MTS - Koszęcińskie Szutry

2025-02-12

THE LAST RACE!

Take a look at gpx file:. 81% of unpaved routes!

I almost didn't take part, because my bike friend couldn't attend. I felt uneasy going alone, but it's not like we will always race together, so I should get used to that.

There was one more thing which were discouraging me from participation - weather. The race took part in the beginning October, the weather forecast was at best inconclusive. Sun, rain, wind, cold, warm, everything at once or nothing... But I convinced myself I need to practice riding in such not-so-nice conditions.

So packed my car with snacks to ensure constant flow of carbohydrates and reached the start line which was located around 2 hours from place where I live. I took a couple of clothes sets, because I really wasn't sure what should I wear. I even packed winter bibs.

I was welcomed with a bit of sun and a bit of light rain. Not too bad. I went with my summer bibs and leg covers, but I put Castelli winter jacket on top, because I didn't have anything suitable for such weather and I didn't really wanted to get cold.

Hahaha.

This is exactly what happened.

But let's start from the beginning.

My cadence and speed sensors stopped working. I should have checked them better before the race, but they weren't causing problems before. On the other hand, what did I expect from cheap Chinese sensors? If I ever upgrade them I would like to get power meter in pedals (either Favero Assioma or Look Power Dual), but I probably I will settle for something else in the end.

Unfortunately, I had bigger problem. My back hurt. From the very beginning. I couldn't sit in the saddle in one position, I was moving all the time and I didn't know how to help myself, but I decided to finish the race anyway. It's not like it's the first time my back causes some issues, so I should manage.

It was hard.

The weather got worse. It was raining. Not very much, but enough to for me realize how big mistake did I make by not taking any shoe covers. However, rest of my body was pretty warm, my trunk was even too warm, but well, I was wearing a winter jacket after all, right?

My bike accumulated everything what nature had offer and it was loud to the point that I stopped once to check if something isn't broken.

I couldn't fuel myself. Apparently grabbing energy gels from back pocket while wearing thick gloves is not easy. Having short arms and small hands doesn't help either.

So to sum up:

I was so pissed off I decided to give up trying to reach snacks and fuel my legs with anger. I couldn't enjoy the route, because everything was just wrong. I was even delusional for a moment I will finish the race in similar time like the first one. This is what hunger does to people.

I finished it in 4 hours 20 minutes and 47 seconds (first race: 4:11:34) meaning I got third place in K30 category (women 30+). I lost to two women with 10 years of experience (I think to the same ones as in the first race).

I was just fucking glad I could finally get off my shoes.

I was still shivering during ending ceremony. And in the car. And on the gas station. Never again.

I decided not to take part in any other race until I resolve my back issues.

WTF is going on with my back

Don't repeat this stupid joke that in 30s everything just hurts. It doesn't have to, you know?

Some time ago, my previous physio told me honestly he doesn't really know why my problems are getting worse and why it is the right of the body which is tense and sometimes painful. He provided proper exercises. They worked, but when I started racing it was not enough and the root cause remained mystery.

Fortunately I found someone else.

He told me everything is fine, I have good range of motion, nice strong muscles and in general my body holds up pretty well, but... I have microscopical misalignment in the hips. He wasn't convinced this is the source of pain and tension, but that was the only suspicious thing he could find. I was given set of exercises to stretch different muscle groups in legs to see if his theory is right.

OH MY FUCKING CTHULHU.

I felt almost instant relief. Nothing hurt while going out of the bed. My legs felt more relaxed. Some paint was still there during trainings while going uphill, but it felt different.

We are still working on overbearing muscle tension in my legs caused by the hips misalignment, but so many things have become better. Riding MTB was usually uncomfortable, because my left leg was always carrying all my weight resulting in painful muscle tension. Right now I ride pain-free.

It's not going to be perfect, I'm not 12 years old, so some things are irreparable. But there's room for improvement and that's great.

I know many people can't afford / doesn't have access to such care, but what I'm trying to say if there's a way to obtain some, it's worth considering. It's nice to feel better in your own body even if you don't aim to compete.

Just be careful for altmed stuff. There's a lot of it in physiotherapy care. Be vigilant. You don't want to pay for something useless or even dangerous.