So, I rode the Madison course for the first time this past weekend. I didn't ride all of it (all of it would be 112 miles), but I certainly rode enough of it. I've been told in the past that the course is hilly. Let me tell you this: the course is HILLY. I spent much of the ride cursing the great state of Wisconsin, much of it trying to catch up with the others, and the whole of it questioning my sanity in signing up to do this thing. Unlike the Boston Marathon course, the downhills do not make up for the uphills.
Long story short, I made it. In one piece. On race day, I just have to do that again. Well, and then again right after that.
I have a newfound respect (read: fear) of the course and what it is going to do to my legs (should make for an interesting marathon). Where at one point I felt like I was working out a lot (two hours! on the bike trainer!), I'm now fearing the opposite.
It was a brutal ride but on the bright side, I got a six pack of New Glarus out of the deal. On the downside, after coach made a comment about it "not being part of [my] fueling plan", I'm now afraid to drink it.
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Just ask Schmidty about my wimpering breakdown after my first Verona loop last year. You are certainly not alone in your initial concern. After 10-12 more times, you'll dream about it. Also, you have a distinct advantage over the hundreds of race travelers who have no idea how hilly Wisconsin is, either.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to add, that Chris's meltdown was epic. ;) Drink the beer, enjoy the rides, you will be fine. Before long you will be eating up those hills. There is something to be said for the fact it's May and you are already out there. It will help you understand how important pacing is on the bike when you race. My best advice, ENJOY the journey to Ironman. Looking back that is just as good, if not much, much better than the race itself.
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