The tuner went great! It was a relatively large Pro Women's field and my expectations were, well, I didn't have expectations. I just wanted to ride as hard as I could, have fun, and see where I ended up. I ended up in 2nd place which was a solid start to the season!
Photo: Angie Harker
Photo: Angie Harker
Photo: Angie Harker
On Sunday, feeling surprisingly recovered, I dialed in my favorite parts of the True Grit race course. I returned home to Salt Lake for a few days of work that were relatively unstressful and felt good on the bike everyday. Wednesday night I went to bed feeling great only to wake up five hours later feverish, nauseous, and vomiting. It was an ugly 12 hours; uglier than chemo! By Thursday afternoon, my fever had broken and I was able to eat some food, but the damage was done. In less than 12 hours I lost 3 pounds. Not good! Nor ideal prep two days before a challenging 50-miler in the hot desert!
I spoke to my coach and she asked me what my thoughts were about racing. Honestly, at that point I couldn't fathom racing 4+ hours in 48 hours. I responded that if I woke up Friday feeling good I would consider it. She shut me down:) Heck, it's March. There is so much racing (and training) to be done. I don't need to start the season in a deficit!
I have no idea why I got sick. All I know is that it was bad timing. As bummed as I am to miss True Grit, I am equally excited about the rest of the season. I have put together a super fun and exciting 2015 race season and I am really, really looking forward to the April racing! Bring it!
