fryeburg. One car or two? Would Jeff leave before awards or should we all head north together? These were the last minute decisions being mulled over in the driveway before heading out to the race. Fortunately, the dogs (Dudli & Ryder) would spend the weekend with my gracious parents, the dog-sitters.

We loaded Jeff’s VW with 3 people, 2 bikes, 1 long kayak (borrowed from Chad), food, overnight stuff, and a whole bunch of race gear. With a little less ground clearance then we started with, we took off for Pittsburg, NH. (I learned last year that Pittsfield is as far north as you can go in NH without crossing into Canada; it’s a LONG way up.)

Jo M. Wood Photography

Jo M. Wood Photography

We headed straight to racer registration at the Pittsburg Fire Dept. With a quick pasta dinner,  a mandatory meeting, and a review of my gear & directions, we were set. This year, I was fortunate to have Jeff and my sister, Jen, as supporters. They were organized, directionally prepared with the maps, and eager for the race to start.

We watched a quick inspirational video of the race from it’s inaugural year then left the Fire Department and headed to our overnight accommodations. By far, we were the luckiest team when it came to lodging. We stayed at the guest house of Steve Ellis- town Selectman. His property is the start line. That’s right-the start line! That meant a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning and front row parking. In my book, that’s as good as it gets!

My mom, Emily, and I had stayed at Steve’s guest house the year before with several other people (during my first North Country Endurance event). It’s a beautiful place right on the water (which is the first 4 mile paddle leg of the race). The ‘guest house’ is loaded with animals that have been professionally taxitermied- loons, coyotes, deer, bear, baby moose, Fisher cats. You name it, he probably has it. In all honestly, it’s a little startling when you wake up in the dark at 4:30am to prep for race start, but we were grateful for a bed to sleep in and the wonderful hospitality.

Jo M. Wood Photography

The race started with a cannon blast and racers running to their kayaks. I was 8th or so in the pack. Not as fast as the guys in the Epic kayaks… but fast enough. I struggled to keep my kayak from veering to the right, but nothing I couldn’t compensate for.  (And nothing a little additional training couldn’t have taken care of, I’m sure.) We made a quick transition to a 3 mile run. With wet feet, and wearing the same outfit, I made my way on single-track & double track trail towards the second 5 mile paddle. I past one team on the run, and was passed by two other men running along together. It was so early into the race at this point, it didn’t bother me too much.

Jo M. Wood Photography

The second kayak was long. It’s a long straight paddle that seems to take FOREVER. I held my position- staying with the two men who caught me on the run. My team had planned our transition from this leg thoroughly. Jeff would meet me at the water’s edge as I jumped out leaving him with Chad’s boat, paddle, & my pfd. I’d run the short 1/2 mile to the Transition Area (TA) and find Jen, who was patiently waiting with my bike and bike gear.

Jo M. Wood Photography

I hopped on my bike for a short 35 (ish) minute spin (wearing my soaking wet running short and all), to the next TA where I’d transition to the long run. This was the run that everyone was lost on last year. This year, however, the course was well marked and about 10 miles long (a bit longer then in previous years). I ran the entire leg by myself- not a single person in sight- and met Jeff on his bike just before the next TA. I was beat! This is the race leg that really had me feeling sluggish. I tried not to be too hard on myself- having just completed the 80 mile Emerald Necklace course 2 weeks beforehand- but I was slow! Real slow. Running wasn’t something my body wanted to be doing and I was glad to be transitioning to the bike.

I swapped into my bike gear again- bike shorts (over my new dry running shorts), helmet, gloves, glasses, and shoes. I was beat. The run was long- endless, really- and I just didn’t have the oomph that I wanted. But I slogged on… after some food, water, and inspiration from my support crew. (Did I mentioned that they were the best!)

Jo M. Wood Photography

I biked towards The Balsams which included some significant uphill. Then I met my crew and prepared for a mountain run up and over the ski hill. I felt mentally ready for the climb, but once I reached the top, and needed to run across the summit and down the technical trail on the other side, I felt my heavy legs and the fatigue of Emerald Necklace. (On the back side of the mountain there was a man being attended to by the EMS crew. I’m not sure what had happened- heat stroke, a twisted ankle… it was hard to tell. But he was only about 1/4 mile from the next transition area.)

Follow me!

