LOTOJA Classic 2012
My race report is in process so I will update this when I'm done... Here's a short synopsis:
Totally awesome experience! I enjoyed every second of it (well, almost : ) and absolutely want to do it again. I finished in 09:38:49 which was good enough for 8th place in my Category 5 division (5300 series) and I think I was 174th place overall out of 1,000+ riders. I was unofficially hoping to come in under 10 hours, which I did, so I'm satisfied/happy with my result. I feel that I performed to the level that I trained. Although I didn't do a ton of long rides throughout my training, the ones I did do (e.g. MS, Ultimate Challenge, a few 70-milers) combined with the bread-and-butter 40 to 50 mile rides I did consistently 3 to 4 times a week (mostly in the canyons) proved to be enough. I'm sure the running was also great cross-training! : )
I didn't noticeably sense any residual fatigue or soreness from last week's marathon. With the exception of a short period around the Afton, WY support exchange, I felt very good during the whole race and was fortunate enough to not have any mechanical issues, wrecks, or other mishaps. Mom and Dad did a fantastic job serving as my support crew and they were very fast at each support exchange to get me on my way quickly. My fueling strategy worked well. I ate/hydrated regularly and maintained good energy levels. I estimate that I took in about 4,500-5,000 calories during the whole ride. I got to meet and ride with a ton of great cyclists. I met David Francis (2005 overall winner, from Vegas) while on course (he was riding Cat 5 with his son) and I got to catch up with my old mission buddy and three time overall winner, Cameron Hoffman, at the awards ceremony (he finished 6th overall this year; 3rd in the Cat 1 division; less than 2 mins behind the overall winner and new record).
I definitely learned some things that I'll do differently next time (I'll explain these in more detail in the full report):
-Skip the first stop in Preston!
-Figure out how to not to have to pee before the first climb!
-Wear sunscreen on the arms and quads
-Get a bike computer
Notwithstanding these few things (which really weren't that big of a deal in the scheme of things), it was a tremendous experience. So glad I had the opportunity to do it. The investment in the training was certainly worth it. | 