Xterra Whistler

As I woke this morning, I felt lazy, tired.  I then remembered an article written by Chris "Mecca" Mccormack, one of the most successful Ironman about motivation.  The gist of it was that even pro's at time were not always motivating during training session, and although this was a race for me, it helped me focus and start getting motivated for my race.  The gloomy and cold weather was not helping but than I thought about Xterra France and I saud to myself " Can't be worst than that"  As I headed to transition with my Buddy Roy from Brab's condo, a mere 2 min ride with my music in one here I thought to myself, there are worst things I can be doing on a Sunday morning.  This was a small field, probably around 60 racers for the full course.  After setting my transition and scoring a end rack right at the entrance, I went to get body mark.  After a quick swim before the start, the gun went off at 8 am sharp. This race was very spectator friendly with 2 750m loop, 2 technical bike loops of about 12 km and 2 short run loop of about 3 km each.  After a 27 min swim or so, it was now off to get on the bike and to chase Roy, how had just left transition.  The bike course is great, and with name such as the fountain of love, dwarf nebula and Pinocchio's furniture we were in for a treat.  I have to admit that marking on the bike could have been better, Roy and I were victim for a couple wrong turns and  would again be victim of another wrong turn during the first lap.  As the second lap started, with the rain amplifying, which would make roots and bridges a bit more treacherous, I was actually having a better time, without any wrong turns.  I knew Roy would be ahead for a good 6 min off the bike and as I got off on  the run, I started passing people.  I must have passed close to ten runners but would ultimately not catch Roy, that will have to be for another day.  As I cross the finish line, Roy, Barb, Connor, Anne and off course Stephanie were there to great me.  This was definitely a nice bike course, very west coast and challenging but not so much that it could not be enjoyed. Off course a nice sunny day would have been better but such is life as an Xterra racer.  Next stop is the Xterra Canadian Championship, part of the global tour, in Canmore, Alberta on the labour day long weekend.  I know have to step up the training and perhaps find a race in between.  As for now, time to rest for  a bit.  Stay tuned for some training updates and Gear 2.0.  Until then, Happy trails!

Carpe Diem