Shenandoah 100.....So Much Awesomeness!

It seems a while ago that I went an raced my first 100 mile MTB race at the Shenandoah 100 but two weeks ago I did and it was awesome.  At some point I will download all my thoughts and what I want to try and improve upon in 2018 (That says a lot already that I want to go back next year!)

The vibe, the trails, the support were all great...yes I made a detour of 5 miles due to a poorly placed sign that kept me for going sub-10 hours but still a hell of a day.  I think I might like the marathon MTB races :-)

100 miles on a MTB is a long way esp. in the Shenandoah mtns....luckily I decided that a detour of 5 extra miles was needed (poorly marked turn that a few people missed). But so much fun.... I'll be back at #shenandoah100 in 2018 . . . . . #mtbracing #mtblife #ciclismo #mtbmarathon #shenandoah #cycling #mylegshurt #guforit

A post shared by Iain Banks (@iainbanks1) on Sep 3, 2017 at 6:37pm PDT

Now We Are Back to Racing....Ex2 Adventures Blue Crab Bolt Trail Series

After a little time off from racing Sarah and I were back at this weekend at the Ex2 Adventures Blue Crab Bolt Trail Run Series (bit of a mouthful!) at Little Bennett Regional Park.  After it being all about the bike the last few weeks and bit of time crunch that limited the running miles, I wasn't overly confident of a result so decided just to thrash myself and get a solid workout done.  I was in for the 10km and Sarah was in for the 5km as she builds towards the Kapulua Trail Run in Maui.

I started out hard, on what was a great course....some good hills, river crossing and a variety of terrain. Through the first two miles I led but surrendered at the halfway point and eventually hung on for a hard earned 3rd place overall!  It was great to be back onto the trails and gives me a good point of reference as we head into the final two months before the Xterra World Championships.  Next for me is the Shenandoah 100mile MTB race next weekend.....now that should be EPIC!

Sarah had a great race of her own and nailed 2nd place in age group for another podium spot!

Back on the trail running scene today at @ex2adventures BlueCrabSeries 10km. Ended up 3rd overall on a great course. #trailrunning #salmingrunning

A post shared by Iain Banks (@iainbanks1) on Aug 26, 2017 at 9:52am PDT

The Final Push....Got to Stay On It!

As others season's are winding down, it's hard not to begin to look forward to 2018.....eye's on the prize and the BIG race in two months!  Then it can be 2018 planning with a few beers!

One BIG race left for 2017 at @xterraoffroad World Championships but it's hard not to look ahead to all the fun races for 2018.....gotta keep the eyes on the prize! #xterramaui #IFB . . . . . #parvillacycles #mtbracing #marathonmtb #doepicshit #ciclismo #cycling #triathlon #xterra

A post shared by Iain Banks (@iainbanks1) on Aug 21, 2017 at 6:22pm PDT

You're Not Racing?.....

That's the question I have been asked the last few weekends since Iron Hill....perhaps I have a raced a lot so far this year but it only works out to be 17 races.  Anyways the answer has been no I am not, it's all about getting in the training now as a couple of big events are in the Fall and they are the goal races. First up is the Shenandoah 100 MTB race on Labor Day weekend and then it's the big Kahuna in Maui at the Xterra World's.

Train, train, train......the good news is that over the past month things have been progressing well and I can begin to feel the fitness increasing. This is especially true for the swim where a few solid weeks of consistency (not volume just consistency) makes such a big difference.

Back to the #wattagecottage tomorrow due to the storm! #workhardplayharder

A post shared by Iain Banks (@iainbanks1) on Jul 28, 2017 at 7:05pm PDT

Perfect weather this morning & the boys were rolling before I split to head to work...must be motivated for cross because we all know that #crossiscoming #IFB

A post shared by Iain Banks (@iainbanks1) on Aug 5, 2017 at 8:27am PDT