Leadville 100 update

Here I am at Copper Mountain, CO getting acclimated to the high altitude of 10,000 feet before my race on Saturday.  Last night I watched the Leadville 100 Mt. Bike video again to get a better feel for the terrain and race circumstances.

I feel so blessed to be here right now.  I am fortunate that I have family, friends, and co-workers who supported me in so many ways and helped me through the hours of training it took to get me to this point.  I am "all in" for this race - I feel rested, the altitude is not having any super bad effects (couple of headaches, no nausea), I am excited and in awe of this event with which I have challenged myself.  

There are Olympians here!

There are World Cup Champions here!
There are Tour de France riders here!

And there is me!  And a bunch of others like me.
I am just glad to be a part of it all.  Today was the check-in and I chatted with others who are racing for the first time as well.  About 65% do not finish - that means I know where I'll need to be in order to make the 4 hour, 8 hour, and 9 hour time checks in order to continue the race.  There were stories of pre-rides and how hard the climbs are.  We were all excited and curious and supportive of each other.  What a cool environment.

This whole process of picking this huge goal and making a plan to reach it has been pretty amazing.

"People with goals succeed because they know where they're going."

— Earl Nightingale: Author, The Strangest Secret, Lead the Field.

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and pick a goal.  It doesn't have to be insanely big like this one, but just find a focus, make a plan and get there.    And measure yourself from how far you've come.  It feels really good.

There are lot's of "what if's" for my race day, but in my eyes I have already succeeded by getting to the start line healthy.  I will do my best to pass each of the time marks and finish the race and that will be the icing on the cake (or maybe the froth on my well-deserved beer.)

AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED TO THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION.  You helped raise over $2,000 so far (there is still time! click the link on this blog, above).  That means more to me than the race itself.  Many heartfelt thanks to you...

Until after the race,
Robin Robertson

PS If you go to my facebook page, I've posted a bunch of pictures and ancedotes of my travels here.  Look for Robin Mortimer Robertson.

From Sea Level to 10,000 Feet

I'm a little nervous!  I leave on Saturday for Leadville, Colorado where I'll ride in the Leadville 100mile mountain bike race.  Leadville starts at about 10,000 feet and goes up to about 13,000.  I am wondering how my body will do...I arrive on Monday with the race the following Saturday.  If I get altitude sickness I should have time to acclimate before the race.

I've had lots of good advice about everything you could imagine and I feel like I am as prepared as I can be.  I will definately have an experience!

I am glad that my daughter and her boyfriend will be driving out and Doug later flying out to support me during the race.  Unfortunately my son can't make it - more importantly he is at marching band camp for his senior year at BHS. 

There is still time to support me through a donation to the Alzheimers Association in honor of my dad who died 25 years ago.  So far, you have helped raise about $1500!  That is so awesome and thank you!  If you'd still like to make a donation, click this link.

Well, wish me luck!!

Committed to your good health,
Robin Robertson