We were set for a long trip. Three in the morning and the alarm
went off; we are about to start our 16-hour journey from Florida to Hawaii.
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| Bike and gear all cozy and ready for take off. |
When we took off the flight become sketchy and lots of turbulence
was taking place and I was way more nervous that I would be in any race. So
getting there was actually tougher than the race itself for me. My hands were
soaking wet and my heart was pounding. I started questioning myself why I do
what I do and put myself through all of it. When I am down on the ground and
look up and see a plane, it looks like a small dot and it seems unimportant and
insignificant. It is tough to imagine and comprehend that up there in the sky
are people with all their goals, dreams, purposes. Only what is on the ground
matters. But now when I’m up in the air, in this little plane, wondering how
technology evolved and that we find it a norm to be suspended thousands of feet
up in the air in this little plane, things look much different now. Everyone’s
future up here is strongly connected to what is happening right now. High above
the clouds, zooming to their destination, everything below seems now dreamlike
and not important, since it is so far away. Only the reality that we are in at
present matters, at least matters to us. Everything in life is dependent of the
perspective of the viewer. The same applies to racing.
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| Muchas in Maui. Molokai Island in the background. |
Something that is so important to us bikers and triathletes,
seems purposeless for those who live more ordinarily lives. But we are strapped
in this different universe where things that we find important matter not only
to us but also thankfully to a big group of same minded people. Often I would
wonder of the purpose of this life as a whole and why I wake up and do the things
that I do. It is this constant strive for something, new challenge, new
adventure, better result. All this trouble to satisfy this burning and selfish
in a way drive to chase a new experience and goal. All I can do is wake up and
listen to my heart, it often knows what it wants next. I love just doing that
and seeing where it will take me. Just follow the life force that is in me and
let it drive me to whatever my destination might be.
I guess. this is how I ended up in this little plane looking
down and wondering how I got here in the first place.
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| Everyone including bikes enjoyed this view... |
The second plane was
much bigger, which resulted in quite a smooth ride, it was however pretty
outdated.
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| And this is my most favorite place for morning and evening walk... |
When approaching the landing in Maui we noticed quickly how
strong the winds out there were. We were swinging left to right trying to level
out as much as possible, it made for a really eventful but thankfully
successful landing.
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| So happy we made it here... |
It was magical to see the dark clouds covering the high and
lush mountains in the distance rising from gorgeous and never ending ocean.
Even though it was very windy it looked so peaceful to have such a vast amount
of water around. When we got to our beautiful condo and looked out it was clear
the waves were huge and were crashing on the cliffs below making huge geyser
like explosions. It was beautiful but concerning for the swim we were planning
the next day.
The registration and bike pre-ride was first and when we got out
on the trails we learned that even the best athletes in the world had trouble riding some
sections, since it rained a little the day before and even some more in the
morning hours. I had a fantastic group of ladies to ride with and we did our
best to tackle as much of the bike course as we could tire side down. Often we
were sliding on the slimy clay so much that it felt like we were on an ice-skating
rink, my bike would totally go sideways when I was still progressing forward.
It was ninja skilled bike ride for sure. At some point I had so much mud on my
shoes and tires that riding or clipping in was impossible. We were digging out
all the gook with sticks in order to keep going. We hoped conditions were going
to change by the race morning.
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| Windy evening with high surf. Everyone all smiles! |
My swim this day with monster
waves still going on (from a passing hurricane) was a total fiasco.
I ended up being a few minutes in the water and got caught under a 12-15-foot
huge wave and dragged under, span around, pulled and all I could do was hold on
and hope to be spilled out.
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| Maybe here I started realizing that those waves were slightly to big for a safe swim... |
I was getting now short of breath and when I got
out I saw another massive wave instantly coming at me.
I dove in as low as I could and unfortunately got grabbed
again. Same thing happened and all I could do was hope I can hold my breath
long enough when I am being trashed around like a leaf deep under and was just
looking for light above me.