At the bottom of the run I jumped back onto the bike (one of the last 2 race legs)! My race crew (Jeff and Jen) were waiting for me, as they had been at every other transition area. They knew I’d be tired, but they were there with moral support, food, water, and more words of encouragement. (I really couldn’t have done it without them!) These last few bike legs weren’t easy. There was lots of climbing- loose gravel roads and steep 4 wheeler trails. The best part (*read with sarcasm) was the heavy rain that came in on this leg. It poured. I was soaked. The first rain started just as I was riding up through the clearcuts along the open dirt roads. Wind, open spaces, and rain. It was SO cold. My tank top, bib shorts, shoes, gloves, EVERYTHING was soaking wet. EVERYTHING. I knew I was in trouble being as cold as I was while peddling uphill; I just couldn’t get warm. I also couldn’t recall if I’d dip back into the woods for the decent, or if I’d be left in the open wind, but I knew I was going to freeze before seeing my support crew again at the next TA.

I got there.. and was I ever glad to see them! I had just ridden down slick, muddy double track and past several curious 4 wheelers. One guy even stopped to remark, “tell me you don’t think that is FUN!” I’m sure I looked terrible- soaking wet, covered in mud, and probably blue in color. “No,” I shared, “not at the moment.”

That was true. I was ready to be warm & dry & across the finishline. But, alas, one more bike leg.

I met Jeff and Jen waiting for me at the TA. As I said, I was REALLY glad to see them. They were outside standing in the pouring rain. Not only had they requested fresh veggies for me to eat, Jen had Bonito chips ready (which, in that moment, were more delicious then anything I had ever eaten), and a dry long sleeved shirt. THE long sleeved shirt I has been dreaming of for the past 20 minutes of my bike ride. Amazing! This was another moment where you realize just how important your support is. Instantly I knew, “OK… I can make it to the end.”

I peddled on. The last leg went SO quickly. I was prepared for a long peddle, but before I knew it I was out on the pavement and pulling into the parking lot behind the pub (aka: the finish line). Boy was that a good moment! I was the first woman across the finish line, despite dragging throughout the entire race for 9 hours and 45 minutes. My support crew was there for me with dry clothes, a hot shower, and big smiles.

Thanks Jen & Jeff!!! Love you both. I hope I can always be there for you too. Xoxo.

Emerald Necklace.

For most people these words bring up images of beautiful green pendants that sparkle around your neck.

…. Hmmm, how nice.

This summer, however, Emerald Necklace had a whole different meaning. I hadn’t registered for many races this year but The Emerald Necklace Ultra was one race that I had my eye on and committed to fairly early. I knew it would motivate me to run (more than I otherwise would) and would keep me training throughout the summer. It would. It did.

Emerald Necklace is the name of a 3-day stage race around the Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG). It’s an 80(ish) mile loop that runs across some of NH’s greatest peaks and through some amazing forests in the towns of Andover, Danbury, Goshen, Newbury, New London, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Warner and Wilmot. The trail is fairly well-marked, yet not heavily traveled. It made for a perfect race course!

Jim Block Photography

The race was set up so that teams of two (traveling together) or solo racers would run about 25 miles per day. (24.5 on Friday, 26.5 on Saturday, and a hefty 31.something on Sunday.) Piece of cake!

Jim Block Photography

I wasn’t sure how I’d fair with this race. 75- 80 miles is a LONG way. Not only is it a long way in general… that’s a REALLY long run. I felt confident that I could preserver. My endurance is really solid, but would my feet hold up. Would I chafe beyond what I could handle, or would I stiffen up so much that by the 3rd day I couldn’t get from my tent to the start line. These were all very real questions I started asking myself.

…and this…

This has happened before…

…and so has this.

With a little Googling on the internet and a shopping spree for blister prevention, I practiced taping my feet. I ran with permanent blisters and I learned as quickly as I could, what would work and what certainly wouldn’t.

But this works!

This is what I came up with.  Fortunately, it worked… and it worked well. My goal of Stage 1 was Happy Feet. (I can’t type that without the thought of little cartoon penguins dancing around in my head.) But, happy penguins and happy piggies, I needed them to make the first 24.5 miles without incident… and to my delight, they’d make it all the way through mile 80.

Happy Feet!

Day one was intimidating.

The starting archway was full of very lean, strong women who clearly were runners. People were dressed in compression socks, visors, water packs, bright colors, rain jackets, and they were ready to go! We took off like a steady bolt of lightening. I settled into a decent pace and found myself up in the front of the pack with several other men. I relaxed a bit, since this is where I typically fall into place, and started chatting with the guys around me. I learned where people were from, who they were racing with, and what their goals were for the next 3 days. What I found out was that people really just wanted to finish the darn thing. 80 miles wasn’t just a long way for me; even the guys in the front were nervous about 80 miles. As we left the rail trail and made our way up the first ascent onto a dirt road, I let go of the guys I was with. I settled into something that seemed more easily maintained and started running alone- people ahead and people behind, but in my own space and doing my own thing.

