Things that you barely expect to happen, just happen. They
do not come without fore-signs, but if you don’t believe that you can
accomplish it, you just surrender and yield.
I used to be – and admittedly still am - kind of racer
who is just working hard, but lacks the so called “killer instinct” that is
absolutely necessary to be a winner. I’m not, rather a silent worker, mostly
racing my own race and against the time table or myself.
That’s why I’m having a [positive] hard time to realize what
actually happened to me this past Saturday. Yes, I won, scored 1st
place, for the very first time [since 1991] stood on the highest place on the
podium [besides couple of 2nd, 3rd, 5th
places]. So now, this sensation and perception is brand new to me.
For lack of better expression, I’m pretty much in
“seventh-heaven” as for the time being, and will need to have more time to let
this gorgeous feeling sink in.
After having nailed down my huge feat last week, I was more
than cautious as for, how far can I go. Have been wondering, is it suffice
having only 1 week between those 2 “A” races, what does my, still not healthy
[and non-fit], body tell me?
That being said, I was so keen to line up for this event, I
just couldn’t let down my surroundings/friends.
The whether forecast called for 24hour pouring rain,
littered with thunderstorms. I had, though a silver lining before my eyes, a
tiny hope that all predictions are nothing but wrong. It made me smiling to
learn, just 5min prior to the start, it stopped making us ugly muddy, and after
a good hour the glue-like track just dried up.
Much to my surprise, no signs from weakness, un-freshness,
or any kind of being ill-rested. I have been in highest spirits, perfect mood,
and psyched up to put up a great show. You can be fond of 24 hour races for
different reasons. However one aspect sticks out: No other event provides you
this unmatchable social facet, this together-feeling, the made up race village,
covered with entourage, supporters. That’s nothing but overwhelming. You might
be as hard suffering, a reward is granted every time you complete a loop: you cross
this stunning horde of folks they aren’t getting tired to cheer you on 24hour
long. What’s more, they aren’t shy giving you any kind of support, be it
that of technical or foodlike nature. Or just giving you a mental massage only
by transferring their good spirits in to your weakened soul. Regardless who you
are. I can’t help but feeling like giving them a hug every time I crossed this
“tabor”. You guys rock. Period.
I believe the trick is though, whether you are able
turn this facts into your favour. Because if you can, the battle is half
won. I kept telling to myself: “If those folks are having a rush hour, and
enjoying themselves, so will I do”. That works greatly, and you quickly forget
that there are still 19 hours to go. Once again, the name of the game went like:
“ Stay in the now, enjoy the process – and the
desired/pleasant outcome will come automatically”.
I liked that amazing speaker, yelling :” 19 hours to go,
whoohoo, how cool is that” [Thank you Adam!] . That made me thinking: “Indeed,
how cool is that, still 19 hours to have unlimited fun”
For sure, that physical and mental tough part was looming
around the corner. There wasn’t any way to go around this fact. Then again, it
came down how to deal with that. Given my diminished physique, it’s been point
blank clear that I had to use different approaches to gain on my competitors.
That said, after 5 hours when I started to lead the field by 2 laps, I knew,
well I can do probably more than just to finish and avoid DNF. I sensed kind of
top 10 then. And when the darkness kicked in, that meant to me: my time
was coming. And I truly played my cards I always do: no stop, no pauses, let
alone sleeping. I had stopped at midnight though for a brief while, just to
wolf down a civil meal, after x amount of chemical stuff [gels and race chunk
like this]. My stomach was sending its signal : “Hey man, if you carry on like
this…. well, I can guarantee you that you will end up gutted totally”.
I took another high intense cappuccino [thanks AnnMary!]
which made me even more enthusiastic for the remaining 12 hours. Albeit having
a huge margin of 5 laps between my rivals, I rather kept building it up, also
as my knees were calling in for stopping this madness. Not a good sing. But the
whole night was just a romantic affair. I had totally enjoyed myself, despite
mind boggling tiredness, upcoming all-body sores/aches.
At sunrise at had to stop for a compulsory medical check.
The doc lady asked me funny questions [what’s your name, age, etc] I told him
that this play is new to me J, and
it is for sure funny, but sorry, I don’t have any time for this, and I am
better off to let propelling my sore knees [and body] before it becomes totally
rigid. 3 minutes and I was off, enjoying the sun coming up.
The extreme exhaustion was just about to kick in,
still 5 hours to go. My Garmin, at the same time, was pointing to an
820kcal/hour average expenditure. So that’s been just a matter of time ….no, I
rather redirected my thoughts and kept praying for a good end.
2 hours to race, and a harmless rain kicked in. That hasn’t
been the issue, under normal conditions. Mind you, given my mental exhaustion,
I was unable to pay as much attention to the details, started to slow down in
technical/slippery sections, and used for the first time “granny” [gears] as
there was scarcely any power, powder in my engine. I was pretty much “used up”,
though still able to think positively and was confident enough that, yes, I can
nail it down and bring home the sweet victory.
30 min to go, the pain, due to the high intensity and
non-stop riding, become unbearable, and I was totally up to ask out loud:
“Lord, just please let me cross the finish line”
And He granted this gift to me. I almost fell over, could
hardly keep the handlebar, was gutted and spent – but eternally blessed.
My thanks goes to Him in the first place, simultaneously the
credit goes alike to AnnMary for nursing my soul, to Zsuzsi for she is having
all along a cheered word for me, Peter for his selfless support, and to all
around they war generous enough with their “ Go, Robi, go” encouragements.
Thank all of you!
Yours Rob
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