Last Sunday was the second installment of the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure Series. Troy, Annie and I had been up in Vail since Friday, and both of us were able to ski on Saturday. It was one of the best powder skiing days I have ever had, but I thought I might pay for it the next day in the snowshoe race with tired quads. Luckily I woke up Sunday feeling quite peppy and ready to go.

We had lots of Practical Coaching folks out at the race which always makes things fun. My dad also came up from Aspen to watch the race and he took a ton of great pictures. It’s always easier to race with friends and family around. I am the type of person that likes to chat before a race, so this was ideal!

I’m not sure what happened in the Dash For Cash this month. I think they gave the money to someone who didn’t run the race, or someone who clearly didn’t win. I thought it was between Amy and I...but neither of us won it. Still, it’s a great little sprint to take the nerves away!

The course was tough. There was a lot of powder and the path wasn’t quite wide enough so my ankles and inner shins are one big bruised up mess. I went out hard and tried to keep a good pace, but eventually you just get tired and end up walking up the big hills. I was proud to say that I didn’t walk one step until mile 3. For snowshoe racing...that’s a feat!

I also got to race in my new Beyond Clothing Steal Action Shirt, and it is quite the bomb. Not one ounce of snow stuck to it and for being windproof and waterproof it was totally breathable. Loved it! I also got to stay warm before and afterwards in my new Cold Fusion X Jacket. Isn’t the lilac color awesome. I love it!

I was able to pass several people in the later half of the race which meant I was hurting less than most. I kicked it into the finish, however with an uphill finish, that’s not easy to do!

I got 7th place in the womens 10K field. That’s one better than last month. I cut the gap between me and the lady in front of me from 2 minutes to 1. So I think I am making progress. I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger, and I know that the hard work will pay off in Triathlon season with a strong base to build upon.

This race was a huge mental test. It tested your focus and your mental fortitude. I can tell I am getting better in this area. I am also improving on my pre-race mental focus. I am able to get on the line calm and relaxed, confident that I belong in the front, and ready to rock the house when the gun goes off. You learn a little something every race, and in this one I learned that I am getting to be quite the bad a** chick.

Many thanks to Beyond for my new coat and shirt.

Happy Trails!