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First Ever Half Fling
First ever Half Fling, second ever race, and I am equal parts shattered, disappointed and satisfied.
Even though I was going in knowingly underdone (life gets in the road of training more often than not lately) I had hoped to get around in 4 hours, but as I approached Wingello I realised that was not going to happen.
I just wasn't climbing well at all, and there certainly was some climbing to do, but for the life of me I really couldn't explain it as I was otherwise feeling fine. It simply felt like I had lost my Mojo or something. In any event, I resigned myself to coming as close to 4 hours as I could and just enjoying myself.
In fact, one of the nicest parts of the day was the ride up from Early Bath. I don't know if anyone else saw him, as I think he followed bunch of riders from early on, but someone's dog joined a few of us on the trundle up to Wingello, through bucolic lush pastures and past someone's impressive display of tall flowers (Not sure what they were - Any gardeners amongst us?). It certainly put a smile on my face.
In an attempt to make up some time, I didn't stop in Wingello and just kept on. The run back down the pasture was no fun on a hard tail and served to reinforce my growing desire to treat myself to a dually in the New Year.
It wasn't until halfway up Jack's Jaunt that I realised my seatpost had slipped a good 5 cm at least and I can only presume that this was contributing to my poor climbing. To illustrate the impact it must have been having on my legs, as soon as I got off my bike to fix it, both my thighs cramped up immediately which was a very unpleasant surprise.
Anyway, after I managed to fix the seat and my cramps, I felt notably more comfortable and managed to pick up the pace. That is, until, I got to Roller Coaster, which is where my race really fell apart. The pinch climbs broke me and I was walking the up hills constantly by that stage. And, if that wasn't enough - hello Brokeback Mountain. My goal now was simply to finish.
Like others, I was so depleted by the time I hit the single track, I didn't really enjoy it as much as I would have if fresher. Nevertheless, I was fairly pleased with the way I handled most of it and actually enjoyed it in parts.
I have to say it was through the single track where the Full Flingers came through and it was awesome to see these guys and girls fly by and up the climbs like it was the start of the race and not 100km in. I was more than happy to stop and get right off the track to let these thoroughbreds pass. In a perverse way it was almost an honour....
The run up to Your Choice and then down to home is all a bit of a blur to be honest, but it certainly was a nice feeling rolling over the finish line.
Whilst I am disappointed that I didn't get even close to my time goal I take some heart from the universal reports elsewhere of how hard the day was for others. Most importantly I am deeply satisfied that I finished my first big race.
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Sounds like a tough day on the bike - good to hear you kept going to the finish! Would have been great to see the Elites tackle the techy single trail up close - a bit jealous there.
I've found keeping fluids up during rides (especially ones containing Electrolytes/Magnesium) helps keep cramps at bay. Though not everyone can stomach them.
That was a MASSIVE step up from Wollombi - double the distance and who knows how much more hill climbing. To have gotten through it at all - regardless of how long it took - is an achievement, particularly for someone as new to the sport as you are, so have hope that so long as you keep on the bike, you'll keep improving. Don't be put off by "Half marathons;" this would have been 50% harder than Convict or Capital Punishment 50 so if you can do this, you can do them no problem!
Top effort and chin up. I did my first half fling last year and had a similar experience. I was even creating the gumtree add for my bike as I rolled across the line
The fling really demands good preparation and smart riding. Both of which I knew I couldn't do this year so I stayed away.
Massive achievement completing any fling distance especially given it was your second ever event. They make it damn tough
Strongly recommend you enter Capital Punishment, it's not anywhere near as tough and super super fun!
Congrats again
Truth be told, doing the Fling this year was 12 months ahead of my rather nebulous schedule that I had floating around in my head - and I guess it showed in the time etc. - but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience in a beautiful part of the world.
I would like to thank all those NobMobbers who have offered their encouragement and advice over the past few months. I am really looking forward to stepping up a notch in 2015. I am in quiet awe of the results you all posted and hope to close the gap sooner rather than later!
With the lessons learnt from this event, in terms of training and race prep as well as getting to know my abilities better, I am sure I will get faster. I think Ill get a bit more structure in my training and will look at a few club races to work up the skills.
@andyfev & @tristania = Capital Punishment is certainly on the radar, as is the Convict.
@sikllama - the cramps were not too bad. I do remember thinking to myself as I got off the bike - "Hello. Whats going on with my legs then? Feels a bit odd.." then the bite of pain kicked in. I did have a bottle of electrolytic drink with me and it did help, but will be doubly cautious in the future - it was quite unpleasant for a period there.
I'm still wondering if anyone else saw the dog.....
I was trying to ride my old 26er on the weekend, and the saddle is about 1cm lower and a bit further back, and it felt dreadful! Slipping down like that will definitely have had an impact.
Well done on finishing.
You've got me interested in this Capital Punishment thing ...