My first XC MTB race

26 miles - the Super Series South Downs 'Ups and Downs'.

Got lost about 3 miles in with a handful of other riders, ended up taking a detour which cost around 40mins! This is all thanks to general public taking down the signs which point us in the right direction! So thanks go their way.

About 4 miles from the end I destroyed my back tyre on a fast downhill stretch, looked like a stress puncture, due to excessive enthusiasm. Consequently, as I had no inner tube for repairs, I hoisted the bike onto my back and started jogging. Covered about a mile (with an unparalleled feeling of failure, but a grim determination) before a kind samaratin passed me. I gave him a fiver for a spare inner tube and 5mins later was back on track.

Some of the climbs throughout that race were absolutely brutal, like I've never experienced before. I found it important to go into another world during some of those ascents, the pain was too unbearable for this reality. However I made a pact with myself to persevere, and as a result never got overtaken.

I felt that my downhill speed had a huge impact, not only does the small adrenaline hit help a lot with the immediate ascent but I push my time that little bit further.

The strength training had a huge impact. Although the balance is utterly necessary, I felt that without the strength in my legs I would have failed on many of the climbs, it just allowed me to push when otherwise I would not have, or when others may not be able to. It's like a secret reserve fuel supply.

It may have been in my mind, but it felt like I was breathing so much heavier than those around me. I told myself to keep breathing deep the entire race and never hold my breath, it helped big time. Despite the exhaustion at the top of each ascent, a quick time on the flat or downhill was all I needed to recover most of that energy back. Interval training anyone?

Being technical makes a huge difference, from powering up really steep descents, changing gears mid climb and to flowing down a twisty singletrack and bunny-hopping over the gorge to avoid bike damage or death. Having that technicality seems an absolutely essential aspect of XC racing. I love the multi-dimensional aspect of that.

So my take-away lessons from this race are:

• Wear better shoes. My lace got caught in the chain on one of the downhills which was fun.
• Bring 2 spare inner tubes, and a pump!
• Keep breathing, in nose (and mouth a bit), out mouth.
• Keep peddling. Get the devil out of my mind. Singing to myself, or mumbling some random nonsense seems to do the trick.
  
• Standing up in the bike really helps the legs stretch out and recover.
• Pedalling downhill also helps the legs to recover, I assume by flushing blood to them while not undergoing any resistance.
• Downhill: look ahead, pick the line, attack it without holding back. Have trust in the bike.
• Biking is as much glutes and hips as it is quads!!!