43 miles
6500 feet elevation gain
4:28
8th AG (40-49)
8th GC (40-49)
Today was my "recovery" day and I was really looking forward to a break from training. The altitude makes everything so tough!
I woke up a little before 5:45am and Karel got up shortly after 6am. Around 6:45am I drove up the street to drop off Karel's aid station #2 bag w/ a bottle inside and then drove 1.2 miles to the rec center for an easy swim. I once again wore my snorkel for most of it although I did feel better with short intervals without the snorkel. I swam a total of 2500. I drove back to our Airbnb and then walked to Main Street to watch the start of stage 2.
Karel was feeling pretty good this morning. He took some extra time to do mobility and sit in the normatec boots to help his body warmup. He then went out for a 16 minute warmup. He was hoping to get a bit closer to the back front of the corral but ended up further back than he wanted. It was a bit cooler this morning in the low 40's but like usual, once the sun pops up, it really warms up.
After Karel set off on his adventure on the Colorado Trail, I went back to the Airbnb for breakfast, got some work done and then around 10:30am I got on my bike and rode to Aid station number 2 (which was around 32 miles in the stage) to see Karel. I arrived a bit early as the top riders were just coming through so I spun around the road until I was feeling like Karel would be coming. Around 20 minutes later, he rolled in. He made a quick stop to pee in the porto potty and I refilled his hydration pack and topped off his bottle. He looked really good and he didn't appear to be struggling.
After Karel rode off, I biked back into town and the up to the B&B trailhead to see Karel finish (~3 miles out of town). It was a nice steady climb with beautiful views. Some of the road turned into light gravel but otherwise, it was a nice ride up.
I waited a bit for Karel and he finally came. He looked to be in good spirits and I was happy that he had a good day. After he told me about his day, we rolled down to the post race tent so Karel could get a Skratch recovery drink (sponsor of the event) and some snacks. We then rode back into town. I went back to the Airbnb and Karel went to the Beaver Run resort (race headquarters) to rinse off his bike.
Karel was pretty tired this afternoon. The stages get more challenging as the event goes on so he is hoping that he can recover the best he can tonight so that he can do the best he can tomorrow.