August 21, 2004 - INTERVIEW
Name: Andrea Walheim
City: Philadelphia
State/Province: PA
Country: USA
Age: 34
Place: 1st
Category: Beginner
Class or Age Group: Women 34 and under
Team: Jersey Action Riders
Race Bike: Trek Y-frame (ol' school)
Tires: I don't remember
Conditions: trail was damp, not too muddy
Email: awalheim@hotmail.com
How was your fitness level going into this race?
My fitness level was good although I was not feeling at the top of my game
this particular day.
Were you happy with your position going into the singletrack?
Yes, I started off fast to get the front position going into the singletrack.
Sprinting out at the start is a double-edge sword. You don't have to worry
about having to pass your competitors to get the lead but you have to worry
about them catching up to you for the rest of the race. You put yourself
on the defensive.
Were you strong from start to finish?
For my first 16 mile race (the most I have done in the other races was
10 miles) I felt OK, although I will need more experience to figure out
how to pace myself better. I was really tired after 10 miles and my calves
started cramping a bit. Must have been that nasty lemon -slime gatorade
I "borrowed" from
Tim that was so gross I hardly drank any. But beggars can't be choosers.
When did you put the hammer down?
We were told the course was "between 14 and 15 miles." So although I was
BEAT, I put the hammer down at 13.5. Then at 14.5, thinking I was going to
turn the corner any second to cheering people at the finish, I came across
another race marshal who said "only a couple more miles to go!" HUH? Are
you kidding me? Needless to say the last ACTUAL mile, 15, was pretty painful.
Did you have any unusual problems?
I felt a sting on the back of my calf and reached down to feel a wasp on
my leg. That felt good for the next 8 miles! At one point in the race the
course went straight through an intersection where there was a firebreak
but the arrow had been knocked down so I lost about 45 seconds turning out
onto a field until I figured out that I had missed the sign. I know of at
least one other racer who made the same mistake.
Were you happy with the way the race was run?
I thought the race was run extremely well. The race promoters were generous
with the prizes, and the course was well-groomed and marked. What was up
with the empty podium at the beginner awards? How come no one used it? That
made figuring out who won difficult. And no podium photos of my friends.
Boo.
Did you have any interesting experiences during your race (exchanges
with competitors/spectators)?
It is really fun racing in a series where you get to know the same faces
and who then offer you support and encouragement before, during and after
the race. Guess that is what keeps us coming back.