Boy was it nice to see him!

It wasn’t long until I was VERY alone. I left the guy closest to me as he ducked into the woods for a bathroom break. There was nobody. I ran a bit higher up the logging road… still alone. I soon realized that, seriously, I was… alone. Thinking that something might actually be wrong, and since I couldn’t easily find a trail marker, I decided to head back towards the guy pooping in the woods. I had seen people there. About 5 minutes or so had passed and it was very clear that I had missed the trail junction. Whoops. Back on course, I caught up to one of the only people I knew running the race, Andy Hager.

Andy is local to the area. Not only does he know the trails well, but he’s on the SRKG board! I ran with him and his teammate, Chael, for the remainder of Stage 1. Were they going a bit slower than I probably would have run on my own? Perhaps. But were they saving my life by keeping to the trail and leading the way? Absolutely!  They were the best! We talked a bunch that evening and it became clear that our match up earlier that day was a good thing for each of us. I was pushing the pace a bit, and they were keeping me in check and pointed in the right direction.

Andy’s teammate, Chael, on the summit of Kearsarge- State 2.

That day, Friday: Stage 1, we crossed the finish line together. Andy, Chael, Tony (another guy we picked up along the way), and myself. We finished in 5:34 hours, tied for 5th place.

Andy & I at the aid station. Stage 2.

A quick photo op. Follow the SRKG signs!

Sun rising on the lake- Stage 2 morning.

Stage 2 was similar to stage 1. Andy, Chael, and I started off together from the Kearsarge Middle School. We ran well together for the earliest part of the morning, until Chael’s knee started bothering him. We made it as a group to the first aid station (conveniently, the medical doctor’s home). At that point, Chael decided that he would run with Tony (also struggling with a knee issue), and Andy and I would continue our race. It felt weird to leave them after having such an awesome first day together, but I was grateful that Andy wanted to preserver. We ran as a couple until the last 6 miles of the race that day. Andy matched himself up with another couple of guys, and I opted to move forward towards the finish line at my own pace. I knew that part of the course well- I had just run it the Thursday beforehand with Chad Denning. (That REALLY helped.) The last section of this day was twisty and difficult to find. The trail was flooded and misleading. For this reason, it didn’t take long for me to catch the lead two men- Rick, from CA, and his buddy Mark, with an Australian accent. I lead the way with them and another guy we had picked up on the decent of Mount Sunapee- Dave Caron.

Descending off Mt. Sunapee. Stage 2.

A quick photo. Somewhere day 2.

Day 2 came to an end with Dave, Rick, and I crossing the finish together- tied for 1st place.

Headed to the finish line. Stage 2. Jen cheering us on!

It was an awesome moment. I helped us to weave our way through the woods- following the signs and keeping on the trail- but they could have outrun me on the pavement back to the finish. Instead, we ran together and they slowed just enough for me to catch them before the archway. We crossed the line arm in arm. This was by far, my favorite moment of the race. Completed in 5:38 hours with smiles on our faces.

Stage 3 was LONG! I was dreading stage 3 before the race even began. One step at a time; that’s how I approached this day. The miles went by quickly with Andy at my side. We ran the road for several miles and quickly caught up to Tony, Rick, his buddy, and Dave. That was us. This group stayed together for almost the entire day. Tony took off without much of a chance for anyone to catch him (he made up 37 (ish) minutes that day and took 4th place in the overall race by only 14 seconds off Dave’s 3rd place finish. But the rest of us stayed close.

A quick stop for sheep herding.

This was a tough day for everyone (with the exception of Tony). We saw sheep, we ran roads, we were stung by bees, and we were met by Jeff (!!!). Jeff ran 14 miles that day- he ran in from his parked car, met us near the second aid station, and ran along with us until the finish line. I knew he was going to try to meet up, but it was GREAT to see him that day. He brought new conversation and a sense that the race was almost over.

A random photo at the start of Stage 3.

