How to share a podium with Rebecca Rusch and Amy Stewart (two of the strongest ladies around)- show up. No really, I am not fast rider but I showed up. This past weekend I raced in Frosty Fat Bike Race in Sun Valley. I met Erin a few weeks ago, at a local race. She asked if anyone was going to the Frosty race. Just like in college when Thad asked if I had any plans for a weekend to go to race I said no, sure I will go. Both instances, I did not know what expect but went into with an open mind. I signed up for the women’s “expert” class, I wanted to do the longer distance having no idea what “expert” class meant.

I headed to Sun Valley. The conditions were looking good, cold and firm. The start of the race was about 5 degrees. The course was two loops about 10 miles each, big climb, down, then up a canyon with rolling hills. The cold dry air felt like a knife cutting my lungs. I was starting to pass folks towards the top. Started heading down the hill made it about half way. I heard one of my tires went flat. My thoughts were, this might take a while, it has been a long time since my last flat. I look at the tire and realize that I had not closed the valve when I added air before the race. Blonde moment, check! Then, relief that there was a chance the seal was good. Several minutes later I was on my way not having to replace the tube. Most of the pack had passed me. I set a goal not to be the last person racing, the last two races I was the last person.

The weather was just lovely. The riding was gorgeous. I reached my goal as I passed two people. At the awards I realized that I could podium. I enjoy races for the chance to push myself. As it turned out I showed up and placed third of three. I had a feeling the Rebecca Rush would be at her hometown race. I figured that a few other strong locals would show up, they stayed at home. Yes, I have been riding and working hard this winter with the goal of being able to rider further. For this race, I showed up, I made huge mistake that cost me about 10 minutes, kept going and podiumed. Once again, I learned the lesson of showing up. Showing up can be hard however, the reward can be even sweeter.