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| Power of nature. Raging ocean with the setting sun... |
When I got out to the surface I had some water in
my lungs already and was gasping for air, my goggles were partially torn off
full of water and I just wanted to get out. I “swam” a whole 0.1 mile that day
and since than got even more understanding and respect to the power of nature.
I realized how hopeless we are while in the grim of angry waters.
Next day wind died out, sun came out
fully and trails started getting back into shape. To Swim now was also possible
and I did plenty of it, not without major reserves however.
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| All those goofballs are waiting for traditional Acai Bowl! |
The pre-race Dinner with all 850
competitors from all around the world always is a treat and makes for a special
moment. It is always awesome to watch the video of XTERRA World Series on the
big screen showing what all the best competitors in the world had to go through
to qualify for this main event.
 |
| Calm before the storm... |
Every time a specific country
gets on the screen there is so much noise, shouting and clapping from those
that participated in that race. We didn’t see Poland yet this time but we will
have it up there next year when XTERRA Poland will go live. Looking forward
that!
Onto the Race
Third time in the row top 10. As the saying goes third time
should be a charm, should be but it wasn’t.
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| Morning of the race, bike warm-up. It was pretty warm and humid already. |
7th place in the world many would consider
something to be very proud of and yes I’m not going to say that I am completely
disappointed, but I can’t say that I’m overly ecstatic. This is not to a cocky
attitude but rather to the simple reason to why things went the way they did.
For the most of the season I was not sure if Maui this year
will be my goal or not, to be honest I kept it almost to the last moment to
make the definite call to make this lengthy trip.
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| DT Flemming Beach |
I already knew the course, knew the conditions, also was
aware this race doesn’t suit me. Last year finishing in the medical tent with
two IV bags didn’t make this decision easier on me.
I had to be pretty delusional thinking I could actually win
this race and make it to the podium.
The beautiful black dress hung for over a year in my closet
just because I didn't place last year and I refused to put it on even though
I completely adore it. I called it my “podium dress” and unfortunately after
crossing the finish line this year I said that’s it, I’m done waiting, I’m
wearing it. Maui podium will never happen for me and not because I’m not strong
enough of the triathlete but for other pretty frustrating reasons.
 |
And my bike just turned into the Fatty!
|
When I got home I pulled finally all the results and put
them on a spreadsheet, the numbers I saw were pretty disturbing. I was 3
rd
US woman, and the two girls that placed first and second and got on the podium
were now 3x AG World Champion and 1x World Champion and this year 2
nd
place. I finished before the last year’s champion twice this year on Pro Point Series
events. They never beat me on the bike course ever before. This time around however
not only did they both beat me by a great margin but also had faster bike
splits than myself. I felt sick seeing those results and even more unhappy
knowing how actually well I felt during the race. I did everything good and as
planned during the race, but still was so much off.
For once it is the treacherous swim that takes you all the
way out in the ocean and back instead of swimming slightly closer to the beach in the more parallel to the shore way and traditional triathlon triangle or
rectangle. This makes for one pretty scary swim especially with so many people
in the water at the same time and also because the conditions are always here
very rough.
Secondly, the bike course is not too technical, it is
improving a little bit year by year but still it is very far off of what a mountain
bike course should be like. I would know as I race quite a few mountain bike
races and there is a lot to be done to make this course a true mountain biker’s
dream destination. This ride is suited more for the climber with a roadie power
engine and minimal biking skills. This for sure doesn’t allow me to excel since
I can’t utilize much of my biking skills and get any gap.
The third and most crucial point is that this is pretty much
a mass start and a mass race. With 850 people going off at the same time it
becomes as unfair as it can get.
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| Super girls with their bikes. From right: Katherine, Debby, Christine and Myself. |
Don’t get me wrong I love this sport and I have committed
many years of my personal time to keep racing and improving that’s why I feel
it is important for me to say what I have to say in order to make things better
for everyone who wishes to compete in this race in the future.
First there was the Pro Women and Men start. Five minutes
later all age group men, then another five minutes all amateur women went off.
