The results are posted and I was 8th of about 44 11th out of 43. I thought I'd be around 8th, and my situational awareness was really off since there were 2 guys ahead of me finishing the 7th lap who opted against running an 8th. And a few that made the 5:00 cut-off right behind me, but couldn’t continue for the 8th. Going back out on 8 was hard, but I knew it would be 40 minutes of pain for a week’s worth of satisfaction, and I was right. Besides, the 8th was fun. I was on the Rig and just rolling along. It was good to change up the body position. I struggled up some of the hills but nothing too serious. I did pass 4 guys, but looking at it, I guess I had lapped them at some point and they were finishing number 7. I had wanted to do as many laps as the winner, but he lapped me on my 8th, his 9th.
(Update: the results have been updated and I moved from 8th place to 11th. Have to admit it's disappointing)
Liza did really well – third place. I knew she did better than she thought she did.
We both are now ranked in the VORS series and it may be worth tracking that to see what consistency might bring.
The Rig really does corner better than the Trek. The Trek performed fine – no mechanical issues at all. Shifted smooth all the way through and trouble areas like the pivots and rear hub are fine. I still think the suspension might have something to do with why my arms were so tired. But I could maintain better speed with the Rig in the corners and the braking doesn’t compare.
Thoughs and Questions I now have:
1. When I finished, I was about at the bottom of the tank. Some reserve, but not much. Cutting 3-4 minutes off the first couple of laps would not have made much difference.
2. Will 2008 suspension technology and 29" wheels really do that much better than 2002 suspension technology and 26" wheels - and, if so, will the difference be worth it?
3. Would a more formal rest plan have worked better?
4. Can I lose 6-9 lbs?
5. Training: better quality or more quantity and how do I do that? Up at 0430 on Tuesdays and Fridays? More core?
