Xterra West Championship
by Jade Gianakopoulos • Jul 19th, 2010 • Category: TriathlonOFF-ROAD TRIATHLON IN THE MOJAVE DESERT
The Xterra West Championship race on April 25th took place in the Mojave Desert at Lake Las Vegas. Qualifying for the Xterra World Championship race for a second time was foremost on my mind when deciding to do this race. I anticipated it to be one of the most challenging triathlons I had ever finished because of its steep mountain climbs and dangerous terrain all under a scorching desert sun. I did not foresee the severe sinus infection which would emerge two days before the race.
My crucial pre-race sleep was invaded by a fever, severe congestion and headaches. Uncertainty crossed my mind, but my will to finish the race was much stronger. I know people have conquered much greater obstacles, and backing out was no option. After careful hydration and a little sinus relief medication, I went through with the challenge. The one mile out-and-back swim, which started at the beach at Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort, was a cold and invigorating start. The brilliant presence of the morning sun, smiling at me every time I took a breath, reminded me of what was to come in the rest of this race through the desert.
A BURNING WILL TO FINISH
I ran nearly 100 yards to transition from the lake beach, and then pedaled into the mountains for a 19 mile mountain bike ride. The temperature there soared even higher than the 95 degrees at the resort. The first two miles were the most brutal climbs, reaching steep grades of up to 52.8%. My legs throbbed for relief while I felt dizzy and nauseous from the medication starting to wear off. I focused on the gorgeous cacti flowers, scattered Joshua trees, and interesting patterns in the dried creek beds to stay positive. The thrilling and fast downhill sections excited me with loose lava and a refreshing wind at my face. I finally arrived at transition area #2 (T2).
The lake near T2 was tempting me to surrender and jump back in as I re-ascended to the peaks for a 6 mile run. My mouth began to dry up almost completely, and I felt like a sweltering dog with my tongue hanging out. I slowed completely to a walk/run as a response to dehydration and a pounding headache. I dug into the depths of my will and put one foot in front of the other towards each water station. These oases with their encouraging volunteers helped connect me to my goal.
The forces of the blistering desert sun, pure fatigue, dizziness, and incredibly treacherous and difficult topography attempted to tear me down that day. I remained committed to my goal until I found myself at the finish. I didn’t qualify for the World Championship Xterra race, and I had one of my personal worst race performances. But I became tougher that day and I finished the race through the desert. I will always consider this a personal best in terms of the will to finish the race.
JADE GIANAKOPOULOS (aka "The Girl With the Awesome Pink Bike") is a multi-sport athlete who competes in Xterra (off-road) triathlon, mountain bike and running races. When she's not racing, she can be found rock climbing, skiing, or playing tennis and golf. Her greatest accomplishment is maintaining a racing career while being a wife and mother to her two daughters. Learn more about Jade at her website JadeRaces.com »
Related Chi: F-A-M-I-L-Y Principles on the R-O-A-D: Xterra Miami
Staying C-A-L-M at Xterra Ohio North East
The F-A-M-I-L-Y Principles
Wow. Jade’s wonderful writing ability, as she journaled this experience, allowed me to feel like I was right next to her during this race. I could almost feel the “scorching desert sun” and “refreshing wind.” Though I will never accomplish what she has listed here, Jade’s public admission of having her “personal worst race performance,” along with her shared wisdom of seeing it as her “personal best in terms of the will to finish the race” is absolutely inspiring! Again, wow.
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Good for you, Jade, for finishing despite your illness. I hope you have recovered and are on your way. I came down with a bad cold three weeks prior to my first-ever tri, but thankfully had time to recover. I can’t imagine I would have had the same fortitude two days out!
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You Rock, Jade!! I cannot imagine how you reached into your suitcase of pain and accomplished such an admirable quest. I too, felt like I was right there with your awesome account of the experience. You are a class act and I applaude your finish of such a challanging race with a few extra challanges thrown in the mix. Congratulations to you and goodluck with your future endeavors. Take care
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Hi Jade! I have a very similar Xterra experience. I too qualified for the world champs in Utah last year and had a great race in Maui. I had such a fabulous time that I couldn’t wait to go back! Therefore, I trained to qualify in Richmond in June. I was very fit leading up to the race, however, I came down with a virus the weekend of the qualifier. To make matters worse, I was not able to arrive in Richmond until the evening before the race. Anyhow, I was able to hold myself together the first part of the race but began to deteriorate midway through the bike course. By the time I got to the run, I cramped so badly I had to sit down on the Mayan ruins. I have NEVER cramped like that. Needless to say, I didn’t qualify for Maui :(. However, I learned from the experience and I look at it as another opporunity to go back to Utah, which I would have bypassed had I qualified in Richmond. Thanks for sharing your story. Its nice to know we’re not alone in our sufferings and disappointments. Perhaps we’ll have a chance to meet in Maui someday!!!
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Thank you for your comments and great stories. Amy, way to perservere and finish in Richmond! I hope to see you in Utah at the Xterra National Championship. Dianna, keep up with your triathlons, it sounds like you were able to pull through even with the challenges you already were facing with a first triathlon. Now, they can only get better!
Bonita and Colleen, thank you for your comments and taking the time to read Athleta Chi!
Tri hard!
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