Well the race started off with an early wake up in Ogden, UT. It was still dark when we made the drive up the Canyon to Pineview Reservoir, but for some reason I was not nervous, I was excited to finally race. We go to Transition 1 at about 6am and I immediately found the primo bike spot and left my trusty steed on the race. From there we made the 15 minute drive up to Snowbasin Resort to setup my run stuff in transition 2. Then back down to the Reservoir to get ready for race start. I setup transition, listened to some tunes in the car, ate a pumpkin-chocolate chip muffin, and I was ready to rock. I got my wetsuit on and headed down to the swim start to get in a little warm-up in Pineview to get used to the refreshing 66 degree water. I found fellow friend and pro athlete, Branden Rakita; we chatted a bit about the start and picked out the best beach spot for the quickest line before the first buoy. We then waited patiently, no count down, just the sound of a cannon to start off the race. Boom, off we go and next thing I know it we are blazing next to the boat dock, mass start of 300+ racers on our way to 2010 XTERRA USA Championships.
I quickly set the tempo and found myself squinting in the sun looking for the first buoy. I remembered that there was a boat parked behind it so I quickly found the shortest line and made my way into first position. I was kind of shocked that I was leading but I was feeling good and I figured when you are in the lead you can follow the kayak to the next buoy. So I turned the screws a little hard to set the pace harder for the others behind me. About 300 meters to go Seth Wealing and Branden Rakita were on my heels, I figured I led this whole way they are not getting away that easy. So I punched it to shore and came out first out of the water that was a good feeling. The funniest thing though was hearing all of the spectators say, “Who is that?” as they were expecting a big name pro to lead the pack.
Now it is time for the bike and 4000+ feet of climbing up and past Snowbasin resort. quickly found my groove and made my way up Wheeler Canyon I was passed by about 6 of the top pros but it was cool to watch them go flying by like a freight train. About 25 minutes in I was caught by one other amateur and I tried to go with him but my legs could not respond. I stayed in my little world and kept him in site as I could see him about 1 minute ahead going up the steep fire roads at Snowbasin Resort.
From there I really warmed up and ripped through the single-track. The bike course was fun but about 16 miles of climbing and then 2 miles of descending down to T2. When I hit transition I was videotaped by XTERRA TV and they followed me all the way out to start the run, so that was a pretty cool feeling. I started the run in about 11 position and 2nd overall amateur.
I found a good groove but really played it conservative as last year I blew up on the run at about mile 3. I was passed by a couple more pros and one other amateur who was unstoppable at this point; I stayed to my pace though and kept it steady. My legs were hurting on the downhill but I ended up staying where I was and finished strong, and most importantly I did not blow up. I came across the line in just over 2 hours and 47 minutes finishing 18th overall, 3rd overall amateur, and 20-24 age group XTERRA National Champion. Needless to say I was pleased with result and I raced hard, most importantly I had fun and improved drastically over last year. We had a great time in Ogden, UT and Snowbasin Resort and I cannot wait to go back next year.
Here are a few post race shots:
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