Tahoe Crossing or my first long-distance OC1 race
A couple of weeks ago, I checked off another item on my paddle bucket list by participating in the Tahoe Crossing Cup. It was my first long-distance solo race, and it was a fantastic experience. After following all the workouts posted by @Tek Li on the TrainingPeaks app, I felt well-prepared for the 22-mile race. During my training, I learned not only what pace/stroke rate I could maintain for 4+ hours but also what fuel and how much water I needed to carry with me during the race. I discovered the optimal breakfast and dinner to support my performance on race day. All of these lessons have certainly paid back well in my results and overall experience. My goal was to finish in under 4 hours and 10 minutes, with the ultimate goal of finishing under 4 hours and securing a spot in the top 3. The first 10 miles were enjoyable as we rode with the current, using small waves to save energy. However, the second half became more challenging as we paddled through flat water, with occasional waves from motorboats. The last 5 miles were particularly painful due to muscle spasms in my left hip, requiring multiple stops. I lost time relaxing my hip. I finished in 4 hours and 6 minutes, and I even got a reward for 3rd place in the open women's division, which I'm very proud of. I'll definitely participate again whenever my schedule allows it. Now I need to achieve my ultimate goal. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Arriving a few days early to adjust to the elevation was wise, as I'm sensitive to it. 2. I need to distribute my weight between my hips better while paddling to avoid discomfort. I don't lean left, but I do tend to put more weight on my left hip. I am currently working on this issue, and I appreciate any advice. 3. Take a few sips of water every mile! Skipping hydration in the first hour led me to some fatigue, but luckily, my endurance mix helped me recover quickly. It is funny that I didn't make this mistake during my training for the race.