Berryman 12hr Duathlon

I headed down to Steeleville, MO to tackle 12hr Duathlon in the solo female cateogory. I did the 6hr last year and remembered the heat and pain. After getting 2nd last year, I was focused on winning the 12hr and wanted to do it on my single speed. The duathlon consisted of 6hr and 12hr male and female racers.The trail run was 5.4 miles and the biking leg was 13 miles. You chose which one you wanted to do 1st and then, had to alternate for remainder of race. However, you had to complete both legs to complete a lap. The race started at 7am for 12hr racers and 9am for 6hr races. Suprisingly this year, there were more 12hr racers than 6hr folks. Todd decided to sit this one out and support when needed. At race start, only me and another male decided to tackle the bike leg 1st. I shortly realized that I was the one clearing out the spider webs on the trail. Thank god the male finally caught up with me to take over as the human spider web. I HATE spiders. I stayed pretty consistent on both legs of the race for 12hrs and only stopped to change shoes and helmet. I was excited to hear that not only I won 1st in Solo Female but, got 4th overall with the 12hr men. Jason and Laura Elsenraat, with Bonk Hard Racing, did a fantastic job putting on this event. I walked away with a new $160 pack, free entry into any Bonk Hard Racing event, socks, and a can of Spam (thanks Laura!).

Rapture In Misery ( R.I.M.)

Todd and I headed up to Trenton, MO for our 1st 12hr MTN bike race. We met up with Greg Ott and Mitch Johnson the night before the race. We quickly set up our tents, canopy, and gear and then, headed to bed. After the usual little sleep you get while camping, we woke up to start our race day. After registration, I found that there was 5 of us women competing in the 12hr solo. I had chosen to race my single speed for the race so was sure how I was going to do plus, I was competing against a couple of women from Team 360. I decided to stick with my game plan that works for me...staying consistent with few stops. Race was scheduled from noon to midnight. Well, this seemed to work well for me. I was able to maintain consistent lap times. I was able to grab bottles and food by barely stopping. My only stop was to switch helmets with my helmet light. The forecast was right...it started pouring down rain on my last 2 laps. The trails were very slick on the packed dirt and rocks. Little frogs were jumping all over the trails. The last section up to the finish line was a new trail just built which was off-canter. This was unrideable! Only option was to push the bike. I came across the finish line some time after 10pm expecting to squeeze in another lap or 2. But, it was to my surprise that the race was called and I won 1st. I was so happy. Another surprise was that my husband, Todd, won his age group and 3rd overall. Mitch Johnson won 2nd in his age group and 2nd overall.