This past weekend, the Teva Mountain Games brought me to Vail, CO. I love this event because it isn’t only about mountain biking. In fact, mountain biking is only a small part of the equation. I was also working the Ergon booth in “Gear Town” in addition to participating in the mountain bike race and the 10K trail run. It was fun to sit at the booth and try to identify what breed of athlete was mozying by. I have to say, I think climbers win for looking the most tone and fit. Hmm…maybe I should get back to rock climbing. :)
The great thing about being at the Teva Games is the inspiration that came from it. When you do the same type of event weekend after weekend, you tend to forget that there are so many other things going on. It’d be nice to have more events that had “mountain games” instead of a run OR a mountain bike race OR a climbing competition.
I had a terrible day on the bike Saturday, but the urge to do the trail run was almost unbearable, and trail run I did! I was in shock on the course(and failed to check it out beforehand. I thought, “How bad could it be?”) I have done a lot of trail running and a few trail races, but I have never encountered something so steep!
The course went straight up the mountain in some spots, and most of the climbs turned into swift hiking. I laughed at it because it was hard, because it was shocking, and because it was just fun.
The pink lightning bolts is what did the trick!
I did come away with some really awful blisters on my arches, and am hobbling around town this week. I’m still searching for the perfect pair of insoles that don’t rip my feet apart.
I also was able to sneak away to try slacklining with the Yogaslackers. I’ve always wanted to try it, but walking on a tight rope sounded way too hard. I definitely had to push outside my comfort zone, but I tried it! The more I try new things, the more I want to be good at all of them. That’s the trouble, to be really good at something, you usually have to focus on that. I touched on this point in a previous post about a month ago.
Believe it or not, it’s actually more comfortable to do a handstand on someone’s shins versus the ground.
After seeing only a few minutes of the World Cup Bouldering Competition, I wanted to dig out my climbing shoes and chalk bag. I see some climbing in my near future, but only after my blisters heal! However, I don’t have a desire to compete.
Next year, I will do the All Mountain Challenge, provided that The Growler and Teva are more than one week apart. I’m afraid of water sports like kayaking, which is all the more reason to learn. If we never push out of our comfort zone, how can we improve?
This weekend are the Lyons Outdoor Games. I am on strict recovery orders this week after trying to race the Growler and do Teva right after. Let’s say it all together, “Sonya, you bit off more than you could chew.” Fair enough! I will rest, but it’s tough with all the fun events going on this weekend. I’m hoping to make it over there to check it out, although I’m a little bit nervous for the kayakers with the raging spring/summer runoff.
And now here comes the truth and the conclusion after being at the Teva Games. Mountain biking is my love, but…. I might have to try an adventure race someday soon… now back to convincing myself to learn to take on river sports!
