The Island Lake Challenge, that WASN'T

 I can truly say that this event was not a challenge for me, because it just wasn't. 

I didn't wake up early.

I didn't drive across the state.

I didn't line up on the start line.

I didn't race. 

So what did I do?

Well,  I spent all night puking on Friday into Saturday.

I slept most of the day away on Saturday.

I did wake up and think about going to Brighton.

I did stay on the couch and listen to my reality, instead of my heart.

I was ready. I was really ready to go to Island Lake and give my all. But some type of sickness kicked in. I would love to tell you that it was self inflicted, but looking at it.....I have my doubts. We all have had hangovers before, but that wasn't this. It felt more like an illness, based on the symptoms and the longevity of it. I mean, I wasn't in this bad of shape when we went to Vegas back in March. lol.

So I will chalk it up to a stomach bug that wiped me out for a few days. Hey....this is as good of an excuse as any right?

Looking at the finishing times I am shocked. The winner was....how do I say it.....fucking fast. Second place was only a minute behind him. Then there was a gap to what I would classify as what I expected the winning times to be. I was guessing the winning times would be between 1:20 and 1:22. But the winner in my class was a brutal 1:15. 

My goal time was around that 1:24 mark.....which would have landed me close to the top 5. However, one of the top 5 I did beat at Yankee by a few minutes. So chances are I could have taken 3rd. The other two were just too far gone. Bananas to me that the gaps are this big. Then again, it was like that at Yankee. I was 11th and was over 10 minutes behind the winner. So....I guess it makes sense. but SHEESH.

So it didn't happen for me on Sunday. Dangit. 

But....there is a silver lining. I didn't spend the gas to drive across the state and potentially harm my physical well being even more than it was. Making the right decision sucks, but it was the best choice to stay home and rest. 

Another thing....after 3 races I am still in 2nd place in the Point series. I guess I can't complain too much there. 

Next up is Maybury XC, but I do not plan to be there. I have other obligations. Looking at registration though....its makes me pause. The turnout is very low at the moment. Under 50 entries with less than a week to the event. And....only 1 Clyde. ugh. I could show up and get some big points (if nobody else shows up). haha.  It could change the points, but its hard to tell until after the race.

What I am actually focusing on is the Luton Part Time Trail on the 15th. This is basically another home race for me on a trail that I know very well. I will take this week to get the legs moving again and learn what more there is to learn about the trail. 

Until then....keep moving forward!