Tara - Day 6

Swim: 4500m or so, :70 or so
Bike: 112K, 4:15
Walk: 3K or so, :35

(Collingwood to Nelson (stop at winery) with a KOM up Takaka Hill the other way and an Aquathon in Kaiteriteri)

Well, I woke up feeling much better, but was still hobbling around. I felt better thinking about my whole season ahead and feeling like the injury won’t keep me out for very long. I decided to do my own ride and not push too hard. I rode off the back of the pack and caught Jo and Del along the way. Heath flatted and rode up to me a little later so we ascended the Takaka Hill together. Riding with Russ the previous day and Heath up Takaka Hill gave me something other than my pain to focus on and I think my leg started to feel better up the climb. This is a good sign! Heath and I crossed the “KOM” together and Heath got in an extra workout by pushing on my back a few times up the big climb! Quite sweet, really!

The descent today was less frightening and as Scott pointed out the pavement going down the other side was better and we regrouped at Kaiteriteri beach for the aquathon. It was beautiful! Gorgeous water and John set out the course for the swim race. I sure as heck missed the lead love train in that swim and ended up pulling John Ellis and Dell around the course. I decided that I would try jogging to try to complete all the workouts to get the bonus 10 points at the end of the camp, but ended up walking the first of two loops of the ‘run’. I was SO tempted to walk the second loop (it is really hard not to give into the pressure at this camp to get as many points as possible), but I stopped and had lunch instead. I really enjoyed the walk cheering everyone else on in the camp as they sweated it out on a super hot and hilly run, but decided to make the smart decision to call it a day on the run. Chris McDonald isn’t running at this camp and he called out “the bigger picture Tara” and I really appreciated that call. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone here and while it is hard to not complete every workout, I know I will heal faster and be good for my upcoming season.

We rode from the beach to a winery on the way back to Nelson and yummy cheese and dips and crackers (and Salami by the others) were consumed with some great wine. Nice way to finish an Epic day, injured or not! Scott, Del, Ian and maybe one more opted not to ride back (no penalties given) and I joined Scott for a good chat and beer at the famous pub that is across the street from where we are now staying for the rest of the camp.

I will see how I am tomorrow and try running, but again, I will play it smart and may just opt for an extra swim or something!