Beep, Beep, Beep, BEEP

So this blog starts at pretty much the place my first blog did...

At sometime around 2pm I found myself sat on my Yeti on the starting mound counting down the beeps in my head, 5,4,3,2,1 green lights GO

I was off, I really can’t remember much, and my memory of the first race run was ticking off the sections of the track in my head;  

Nasty root that I keep slipping on cleared, (probably with a swear word)

First forestry road crossed safely breath,  

Drop down wimp track to side off 1^st drop off and 2^nd forestry road cleared,

 Why are my lungs hurting? breath, 

Camera flash, exit woods, jumps, lungs really hurting..

(At some point in the run I do remember not keeping my weight back and having a ‘moment’ but can’t recall where, can just remember the feeling)

Cleared last forestry road crossing, hear Lauren, Catherine and the other girls cheering... must remember to breath, crossed finish line...  Breathed...

I was down in one peace, I hadn’t fallen off and had got probably the slowest time of the day but hey I’d done it.  The other girls congratulated me, we all giddily chatted about our runs then it was my turn to cheer Darrel on. 

A leisurely relax at the van with Darrel slugging coke and talking about our runs, watched a few other competitors runs then it was back up the top again to do the 2^nd competitive run.  This run Darrel went with his class and went down before me so was ordered to wait at the finish with Chocolate, a sure way to inspire me to get the end. 

The organisers of this event were brilliant, happy to let the girls sort out our own running order I was thankfully at the rear as the slowest.  This time not half as scared and looking forward to hopefully improving on my time.  As each girl left we cheered each other on, until it was just me sat on the mound again.  Now the 2^nd run was a lot nicer, I even pedalled and definitely felt smoother, more relaxed and I was sure faster so you can imagine my shock to be told I was 7 seconds slower, but to be honest the time was irrelevant I’d achieved something that 2 years ago I would never have considered and more surprisingly I LOVED IT.

So here is my summary of my first DH race.

I need to work out a way to deal with my nerves, I hype myself up for no reason and yes I was really sat on the start line trembling and quivering.  Waking up at 3am after having restless DH dreams and not being able to get back to sleep didn’t help either.  

Next time I need to remember to breathe on my first run, the first 2 sections I only took a breath at the forestry roads and felt like my lungs would burst further down.

DH girls are some of the most supportive people I have ever met, I’ve raced XC, Cyclo cross (twice and never again) and road TTs, and taken part in MTB Marathons. But all females taking part in these events could learn loads from DH girls who are amazing.  At the start I was too intimidated to speak the more seasoned female racers, they looked rather pro.. But what a mistake, they are the friendliest group ever giving tips on line choice, advice on position and welcoming to newbie’s like me.

DH may be scary but it’s really good fun, and addictive.

Everyone was really nice, from the male competitors to marshals no one took the piss of my crap riding (well I didn’t hear anyone).  The events at the Forest of Dean have a lovely laid back relaxed atmosphere, but with an undercurrent buzz of excitement and in my case a rather large dose of fear. 

And yes I will race DH again...