This was a good thing to happen for the swim, since it was
not as congested and I started catching up to the slower swimming men on the
way to the second buoy. The problem was I was surrounded by the full back of
the men’s field right from the start of the bike leg. The heat was overwhelming that day,
almost no wind, full sun, high humidity and almost no shade. Plus, we started
at 9 am, which at Maui time is late, really late so it was pretty scorching hot
before the swim begun.
 |
| Just before my race start. 850 competitors awaiting on the water's edge. |
I was really not looking forward the swim, it is really
intimidating here, but ocean was calm like never before just for me what felt
like and I was going to try to take advantage of it and take all the doubt out.
It was pretty wonderful right after the start, when all the men swam away I was
swimming over the coral rocks. It made an illusion that it is more shallow that
it actually was. I enjoyed this part and it kept me calm. The idea was to keep
this calm going after at some point the rocks were going to end and drop off to
the bottom floor. Now it got deeper and I could still see sand all the way
down. The calm conditions gave us great visibility unlike the other years. I
kept searching for the buoy and it was still way far in the ocean, no matter
how far you got it was still super far away. I was hoping I will not freak out
being that far away from the shore with all those people around me. But I was
fine, almost forgetting I was racing. I was in this weird peace and approached
the first buoy wide. My problem was going back since some people kept going to
the right on an angle instead of turning back. I had a problem crossing over
the left side since all the masses where on my left. I just hoped I would not
get pushed too far to the right on my way back and kept monitoring my status.
The current had to be pretty weak this day since I really didn’t drift that
much away from the half way beach exit and run.
 |
| Getting out after lap 1 |
 |
| And done |
Shortly I headed for the next round to the next buoy. Now
women and men started to mix together, for sure you can tell you are surrounded
by men since things get more chaotic and I will start getting pushed around
more. What was keeping me calm was the view of the few people sitting on the
surf boards near the buoy in the middle of the ocean as they were having a picnic.
It made me feel more at ease, I aimed for the chatty group and didn’t feel like
I’m alone in the middle of nowhere 400 meters away from the shore. It got a little
rougher on the way back but still not too bad. I could see the calm and
wrinkled sandy bottom all the way out here. It was calming and I was focusing
on that view since it was the only thing that seemed was not moving. I was
surrounded by plenty of swimmers now coming close to the shore, it was getting
crowded again. And it was going to be this way for the rest of my race here. I
run to T1 and was happy to grab my bike. First was the golf cart path up.
 |
| Now it's time to get to work. Rushing out from T1 onto grueling 8 mile climb. |
By the time I hit the trails we were burning. Row of riders
were covering the single track. From the second one I started my passing
journey, one by one or whole groups at the time. It didn’t make a difference if
I was on the trail or on the golf cart path, simply I was getting burnt by the sun and was crowded by people who were also suffering on this brutal never ending climb and often were walking their bikes. I tried to organize traffic as much as I could since I
ended up having to pick the worst lines and ride on the loose rocks and grass
or slime in order to keep passing people who were much slower or even worst
were walking their bikes. One time I passed few riders on the climb, flew fast on the short grassy downhill and made sharp left turn into the next climb. It was a slimy corner and my bike just wiped sideways without warning. Now those that I passed went by me and seconds later when I was back on the bike I was passing them once again. I was very proud of my progress I really gave
everything I had on those climbs, on the whole 10 miles of climbing. I don’t
know how this heat didn’t get to me, how I didn’t simply pass out. My heart
rate was often maxed out and I kept on pushing, I did everything I could right,
I made it first time ever all the way to the top of the Razor ridge without
putting my foot down.
 |
| Covered in mud. On the single track. |
Everyone next to me gave up and walked the last part, I
was fighting all the way to the top. The burn was excruciating but I knew the
moment I put my foot down it was not going to feel any better. Pushing the bike up on this grade at this stage of the race
hurts as much and doesn’t bring any better results. So I kept on cranking. When
I got to the top and the trail opened up to this beautiful view I just wanted
to look around and admire the scenery. I noticed a photographer sitting high up
on a tree, I was ready to start speeding up, however all those riders were
right in front of me going at a much slower pace. From there on I was always
behind someone, always going slower than I would want to, it was getting more
and more difficult to pass. On the “stinky crack” section filled with pig mud
the mushed up nastiness was deep, soft and much worse than on the pre-ride.
