Finish Line Fantasies : Racing! Family! Friends! Hooray!

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!