2nd place is better than I hoped for!

Well, the 12 hour race was brutal.  Not that it was hard physically, but it was the mental focus that started to wear on us.  The biggest part of this was the heat.  It was 90 degrees out there and it was really humid, with no wind.  Some of the course was in the trees, but it felt like we were in an oven most the time.  Physically we could manage, but the heat started to wear us down, had to be strong and just push past that.  Justin and I had our strategy set in place prior to the race, but realized as we started that things would need to be tweaked and a new plan put in place. 
settin' up the koppa pit:
When I wasnt riding, I was feed zone girl, and it was great because the race passed right next to our setup, as did for everyone, so it was a matter of just seeing Justin come through and handing off his feed.  It was necessary to have COLD and fresh water every other lap because it was so hot.  The race had a great organized food area and lots of beverages. 
There were 5 mixed duo teams.  At one point, our team was in 5th place.  But we managed to keep the pace consistent and snagged 2nd place!  I am very happy with our results!!!
first lap freshness:
On the complaints end, I felt bad from the get-go.  My legs never fired up and I just didnt have any giddy'up.  I could ride a consistent pace, but I just didnt have any fire and that was a little disappointing.  It really bothered me that I couldnt just punch it on some spots, and I would see guys pass me that were on on the 4 man teams on basically huffy bikes, tearing it up.  I do know what happened and why, and I have learned from my mistakes.  I use this race as a platform to build on and learn from for the next one.  As far as my team mate, Justin is a fast and super talented cyclist.  Ask anyone that knows him.  But he was sick.  It was a situation that could have bad consequences.  We didnt want to not try, but he didnt want to run himself into the ground and gamble his future fitness away, so he played very conservative.  His conservative makes me look molasses, but he still rode amazing and that is why he is one of my heroes.
sleepytime:
Our kids...that is another factor.  We took our little ones, because we always do this, they go everywhere with us.  But, this was a new situation for us, as far as us both racing this long of a race and alternating between recovery and racing.  My kids are pretty awesome.  They played and when they got bored, they found rocks and sticks and grass to play with.  They didnt even fight that much, so I was real proud of them.  I know they can handle it.  And today they are getting rewarded for being good, by going to Playmobil Land.
Yes, I am that kind of parent.  I reward for good behaviour, and if you think thats wrong, I dont really care what you think.

dusk, and almost finished!
at the end of 12hours 9am-9pm, teammates:

The awards ceremony started at 10pm, we ate some great german food and got our podium, along with some Marmot, Crankbrothers and Deuter gear.  We also got a pretty sweet trophy made from marble.  I was suprised to get anything actually.  Thanks so much!!!  It was great!
some german puttinsteak and spagel/potatoes, it hit the spot
So, next week the movers come, then the following weekend we have another 12 hour race.  We are on the fence if we will be able to do it.  Its a sketchy situation.  We will be livng in a hotel by then, and JK will be about to start a new job.  Might be too much, but that's how we roll, so probably will do it anyway. 

I will post more pics soon,, Angie