So much has happened since my last post. I complete my first marathon mountain bike race....and finished despite carrying about 4 water bottles around with me that I never drank:) And had the honor of racing in a local stage race with all our local favorites and one of mine, Alison Powers.

However, my favorite trip so far as been Iron Horse. Located in Durango, Co; the iron horse is by far one of the most spectator friendly mountain bike course in colorado. Last year we spent several laps riding over a fly over which the crit was also using as part of the course....think mini circus. This was the opening to a ride into a bar, down a ramp, and followed by come technical features. 

Another race weekend and things are improving. Weather is better with no signs of snow in the coming week. Water levels look a little better in some areas and the local mountain bike races are taking place! 

Battle of the Bear that occurs in Bear creek reservoir not even 1 mile from the cross country ski pictures taken thursday of this week. Rates are increasing at local races with a fee of 80 for the half marathon which I think goes to funding the junior racing. Thane is the promotor and kindly let me volunteer in registration and course take down for my entry fee. 

So, race morning arrives and so does congestion and a chest cold:( Put on a bunch of layers and pedaled my way down to the course. Lap times were super fast ie 30ish minutes in some cases for a 10 mile lap. Course conditions were perfect and just a little tacky from the rain. Women's field looked great and ended up turning out a sub 2 hour winning time for the half marathon by Erin Huck. My time was 2:04 with an average heart rate in the 170s. Great training and a ton of motivation for next weekend's firebird race in eagle, co! My time placed me in 4th, one spot out of the money and podium but can definitely see the time gaps closing and feel my fitness coming back.....now to kick my chest cold before firebird!

So maybe not the most typical week in the front range as it is the start of May, but starting it off with a 4 hour mountain bike ride that connected Green Mountain, Zorro, Hogback, Matthew Winters, Apex, Chimney Gulch, Hogback, then back to Green Mountain. 4000 feet of climbing and at Lookout with some trail confusion and also in Golden for my uniform pick up at Golden Bike Shop. Ramping up for the local mountain bike race this weekend!