My favorite part of racing is the moment when it gets really hard, but I have the ability and the strength to push through and truly test my limits. The moment when it gets really hard is guaranteed, but, unfortunately, ability and strength to push through is not. There are some races when I don’t have the mental fortitude to reach another level. Other races, I have the mental game on lock, but my legs aren’t there. Racing is always a risk, and that’s part of what makes a good race so rewarding.
A couple weeks ago, I ran my first ever Golden Trail World Series race, Pikes Peak Ascent. This race entails 13.32 miles and 7800ft of vertical gain, ending in a finish line at 14,015ft. I knew going in that it would be a challenge, but I was mentally prepared to push through and get the most from myself. Unfortunately, my best that day was not what I thought it could be….but that’s racing, and it makes the good ones that much more special.
Watch the video to see how I managed to make it through a tough race.
