#ocrwc2016

It's been a week. I think my brain has fully decompressed at this point. So many people have asked about World Championships and I feel like I've failed them in answering properly. So here you go, the Good, the Bad, and the UglyFunny.

Get the negative out of the way first, Bad: It was hands down the worst race of my life mentally. I stood at that start gate, and that drive wasn't there, at all. It was later than I've had to start ever, and even though it was only 11:30, it was like the sun was setting already. That hurt me a lot, on top of the fact that I thrive on others for competition. I've never not had Tim or Nate with me in a race for more than a few miles. And I spent 80% of the race alone. 15k long and only 30some in my age group? We spread out quick. And it's not like the 18-24 men's wave released after us stuck around with me long ;-) My uphill training was worth it. But I forgot the other half is just as important. My downhill mountain sprints (and fear of) need some work. Especially with 2900ft elevation gain throughout. My quads suffered for that, big time. And lastly, 100% my fault, I thought 4 water stations in 15k was plenty since I never really use water during races. Worst mistake I made. By the time I made it to Skull Valley, I was delirious with dehydration. Skull Valley was well within my wheelhouse. And I got nearly to the end before my foot slipped. I could've easily gone back and crushed it, but I wanted it all to be over so bad and water had to be close, so I moved on, only to get to the low platinum rig and bang my knee into the bar twice and then fall, and stand up to crack my skull into the same bar. I did not have fun on the top of that mountain. ;-)

Onto the happiness, Good: You know all those things that I was terrified about going into this race? KILLED them. Every single wall was just an alley oop and there I go! Not even multiple attempts needed. There were 3-4 in the very first stretch and I approached the first one with terror, it was like I'd never failed a wall in my life. Completely fluid. That energy is probably what got me through so far. I think I skipped after every wall with happiness. And that fear of heights with grip strength obstacles? Swallowed it as if it was a tic tac. Didn't look down and just went shimmying across those bars and pipes like a ninja. Watching others struggle with rope climbs also built that confidence. It's weird knowing a year ago I couldn't get more than a foot off the ground. And so many obstacles start with a rope climb, I would've been screwed.

Moments of Ugly/Funny scattered my five hours on the course: I lost my band at Dragons Back because I let fear take hold, and I was so emotional trying to overcome it that the volunteer was only as tall as my chest and when I handed it over, I was choking back tears and she went wide for this very awkward hug. Soon after was the dreaded Wreck Bag carry. All I was thinking about was my back injury. I easily got it up on my shoulders, so there's a win, but after that? Half mile straight up the mountain and some stairs, then back down. It doesn't get uglier than that mile. I could have easily passed as the Hunchback of Notre Dame, bag slipped down to the bottom of my ribs. But I did it. I watched countless sprays of sweat staring at those rocks carrying that thing. Pink sweat. Which is my last moment of entertainment. So many people commented on my fiery locks, it was nuts. One Brit male volunteer asked where I got it done, while others just made comments.