The Bog Mountain descent was the worst. The weather that day was hot and muggy enough for bees- lots and lots of bees. They stung us repeatedly. I don’t think a single person made it out without some kind of sting. I was stung twice along the rocky outcropping on the downhill- as were Andy and Jeff. Other people spoke about bees in the clearcut area of the race. But fortunately, we never found those. Ugh. Bees. It’s a quick shot of adrenaline when you’re stung… and it probably helps the next few miles pass by more quickly then they otherwise would have… but ouch.

Done.

I was happy to have stage 3 over and done with. It was a bitter sweet ending. The race camaraderie was wonderful and I made so many friends that weekend. Each and every person there was friendly and fun. I enjoyed the group and the race crew. But after 80 (ish) miles… with a 2.5 mile finish on the rail trail… I was happy to be headed home.

Mark Powers, Rick Baraff, Dave Caron. Top 3 men.

Jen, my sister, was my full-time support person. I couldn’t have done this without her enthusiasm and love. She kept me going each night. She hung out with me and stayed positive throughout the course of the race. She helped me prep my stuff, drove from point to point, and lugged my gear around- including the tent. And with all that, she also volunteered at the aid stations. (The volunteers are such big part of these races!)

It’s hard to show it in the moment and while the race is going on, but I was so grateful for my support people. Jen (and Jeff) are the BEST! I couldn’t have done this race without either of them. Jeff took care of the dogs and joined us for the last 14 miles of the race. After 80 miles you think nothing of 14 miles… but that’s a LONG way for a non runner. He went above and beyond to show his support. And Jen completely submerged herself in the experience and was an amazing crew woman. I’m grateful for such wonderful family that help to make my adventures possible. XO.

Me, Laurie Schlosser, & Kristie Clark

First place woman with a combined time of 18:07:14. 5th place overall.

And a great crew of race organizers! MadAthlete guys & Chad.

Mike, Chad, & Tom celebrating their good work & a great race!

North Country Endurance Challenge

I had heard about this event last year (2012) , just before the weekend of the race. It sounded fun… but maybe a little too much for me at that point. I had been back from TransRockies for about a month and was preparing for the Adventure Race Nationals in NY  with the Untamed New England team (and by preparing I mean that I actually started running). The North Country Endurance Challenge may have been a good experience then… but it was a great experience this year!

The race consists of paddling, mountain biking, and trail running. It’s a supported race, with each leg being ‘only’ about an hour or so long.

The start line.

One of the most important details for this event is a solid support crew. With 8 legs, there are 8 places throughout the course to potentially suck up time in transition areas and drop gear. Keep in mind, however, this IS NOT how you want to advertise for the position when searching for a support crew. These people are hard to find!!! Being a supporter means you have to give up a Friday afternoon, that Friday night, and ALL day Saturday. I was asking someone to get up at 4:30AM on Saturday and follow me around northern NH. Would I be able to spend time with this person/ these people? No. I’d really only see them for brief moments as I checked in and quickly checked out of the transition areas. But it’s SUCH an important role; you can’t do this race without someone reliable and enthusiastic.

When you have something important happening in your life, who do you ask to be there?

Your MOM, of course!

I also had another amazing woman- a friend of mine from high school, Emily Kimball. She’s an all-star! We reconnected after years of not being in touch. She was training for her first marathon in Park City, Utah. I was fortunate to be able to join her on a long run through Evan’s Notch a few weeks prior to this race. Emily is awesome! If there was someone who could calm my mom’s nerves and help take charge of this ‘support crew’ task, it was her.

The race went by quickly. A paddle, followed by a short run to the bike leg. A bike to a run transition (where we had some major course flagging issues and people got lost), back to to a bike transition. This is where I arrived to the transition area only to find out I had somehow passed the large group of people who had taken off running ahead of me. (Everyone had missed a turn and over run that section of the course!!) The bike leg was followed by a mountain run.

That part of the course was awesome! A long slog up a ski trail, followed by a twisty descend to the last bike leg. That last bike was long and lonely and seemed to go on forever. There were times I questioned if I was in the right place (in the middle of nowhere) and wondered how far behind me everyone else was. I rode down 4X4 trails and endless dirt roads following one blue flag at a time.

With every pedal rotation I knew I was closer to the finish. I popped out at the last TA (with my mom and Emily cheering like crazy). As I slowed on my bike they tried to make me eat. I stuffed down a few bites and continued onto the finish. I was the first woman to cross the finish line… it was a great feeling (plus I won $1000)!

            A super fun event in a great community…. with a GREAT support crew. xo.

A race in review….

