Pivot: Less Racing is More

Due to the COVID restrictions and race cancellations, the past two years were limited to race calendar. This is, however, not a bad thing. I think I get better quality and experiences with I focus more on a few races dispersed throughout the year rather than a whole bunch all year long. Coincidentally, I only did local races the past two years, and they are perfectly placed in the calendar to be 2-3months apart. 

The Cumby: Mid June. Local Cumberland, now legendary, 25 km trail race. A bit longer than what my body is ready for. I only run 18-20 km for my long runs through the winter months. So, I have to really step it up for this race. An amazing run with friends in the forest. This year I got lost twice! I missed out on the podium and I was 2-3minutes in the lead when I got lost. Not sure if I would have held off  my friend Theo Jankowsky, as he has more endurance and was hunting me down. It was his first win, so I was happy to see him take it!

Forbidden Gravel Experience. I sandbagged the 60km version, as the full distance was 109km with 2500m climbing and I would have bonked hard and not enjoyed the 6 hour ride. For the 60 km, it was a tour of fun riding with my pal Clay for most of the race. The last steep climb, my gravel bike gearing allowed me to stay upright and push to the win. 

Dodge City X: Off-road Triathlon. National Championships. It was a doozie of an event. I just got back from France (Therapist for Team Canada road cycling stage race) and was heading off to Australia the next day. In the race I had a good swim, but had a few mistakes in the transition (my wetsuit zipper got stuck) and was in chase mode the rest of the race. In the last 3-4km I caught my competitors, my pal Clay again and a relay team racer. 

Nationals is in Ibiza, Spain next year. I'm not sure if I'm able to make it but it would sure be fun!!