Everyone here in front of me stopped. At some point there were people to the
left, right and a girl right in front, she just stopped and stood there, just staring
at the never ending pile of mud. I was stuck right behind her, finally after a
while I asked her, getting pretty frustrated, if she was going to actually do
something or she will just keep standing there. Finally, I went around pretty
much everyone and started running in the mud. I tried to encourage people to go, I yelled “This is good for your skin, keep on moving”.
I tackled the second climb to the top of the mountain also,
now it was even hotter and more painful. I kept making passes, the red dirt was
like hot fire and it was showing in everyone around, we all suffered. After
getting finally to the top we were directed quickly what used to be a plunge
but now was a set of left and right carved turns in a grassy field. I was never
sure what to make out of it and the same happened this time. Kind of very
meaningless section. We would go to the downhill faster parts and then go
through some slower parts a few times. I think I had someone catching up to me
and hitting brakes really hard and slamming so terribly bad and sideways full
speed to the ground. I heard the loudest helmet hit anyone could hear, I wondered
and yelled to the person if they were OK. No one replied, we were going so fast
probably 20 mph therefore in a matter of seconds I was gone. I called the first
trail patrol person I found. Since than my descending did slow down, I realized
how dangerous was going so fast on such a sketchy downhill. When I got to the
bottom and traversed through the grassy paths to the other side we went to the
last long and miserable climb. For some reasons it didn’t feel as bad as last
year where my mind really wanted to give up my body was in so much pain going on
the steep angle another mile nonstop up. This time I did handle it well and
made a lot of additional passes. Later was a new half a mile of just cut grass
and some passage through the trees and into my favorite section of the whole
bike course, Pine Forest and everything that comes after it.
 |
| And here we are, infamous "stinky crack". Disgusting, deep, smelly mud section. Christine got it covered! |
It was actually pretty fun and seems like it is somewhat improving
each year, single track here and there and grassy switchbacks on the other
parts. Those final 5 miles are actually what the whole course should be like throughout
this whole race. I was looking forward to this section and hoped to get some
good time on it. The funny part was that the bike leg was almost over and I
didn’t even see my main girls that I was supposed to catch on the bike. I knew
that since I didn’t see them as of yet my chances of getting to top 3 were seriously sliding away. And then I just got completely depressed. While we
approached the smallest rooty sections with little downhill and switchbacks
everyone started hitting their brakes and started going in a snail pace or
simply was getting off the bike. I said “bike people” but this was good for
nothing. I just shook my head and knew my race is pretty much over. The row of
people ahead of me was never ending, after all, the whole 600 men were ahead of
me and not all of them were faster bikers than myself. I ended up racing
hundreds of men instead of racing women, and especially women in my group for
the world title. Even though I kept on trying it took my desire to push even
harder and keep on trying. I said to myself in a sad voice “this is not
mountain biking” I didn’t know anymore what I was doing here and why. Felt I was going
even slower than on my pre-ride.
Suddenly my whole attitude changed. I was
going what felt like half speed that I was capable of pulling, I didn’t feel
any longer like I was racing. It was a ride, it was a slow group ride that just
didn’t feel right. The track was really enjoyable at times but how could I have
enjoyed it? I knew my dreams will never come true and it is not even my fault.
