The Race That Reminded Me Why I Love Mountain Biking: Leadville Trail 100

Sometimes in life, you face moments that truly change you - this was one of those moments. At the beginning of the year, I had two goals in mind: race Unbound and race Leadville. When setting these goals, I knew they meant something to me because they genuinely scared me and were big enough that I felt purpose in my why - why I was waking up every day, why I was training tirelessly. These goals gave me a reason - on top of that - a chance to prove myself.

If you read my last post, Mindset in the Mountains, you’ll know where I was at going into the Leadville race weekend. I had mental and physical clarity, and I truly believed that I was capable of a big result here. I knew I was fully acclimated and had all the tools I needed for success.

When we arrived in Leadville, the nerves started to surface. I honestly couldn’t tell you why, but I felt like every little detail needed to be perfect, and I was holding on to some anxiety about the event in general. It was never a question of if I could finish, it was how fast can I possibly finish? And with that mindset, I felt there was no room for error.

Every little detail seemed like a game changer, and looking back on it - I think I was holding onto a lot of unnecessary expectations of myself. I should’ve just looked at this with an open mind and a more playful nature. Because of my mental state leading up to the race, I was unable to sleep for the three days beforehand. Something like this had never happened to me before. I’m usually a great sleeper, but it felt like my body forgot how to sleep. No matter how hard I tried - or tried not to try - I couldn’t fall asleep.

The day before the race, I remember completely breaking down, trying to figure out why this was happening. I had done everything in my control to be ready, and this was completely out of my control. The night before the race, I just lay there - awake - waiting for the clock to hit 3 a.m. When it finally did, I felt a strange sense of relief. Okay, we’re here - it’s race morning, it’s go time. There’s no more time to sleep, or try to sleep - now is the time to go.

Having that mindset actually helped me. It gave me peace knowing today was the day I had been waiting for, and I was determined to make something happen. Everything had been done - I was ready.

The race started, and as I looked around, I reminded myself that everyone here had their own experience to get here, and that no matter what - I was not going to let myself come up with any excuses for why I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

It was cold and smoky. Thoughts came into my mind from moment to moment, but I kept remembering that everyone was going through the same experience - everyone was cold - everyone had to deal with the poor air quality.

I decided to set myself up for my most successful day, which meant following my pacing plan and riding strong - even if it felt subpar compared to the girls around me. I lost connection with the group I planned to ride with going up St. Kevins. I looked back and saw no one, and my brain instantly went to - Am I in last place right now? Why am I even out here racing?

It took me a moment, but I shook that feeling. I told myself I only had control over my actions, emotions, and result - and I continued to push on. I actually felt strong and was on track for my sub-8-hour finish going into the first aid station.

The miles ticked by, and I focused on moving as fast as I could while still saving something for the Columbine climb that I knew was rapidly approaching.

At aid 2, I felt good but still had no idea how I was doing. My support crew cheered me on so loud - it gave me a boost. Even if I wasn’t where I wanted to be, I had people here who cared about me, and I wanted to show up for them. I also wanted to show up for the people who couldn’t, for those who dreamed of being in my position, and for the future racers I hope to inspire.

Going up Columbine, I started by checking in with myself and finding a rhythm. I had originally planned to focus on my power numbers, pacing like an interval workout, but once I hit the climb, I realized my best bet was to ride by feel. I was excited to go up Columbine because, with the race being an out-and-back course, I knew I’d be able to see exactly where I stood and how much time I’d need to make up.

Kate Courtney came down when I was still 3 miles from the top—so she was about 6 miles ahead. Then more women started to descend - but not as many as I expected. Highlights were seeing my coach, Hannah Otto, and getting a huge boost from Hannah Shell cheering me on at the top.

When I turned around and started heading back down, I realized I was doing a lot better than expected - and there were actually a lot of people behind me. It gave me perspective, seeing everyone out there pushing themselves. It reminded me why I was out here - why I was pushing. I had the most fun coming down Columbine and my mindset completely shifted.

At aid 3, I stopped because I had felt a cramp earlier in the day. I remembered my teammate Henry Nelson had a remedy - pickle juice mixed with sriracha. As I came through the aid, I yelled, “I need a Henry shot!” They got me one, and I was grateful - it ended up coming in handy later.

I was alone on Pipeline back, with a headwind, but I stayed as aero as possible and kept eating even when I didn’t want to. At aid 4, I grabbed my last two bottles from my crew and knew - okay, now it’s Powerline.

I was nervous. It’s steep, and I’d only ridden it once. In preride, I made it up without putting a foot down. But in the race, the first steep pitch came and, despite trying to grind up, I lost momentum and completely fell over. I felt defeated, knowing I was losing time walking this section I had ridden before.

At the top of that pitch, Kenetik was there. They handed me a Kenetik, and I told myself - this will help me lock in. I struggled for a bit, but then told myself, No matter what, keep pedaling.

Finally - after what felt like twice as long as Columbine - I made it to the top of Powerline, 10 minutes slower than in my Zone 2 pre-ride. But I was just happy to be done and knew I could make up some time on the way back.

I descended Sugarloaf smiling, feeling like I’d earned it after that pain. The road climb came next, which I felt confident on. I found a rhythm and stuck with it.

At the top, we started down St. Kevins - another section I loved. At this point, it had been 8 hours. My goal time was out, so I shifted to a new goal: Just finish in under 9, get the big belt buckle.

Finally came the Boulevard - the last climb, just over 3 miles to go. I pushed with everything I had, still unsure if I’d make sub-9. I made the final turns, dug deep up the last pitch, and realized I had done it.

I crossed the red carpet in 8:48:32 - 48 minutes slower than my original goal, but still a result I’m proud of. A sub-9 at my very first Leadville feels like a win.

I do feel like I have unfinished business here - I will be back.

P.S. This reminded me of my love for racing the mountain bike.

Up Next: Gravel Worlds :)