In our typical fashion, Jeff and I arrived to the registration table 30 minutes before they closed. I was so relieved we had made it on time. The plan is always to get somewhere early, but it seems that the farther we travel, the greater the chances for a delay. (Don’t worry mom, this is something we’ll have in mind for the entire TransRockies travel experience.)

“OH MY GOSH!!!” the lady a the registration table exclaimed. “You’re the two racing on a tandem! We’ve been waiting all afternoon to meet you two.”

Oh my gosh was right! What was she talking about?! “No,” I told her, “I had registered us as a two person team (each riding our own bike), but definitely NOT as a tandem.” The last thing Jeff and I would want to do is sit for 70 miles on the same bike. (Never mind the fact that we don’t even OWN a tandem bike.) She was so excited, poor lady; I hated to burst her bubble.

I had personally taken on the task of registering us on-line. Looking back, in that moment while we stood confused at the registration table, I remembered the process being the most complicated registration that I had ever experienced. (The light bulb went on.) Did I want to register one person or two? Well, two, of course. But when the time came for me to type in Jeff’s information… they didn’t even ask for it. I thought that was odd.

Woopsie. Five hours of driving, including a 30 minute ferry ride across Lake Champlain, and I had messed up the darn registration. Fortunately, the registration ladies were amazing. They took us from tandem status and gave each of us our own bib number. (Maybe it helped that I shared the same birthday with one of them!)

Regardless of our individual race status, Jeff and I raced together. More often than not, we ride together when we train. There may be a small gap from time to time, but we generally stay together. (And I try as hard as I can to keep up with Jeff so I don’t get lost.)

This was to be our training race most similar to TransRockies. With our matching Fresh Bikes kits, and rested legs, we took off on the 108 km course (and prepared for the 10,000 ft of elevation that we’d be climbing throughout the day). This would be a bit more extreme than a typical TransRockies day, but it would certainly give us a sense of what the climbing will look like in BC.

This is serious business!

The course was fast. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of single track; it was mostly double track, dirt roads. The race started and ended at Whiteface Mountain and took us exploring around jeep roads near Jay and Saddleback Mountains before the final climb up the front side of Whiteface. (As you know, I love climbing!) This portion of the race was the highlight for me- a make or break moment. Jeff and I started the final accent in a good space. I had just revived from my “oh my God I have no water left, I’m gonna die” moment… and things were good. We peddled up most of the climb, passing a lot of people who were , at that point, walking uphill. Peddling was certainly faster, but challenging. The climb was loose gravel, and it was steep.

Just before the summit I passed the 5th place woman. We battled back and forth from this point, down the descent to the finish. I passed her on the climb, she passed me on the crest of the peak, and then entered the final single track portion just ahead of me. With Jeff in tow, egging me on to make the big move, we waited for an opportunity to jump ahead. With her one wide turn, Jeff and I took the lead by bypassing the go-around and taking the more technical jump over a large rock and back onto the trail. We pushed, giving everything we had left in the final 1/4 mile of the race. Crossing the finish line together was a great moment… as it always is.

Jeff might argue how great the race was or how good he felt about his riding that day. But I felt fantastic, and being there, I know that Jeff had a solid day too. With such a thrilling sprint to the finish, I felt pretty darn good about a podium position (and a 5th place overall result in such a strong women’s category). (Plus the good beer and great company after the race was over added to such an amazing day.)

When the first place woman in our catagory turned down the entry into Leadville, and they looked at me and asked, “Meghan, do you want to go to Leadville?” My hesitant response was, “… no thanks, not this year.”  Leadville would be awesome but I have other prioritize.

As we all know… this year is all about TransRockies!

Fueling up before heading back out onto the course

Jeff and I raced together for the first time at Great Glen, an outdoor center at the base of Mount Washington, NH, in August 2010.

That year I had hoped to race either at Great Glen, or across the street at The Wildman (a run, bike, and hike up and around Wildcat ski area).

As a sponsor of Great Glen, Jeff knew he’d be racing. The only debate this season for him was, “do I race the 12-hours solo, or find a teammate for the 24-hour race.”

As chance would have it, we met at the Vermont Mountain Bike Festival a month before the race and agreed to be teammates. A perfect combination timing and chance.

Jeff and I didn’t really know each other at this point but we raced well as a team, placing 1st in the co-ed duo category.

A quick exchange of the team baton before jumping back on the bike

Our team name from this year has stuck with us for every other duo race that we’ve ridden since this time. It only seems appropriate that we’d continue with that name for TransRockies.

Keep an eye our for us; we’re the two cyclists on Cannondale bikes, riding under the name:

C-Dale Bike