Punished- Recovered- Punished again

Having completed only 2 events last year(convict 100 and the half fling) I have set about doing more racing then just training in 2015. The last two weekends have involved heading down to Huskisson for the husky 100 and then to Canberra for the Capital Punishment. Having previously only ridden Stromlo I thought the Capital would be a perfect opportunity to ride some of Canberra's other renowned trails. Starting at the back of wave two the race was fast and constant through the first 40km of mainly ST. Throwing in a few fire trail climbs between all the ST I was just trying to hold my pace and get to the untimed section to recover as I was aware of where my HR had been sitting for the 60km and was beginning to feel the effects. Once in the untimed section I stopped at the feed station and keep slowing moving to where the race recommenced. Jumping back in the timed section I began to climb and descend black mountain with 4-5 others however ended up finding myself alone as others were either moving too fast or a bit behind a steady tempo. I find it quite a strange feeling in races where you know 600 odd people are competing but you find self alone for long periods of time which makes it feel like a training ride minus the iPod. Normally my goal is to not to end up alone but it's a fine line between pushing too hard with one group of riders and blowing up or riding within your self and knowing this cost you time. Getting closer to Stromlo I could feel the body was on the brink of cramps and managed my way up to the top before descending down skyline to the bottom of the mountain. Thankfully the cramps held off until the last 50m and I think momentum allowed me to roll over the finish line at a descent pace without to many people knowing. The afternoon was spent exploring Canberra with the partner and having a few recovery drinks(Pedals pale ale) at one of the nice brewery/ bars near where I stayed on northbourne avenue in Braddon. Overall I am happy with my time but what I enjoy most about mountain races it lets you explore new trails and towns that you may never see if you had chosen another hobbie.