Racing! Family! Friends! Hooray! - Boulder Peak Race Report

A few weeks ago, bummed out, I told my coach that we’d have to cut a race from my calendar as I just couldn’t manage a way to get to Minneapolis.  Being the awesome coach that he is, Mace took it upon himself to look into flights to Colorado and took all of about three minutes to talk me into signing up for Boulder Peak which took place this past weekend.  I’m so glad that he did!  My brother and sister in-law live outside of Denver with my two brand new nephews; my parents will take any excuse to see the babies and decided to bring out my grandma for a 4-generation of Hinzs long weekend.  

Family Time

As race day approached, things did not seem to be gelling for me.  For a variety of reasons that I’m sure no one particularly cares about, I was feeling (and training) very “off.”  Instead of feeling comforted by the knowledge that my family, coach, and several friends would be cheering me on race day, I was extra stressed by the desire to perform well for everyone.  Fortunately, race magic set in and I started to feel like myself on race-day eve and woke up ready to rock for the Peak. 

Pre-Race with my Pops

Overall, I am pleased with my performance; I came in as the 9^th pro female in a very elite field of women.  Compared to my race at CapTex in May, I closed a few time gaps between myself and the leaders (namely in the swim) but more importantly, I closed some mental gaps.  Now in my third race as a pro, I’m getting used to a few things.  I must say it still boggles my mind to tread the starting line with women I have looked up to and followed for years but I’m starting to get over the “I don’t belong” feeling (of course, it didn’t hurt that I knew several athletes on the start list from my days racing for CSU).  Also, I believe my “grit” took a step in the right direction.  I have always struggled with giving sticking it out when things get tough; I tend to race much better when I’m ahead and have a tendency to give up a bit when my proverbial bum is being handed to me.  Racing the Peak, however, I set my mind to racing my race and pushing my body no matter the situation.  I have not felt so awful within a race or at the finish line in a very long time (if ever), which is awesome!  This means I tested my limits and left it all on the course.  I know I still have a very, very long way to go in my athletic development but every race is an opportunity to learn and to grow as an athlete.  I may not have come home with a pay check or a podium shot but I left a stronger and smarter athlete; at this point in my career, I don’t think I could ask for much more.   

Ready to rock in my Blueseventy Speedsuit

Coming in to T2

Loved the spectator support on this 3-lap run course

Finish line in sight!

Aaaand Done.

Following the race, I was able to relax with friends and family which was just what the doctor ordered.  Of course, Mace gave me about 5 minutes post-race before reminding me that long course training amps up this week.  I’m totally jazzed to take on this next phase of my season.  With 4 races left this season and 6 weeks until the Utah Half I can’t wait to see what is ahead!

My nephews say they're ready to start training

Loved having Coach Mace there!

My friend and fellow CSU Ram Geneva rocked her race!

Thank you Blueseventy and Hammer Nutrition for your unending support; I couldn’t be better attired or fueled! 

San Diego International Tri: Quick Race Report

With my next event all of two days away I suppose it’s time for an overdue race report from the last one!  The last weekend in June I had the opportunity to add an event to my calendar at the San Diego International triathlon.  With this being two weeks before one of my “A” races, within driving distance, a place to stay, and a ride (thanks Lindsey and Kempy!) it was impossible to say no. 

Hands down, the best part of my race weekend was having the opportunity to spend a few days with a dear family friend, Kara, and her husband Dan.  Having crewed for an endurance runner friend of ours just a few weeks prior, they were ready to handle any pre-race idiosyncrasies I threw at them, right down to my 9:00 bed time, 4:00 wake time, and mass consumption of sweet potatoes.  San Diego was lovely as ever and I had the opportunity to do my race-eve workout at/in Mission Beach. 

Ocean Swim!

Lovely venue for an expo

Race morning itself was a bit hectic.  Transition opened only 50 minutes before the race start so my usually pokey self had to pick up the pace a bit.  Fortunately, setup was smooth and well run so I didn’t run into any troubles (outside of the bathroom that apparently didn’t believe in stall doors: only a little awkward in the one piece tri suit – good thing triathletes are used to the pool locker room).  There was a great deal of banter for the in-water start and I was pleased to see a few familiar faces in the mix. 

After the gun, I swam my little heart out (decked out in my Blueseventy gear).  While I was far from the first out of the water, I was pleased to find myself in the second pack (as opposed to missing the pack as I had in Texas) and not superbly far back from the first.  The ride was a bit hillier than I expected but I pedaled my little heart out onto the run.  Hopping off of my ride, I was rather displeased to notice the nagging little pain in my right groin had exploded to a bit more than nagging.  I had all but decided to throw in the towel when it started to loosen up about a half mile in.  While the pain never went away, I was able to run my little heart out towards the finish.  While I posted one of the fastest run splits of the day (second by a few seconds) it wasn’t enough to catch the incredible swim-bikers ahead of me.  I crossed the finish line in a close 6^th, placing me solidly in the middle of the pack.  This was a definite improvement over my race in Texas.  More importantly, my attitude and confidence was much higher.  While I still feel as though I don’t really belong in the pro ranks, I was at least not terrified to talk to the other girls at the start/finish line. 

Heading out of T1

Finish Line in Sight!

Following the race, I enjoyed a gorgeous cool-down along the San Diego harbor and recovered with the awesome setup provided by Game Ready (much more pleasant than my ice bath an hour later).  Another dear friend (Kara’s brother Tyler and his girlfriend Julianna) took me out for a delicious celebratory lunch before heading back towards the desert.  With a bit more training in the glorious 110 degree heat and some recovery, I’m feeling ready to rock this next one.  Keep your eyes peeled for news from Boulder Peak!

One of these things is more fun than the other ... 

My Amazing Hosts!

Thank you Blueseventy, Hammer Nutrition, and MP Multisport for your continued support!