Blog
One-off out of retirement for Xterra UK!
17th May 2023
Xterra Weston Park - an epic return! It was worth the 8-year wait to see Xterra back on UK shores. I never thought I'd race in an elite field again, let alone stand on a podium with Alistair Brownlee! (Albeit a few steps lower down)
All credit to Doug Hall for working tirelessly over many years to make this a reality. The UK's off-road athletes were absolutely buzzing for this, and it was so great to see so many old friends and familiar faces again. As well as initiate new friends to the Xterra family (including my new coach Kit Walker)!!
I entered this race last year as soon as it was announced, and was only ever planning to race as Age Group. I have trained a reasonable amount for running since August (my main goal for this year is getting some post-baby run PBs in 5k / 10k / HM, and hopefully qualifying for London Marathon). But I simply don't have time to bike anymore, or even the option to spend much time riding due to a saddle injury which even surgery hasn't resolved. I swim 2-3 times a week and I know my experience will get me round the distance, but I was just intending to do this race for fun and old times... (and simply because I love Xterra!)
That is... until two weeks before the race, I was contacted by the organisers and invited to start in the elite category! Apparently I'm still #67 on the world rankings from my races two years ago before I retired. I was initially in two minds whether to move up... I know I'm not in the form of 2021 (and certainly not at the form of my best, pre-baby, pre-veteran days of 2015!) But on the other hand I've got the rest of my life to race Age Group. And I know I would regret not taking this opportunity. I do feel a bit of imposter syndrome - and I know I'll be a target for the fast Age Groupers on race day. But I also accept I have earned this on merit, and the opportunity is unlikely to ever come round again. It would be crazy not to grab it with both hands!!
To add even more excitement to the mix, a few days before the start it was announced that Alistair Brownlee would contest the mens race - this is only going to add to the cred, the atmosphere and the number of supporters at the event. And what a chance to toe the start line with the original Olympic legend! (As well as many legends of Xterra)
After finding out I'd be racing elite, I threw in some extra open water swim sessions, knowing I'd better get some acclimatisation and wetsuit practise! Coach Kit added me a couple of specific bike sessions - but realistically there's not much more I could cram in at two weeks' notice. What would be would be and I'd have to do my best off my run fitness.
On race day, I was excited to get going! Relieved the lake was a balmy 15* and I had done the acclimatising. I was not prepared for a mass start though with the AG mixed wave (having been told elites would get a 10m clear start). I tried to position myself next to the other elite ladies on the start, but as soon as the gun went, we were all swam over by the men, battered in the washing machine effect, and caught up in the pond weed. I'm certainly out of race practise and lost touch with most of the other pink hats, however it was a tough swim for all so no excuses.
Onto the bike and it was an enjoyable, but strength sapping course. I was hoping for plenty of technical sections which would play to my strengths, and there were certainly some fun singletracks. But it was mostly a physical course and all about putting the watts down. On the plus side it was an accessible course for beginners and roadies, so should encourage participation. The fact it was a fast course compared to say France or Italy, at least meant I could limit my time losses. (Even when fit, the bike section was always my weakest link). The only gripe was constantly getting stuck behind AG men, who can power past on the climbs, but then crash or ride slowly on the technical sections and obstruct the course! I'm sure the other ladies were in the same boat though, and it didn't change the overall outcome.
I was looking forward to the run the most - a beautiful course through the bluebells and attractive grounds of Weston Park... and a little quarry section with a rope climb just to stamp a little Xterra personality ;)
I was pretty sure I was 4th elite out of the water, and 5th coming off the bike, but I had no idea where I stood against the Age Group athletes, as not all started in the same wave. I certainly didn't expect to beat all the AG athletes just because I'm racing elite... (I wasn't expecting to race elite, after all!) And sure enough, there were a couple of super-quick AG-ers ahead of me at the finish, despite passing some ladies on the run. Some great performances and hopefully they will get enough tour points to move up to elite in future.
I was pretty happy I would have won my own AG by almost 15 minutes though ;)
I am always hard on myself and wishing I was still where I used to be. But I have to remind myself I am now a full time working mum of 42, and I can't compare myself to what I used to do, or to the new talent 10-20 years younger than me. Mostly I am buzzing and feeling gratitude I was still able to be in the mix! I can't wait to do my next Xterra race now I've been reminded how awesome the Tour and the Xterra family is! I don't know yet whether that will be 2023, 2024, AG or Elite... we will see. But as Arnie once said, one way or another "I'll be back!"
Thank you Carel and Ceci for the photos and wonderful memories!
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