Quassy HIM RR #1

kimmydct

Did the first Quassy RR today on the course with a bunch of fellow ENrs.  Great to meet some of my virtual training partners!  Hit the road around 8:30.  It was about 40 degrees, but very windy.  I was bundled up pretty well but I was still cold at the start.  I had my Infinit/Gatorade blend plus some Clif Bloks, GU and Stinger Waffles.  Felt really good and was enjoying the ride for the first 20-ish miles.  Then I got lost.  Or I should say the cue sheet was a bit vague and with 50/50 odds, I made the wrong guess.  I got all confused and frustrated but finally got headed n the right direction.  Also found a bathroom at a state park that was closed so I went as close as I could.   I had added about 4 miles to my trip.  ugh.  Once back on track, I was greeted with a like 7 mile climb.  (I'm sure there were flat/downhill parts, but it felt all uphill) I started to get some mojo back and get into a groove, then I got messed up with the cue sheet again, but on a positive note, I was able to course correct and knock off those 4 miles I added earlier!  That made we VERY happy and got some more mojo back and I started to recognize parts of the Oly course, which I know well.  And some of my favorite parts too.  (DOWN!!)

Nutrition was good.  I took in about 270 cal/hour (I was out there for 5 1/2 hours but 4 1/2 hrs actually riding) and that was right on.  The caffeinated GUs were timed right too so I'm good there.  Pacing was OK, can work on that though.  .73IF but 1.16 VI.  With such a low FTP, it is hard to get up some of those hills and remain upright under Z5!!

The day was full of ups and downs (literally and mentally) but I got it done.  SInce I was so behind schedule as a result of my "Navigational impairment", no time for run.  Might do a super e-z run with the wife tomorrow.  It was a really nice ride though (And even took some pics, which I won't be doing on race day...)

Next time I will print a %^@&!# map and know the course better.  And hope for no wind on race day!

Brad Marcus

Kim- job well done...way to stick it out and finish despite the challenges. That wind was a B!tch out there today! Seemed to be in our face no matter which way we rode. If we didn't have Chris with us, I may still be out there trying to get home . Lots of twists and turns on that course. I felt pretty good, but am totally shot right now...feet up as I type. Great to meet you and everyone else and look forward to seeing you on race day!

[Deleted User]

Easy to get lost on that course. You kept going and rocked it. So glad I got to meet you and to see you finish up your epic ride on one heck of a windy day.