I calculated that between myself and my friend I was chasing there were 448
racers since she was much faster on the swim, I passed 200 out of them on the
bike. This race for sure favors swimmers and punishes bikers big time. The bike
leg would have to be twice as lot for me to pass another 200 people and catch
up to my girls. I hit the final miles as good as I could and tried not to give
up, I got my first split, I was some 8 places down. This took my spirit away
even more since I knew I’m not a terrific runner.
 |
| Some slick parts on the run. |
I went to transition and for the lengthy over 3 mile long
climb. It hurt, but once again not as bad as it did last year, I was making
good progress and kept on moving. It was extremely challenging at some parts,
especially the steepest sections but somehow I kept passing people, I know that
I passed more people that actually passed me.
That was good, but once again
even though I was progressing forward I had this feeling I was not going
as fast as I could have. I had my Clif Gel on
the beginning of the run but soon after felt like I could have used some more.
I didn’t put any more nutrition on my belt however and all I had now was just
my flask with water.
 |
| This is my favorite part of the run. Numerous logs and obstacles, it just keeps getting better. |
 |
| Somehow feeling pretty good. |
It
was great to finally get to the lake and top of the climb and start heading
down. This time I actually could run the whole 3 miles down. I like the
technical parts of the course and made sure to enjoy them when I was there. The
numerous log hopping, scaling the steep climbs and after a miserable concrete
climb going to final descent under the bridge and through the dry creek and
onto the beach.
I was doing great and feeling great too and kind of thinking
that possibly I felt too well, maybe I should have pushed more. I should have
been way more exhausted. After all last year I was fighting here to survive and
making a step was a world of pain and agony. Now I was speeding down feeling
good not realizing I have been racing already for almost 4 hours. It was the
longest race in Maui ever. Mileage for bike and run were slightly longer
therefore everyone’s times are showing as such. The final miles on the beach
went by and I loved people cheering for me while tackling this deep sand and
final grassy uphill into the finishing shoot. I didn’t expect to get emotional,
but for some reasons once again I did and simply teared up on the finish line.
 |
| And here we are once again. It was a lengthy journey to this finish line but I got there! |
I wanted to win this race, I wanted to be on this podium, I
wanted to race well. I have to be really more than satisfied with everything
that I did logistic wise, I nailed everything as far as drinking and nutrition,
I never felt better than this before on this tough course. I could have had an even
better result. I placed 7 but was only short two minutes to the next girl and
within five to two other ones. I find this very plausible and really believe I
belong easily in the top 3.
 |
| Katherine did awesome today! |
On the finish line there were still 150 competitors between
myself and the girl that I was trying to surpass.
Not an ideal scenario, not what one wants to hear.
I really wish that in the future this race will be run in
the ITU format where Pro’s, Age Group Men and Age Group Women are going to have
a separate race.
This is the only way to make it a true World Championship
and give everyone a fair shot at winning. My bike split was ten to fifteen minutes slower to what it
should be because I did come out of the water several hundred people behind
that I was not even racing. The Pro Women were chased down by hundreds of age
group men of which slower ones ended up in my way. I think this is really not
conducive in any way to anyone who trains the whole year and strives to show
what they are made of in a world class event and find themselves struggling and
battling a bunch of people from all different classes and not be able to race
their own race.
 |
| And here it is, finisher medal and lei flowers. |
This is a magic island with for sure great possibilities to
have a world class event but some things need to change.
 |
| It was awesome to have Greg Welch on the finish line announcing my name. Neat! |
Congratulations to those who realized their dreams that day
in Maui.
 |
| And this is one serious group of girls! From right: Mimi, Kelli, Margo and I. |
Monster hugs to those that I met, spent a wonderful time
with, shared this experience with.
 |
| Boogie board time. Spending some fun time with my Pax. |
Even though I write here mostly of my racing adventure and
my placing this trip was so much more than that.
 |
| We got some nice waves. Not on this picture however! lol |
We did some sweet biking around Kapalua with breathtaking
views from the cliffs. We did a beautiful sunset walk and cliff jumps. Swam in
the coral reefs and had an awesome time boogie boarding and chasing sea
turtles. We honestly had such a good time that leaving this paradise brought us
both teary eyes.
