Xterra Mountain Cup

Saturday was the Xterra Mountain Cup in Beaver Creek and I think "wow" sums up my race nicely! I knew going into the race that I was fit and have been climbing awesome in all my mountain bike races but I had no idea that I would take 3rd place in a really tough field of pro women. With two years of mountain biking experience I think I'm finally ready to be a contender at the big races. I had a decent swim coming out 5th. Super swimmer Susan Williams was 3 minutes ahead of the 2nd place woman and long out of sight. The mountain bike climbs from Avon up to the Beaver Creek and is a real leg and lung buster because of the amount of climbing and how steep some sections are. I quickly passed 3 girls and knew I was in second at that point. Shonny came by me after a few miles and I decided, "I'm going to try to ride with her". To my surprise I was able to ride with Shonny almost until the top of the climb when she put the pedal to the metal and I knew it would be a mistake to push my limits anymore as the run is brutal and I needed some gas in the tank for it. I kept waiting for riders like Jenny Smith and Sari Anderson to pass me and was surprised that this never happened. The bike was a little longer than last year but with my new found mountain biking abilities I went over 7 minutes faster than last year. I ended up passing Susan Williams in the last few miles of the bike and went into the run in 2nd. I was running scared because I knew Danelle Kabush was behind me and is a super speedy runner. Sure enough about half way into the run Danelle passed me. I was hurting badly and my hips were cramping up a bit but I tried not to let her out of my sight. I ended up 16 seconds behind Danelle at the finish line and was elated with my race. Congrats to everyone who finished the race...it is a tough one! The podium...Renata, Rebecca, Danelle, Shonny, me, Susan. I hate opening champagne bottles...it scares me and I couldn't get the job done fast enough so I just let Shonny and Danelle do the honors.

My dad and baby Sam in their best Xterra cheering attire.

Saturday night I headed over to Winter Park to cheer on and help Doug at the MTB National Championships at Sol Vista. The Super D and Short Track races were on Sunday and it was obvious that Doug was exhausted from his XC race the day before (where he finished 5th) but he was in good spirits about it all. Doug and I finished the weekend up with some burritos and margaritas on the couch while watching the Tour. All in all a great weekend!

Firecracker 50 and CU Short Track

For most Americans the 4th of July is all about beer, BBQ and playing with fire. For us it is a chance to head up to Breckenridge and abuse our bodies for a few hours in the Firecracker 50. Last year Doug and I competed in the co-ed team division (each team member does one 25 mile loop) and placed 2nd. This year we went back for the win and win we did! I'm finally starting to feel strong and fast. I was riding with some of the "big name girls" and feeling great until a guy decided he needed to pass me on one of the rough descents. The guy ran into me from the side, knocked me off the trail and I found myself eye to eye with a big stump and banged my knee a little. Both Doug and I rode faster laps than last year and finished in 4:21, almost 7 minutes ahead of the 2nd place team. The Firecracker 50 is hands down one of the best put on races, from the parade down Main Street to the well-stocked and run aid stations it is an event I look forward to. This year my parents came to watch us (or maybe for the free beer). Thanks mom and dad for standing around for hours to cheer us on the whole 5 seconds you get to see as a spectator! Our whole condo earned medals...Tiffanie won 19-29 Women and is the National Champion, Brooks placed 5th in the 30-34 Men, Brian was 3rd in the Sport 30-34 Men.

Last night I did my first of the CU Short Track race of the Summer and finished 4th. Here is a cool picture of me and my sister-in-law, Beth.

In other news, my nephew Sam started walking...the boy does not sit still. In fact, he's so advanced he is already learning to drive.