My goal for the winter has been to translate my running training to on-snow sessions as much as possible. With what was supposed to be a lightened school schedule, I had hoped to get on snow at least twice a week, with some long and slow laps in addition to a session of intervals or threshold skiing. I also took a good look at the local skimo race schedule and made a committed effort to get to as many events as possible. As extra "encouragement", I even ponied up for a race setup (Hagan X-Race and Dynafit Low-Tech bindings) which functioned as metaphorical collateral. Events plus new equipment equals training, right?
This past weekend at Berkshire East marked the first of local races. Unfortunately, despite my desire to be trained up as much as possible for this event, life eventually got in the way. A mix of travel and illness had me on snow much less than I would have preferred. Nevertheless, I had a couple of weeks of good training and knew I'd at least be able to show up on race day. Way back in the fall, I set the lofty goal of at least one top 10 finish at a race this season. I decided this would be a reasonable success since I'd more than likely be a middler on most days.
The weather on Saturday was balmy to say the least. Weather forecasts had the start-time temp at 44F, with potential to rise to 50F during the race. Not surprisingly, the course was due to be wet by the time we finished. As we gathered for the mass start, I took a look at the competition - a mix of the usual speed crew, some others on light equipment, and a sprinkling of general touring gear. My gut told me it'd be a struggle to finish near where I'd hoped.
Coming to the first boot pack just moments after Jonathan and Chris had transitioned, I realized I was pushing it too hard. I'd have to fall into a groove on the next section if I were going to keep my legs under me. Dima came out of the transition almost beside me, and we headed toward the first boot section with Chris just behind us. Here I was totally unprepared - my training has been exclusively skinning, and my legs felt the booter more than I expected. As I slowed a bit, I watched Dima pull ahead, increasing his lead to about a minute. I was able to make up a little bit time with an efficient transition, but was still trailing Dima as we headed into the second lap.
Finally, I was able to settle into a workable pace. I kept place for the next two laps with Dima about a minute ahead of me, and Chris (chugging along on his heavy gear) about a minute or two behind me. Still struggling on the booters, I was able to keep moving enough to keep my lead on Chris, making up a fair amount of time at the transition points.
As I descended to the second section of the race, my legs were feeling strong. The downhills had been fast and easy, and even the section of bumps on UMass seemed to go well. Transitioning to the uphill, though, I began to feel the effects of the first three laps. My skinning felt like it dragged, and I had to push myself to keep my small lead on Chris. After a quick transition and downhill to the second boot course, I turned to find Tim in full race suit right on my heels. Fully convinced he was one of the leaders, I asked which lap he was on and was surprised to learn he was right behind me on his first. This gave me a bit of a boost, hoping to keep a lead on him as I took on the second, long boot pack.
Up until this point, my transitions had been fairly smooth, without any major gaffs. However, fatigue was perhaps beginning to set in, and I had a couple of misteps getting into my binding. With Tim right on my heels, I worried that this might cost me another place. I pushed the short downhill and did my best to get back to skinning as fast as possible. I could still see Dima headed up the hill as I came out of the final ski to skin transition. It was at this point I was passed by Ian, who after some clarification, I learned had already finished and was meeting up with a friend to finish out his race. I was simply happy not to lose position. Coming into the boot ascent again, Tim was right behind me, and stayed within seconds of me into the final transition. I again missed on my step-in, which almost allowed Tim the time he needed to pass me. I quickly pushed into the downhill and was able to keep my lead to the finish at the base of the mountain.
My final time was 2:45. I was surprised to learn this put me at 11th overall, finishing only 2 minutes behind Dima and 41 minutes off of the winner, Ed Warren. Given this is my first race in two years, and I haven't had as much time to train as I'd hoped, I'm happy with this result. Perhaps my goal of the top 10 finish isn't that far out of reach after all.
Thinking about the race, a number of things went well - my early transitions helped keep me in place. Race gear certainly aids in this. Additionally, my legs felt good on the descents, which has been an issue in races and tours in the past. Finally, my nutrition seemed to be better thought out than previously, and I think that helped keep me moving and prevent the dreaded bonk. On the other hand, I started out way too hard. Pacing has always been an issue, and I still find it tough not to get caught up in the mass start, but I need to get to a medium pace that works for me earlier on. I definitely need more booting practice. My legs were killing on the first climb, and it was clear my lack of specific training was affecting me in this regard. More boot pack and step-ups are in my future for sure. Finally, I only carried a 500mL soft flask for water, which cut it a little tight. For shorter races, this should be fine, but I'll probably stick to a bladder for future races to prevent that parched feeling on the final climb.
This race is definitely a testament to how far I've come over the past few years, and how far I still have to go. I have no visions of grandeur of keeping up with the top finishers, but I think with a little work I can move up a spot or two. Hopefully I can maintain some semblance of training during what will undoubtedly be a busy February, and come back with a stronger effort at the races in March.