So going back to where I started my husband asked me if I
would have done it if I knew how I was going to place. It would be yes and no
at the same time. I feel the result was not the fair one but at the same time I
gained so much from this trip.
 |
| Ride with a view. This coastline goes and goes and it's so tough to stop biking. Views are spectacular. |
I learned a lot about myself once again. I managed to look straight at and overcome my fears and my weaknesses. I had the most wonderful time
enjoying the gorgeous views and lifestyle that Maui offers. The nature here is
quite spectacular with all the native plants and birds. Never ending beaches,
cliffs, sweeping ocean views are breathtaking. Constant sound of the wind and
smashing waves.
But even more impact on me impressed the contact with all
that I had an opportunity to share this time with. I can’t describe how
important and powerful it was to see people even for the smallest moments from
all different parts of the country and the world and share this time together.
I loved seeing my friends that I didn’t see for the longest time and also had the
most wonderful and kick ass roommates who made this trip really interesting and
fun. Debby had an awesome race in the Pro class, Katherine raced her heart out
in her age group and placed overall in top 5 in the amateur class. And
Christine tackled the course skillfully and by finishing it she also put the
final stamp on her incredible XTERRA Pro racing carrier. It was quite an honor
to be part of that and share this moment with such an inspiring always on top
of women’s field racer.
And there was the Award ceremony dinner when we all made our
way dressed and ready to put all the racing and wondering behind and just set
to enjoy the night. I ended up wearing my dress which was meant only for
podium, sadly I didn’t make it there once again.
 |
| Ha! XTERRA Hallowing Party done right! We got here Suzie and her "Wad" half, Karla, Christine, Debby, Katherine, Myself and Pax. |
 |
| Caveman taking off for a ride... |
The powerful and special moment for me was when legendary
Caveman Conrad Stoltz, 4x XTERRA World Champion walked on the main stage telling
his story to us all about his love for this sport and the people while
announcing his retirement from competitive racing. At the same moment he was
being added to the XTERRA Hall of Fame.
Also Emma Garrard and Josiah Middaugh made their dreams come true this year.
Emma got 3rd after many years of trying and getting closer and closer, and Josiah finally won his first World Champion Title after 15 years of attempts. Congratulations!
After that was a crazy XTERRA Halloween
Costume Party which was really fun and I am not sure how I and everyone else
had so much energy to stay up that long and dance away…
 |
| Todd and I testing our TT skills |
I also did bring my table tennis racket to Maui to play
with a friend, my game was a little rusty but we had lots of fun for sure.
Thank you Todd for convincing me into packing my TT gear!
I could not have experienced all of that if I stayed home.
There is so much more to triathlon racing than just racing.
This is what I love about this sport…
Huge Thanks to my Pax for making this beautiful journey come
true and taking care of everything that need to be done, all I had left was
just focusing on my race.
Thank you also to everyone else with whom my path crossed wile in Maui, therefore contributing to this amazing experience. All those times will be greatly cherished and remembered.
Also to all my friends and family at home who were cheering me on and following my progress.
 |
| Recovery ride with in awesome company and never ending ocean view... |
Next year I will be tackling this again but this time with Josiah's help. This will be my first year with a coach as I have accomplished what I have so far with just Pax and I and recent help from Christine Jeffery. What will 2016 bring???
 |
| Napili Beach |
As always big thank you to all the supporters who as
always stood beside me and provided with all the tools needed for a successful
season.
Thank you for my incredible supporters for allowing me to race with the best gear and products imaginable.
Always Thank you goes to:
Syntace, Magura, Stan’s Notubes, Schwalbe, ESI Grips, Clif, Xpedo,
Trainer Road, Garden of Life, Kuat Racks, Light
& Motion, KT Tape, Cycleops, Suunto, Salomon, Huub and for 2014 - Mack Cycles, Oakley,
Pocketfinder, Specialized, Louis Garneau, KMC
Chains and Rotor Bike Components and New for 2015 - Health Fit Chiropractic, Enduro Bearings, K-Edge and SelleSMP
