Leigh Gray, an Account Marketer at Gore Fabrics, recently took on one of mountain biking's toughest challenges - the Leadville Mountain Bike (MTB) 100. This grueling race pushes riders to their limits over 100 miles of Rocky Mountain terrain. For Gray, it was a leap into the unknown, testing her physical and mental strength like never before in the Leadville MTB 100. From the soccer field to the mountains, it was time for the next chapter in Leigh’s story.
Sticking to the Plan
Leading up to Leadville, Gray committed fully to her training. "I stuck to my training plan 99% of the time," she says. Even on work trips, she'd rent a bike to get her miles in. This dedication paid off when she tackled the Silver Rush 50, a shorter race in Leadville, about a month before the main event.
"I was more nervous for that than the hundred miler because I didn't know what my training was doing for me," Gray admits. The Silver Rush 50 became a crucial test run, allowing her to fine-tune her fueling strategy and see how her body responded to race conditions.
Race Day Jitters
Despite her preparation, race morning brought a fresh wave of nerves. "I don't think anything prepares you for bringing your bike up to a start line with almost 2,000 riders," Gray says. The sight of seasoned athletes with fancy gear added to the pressure. "Everyone is so prepared, so calm. My nerves were at a ten."
Finding Her Rhythm
Once the race began, Gray focused on her own pace. "You're not racing these people. You're racing the time," she reminded herself. The first big climb helped settle her nerves. "All I could focus on was staying upright on my bike and trying to get up that hill," she recalls.
Pushing Through Low Points
Even well-prepared racers face tough moments in a 100-mile event. For Gray, the stretch between miles 70 and 80 proved challenging. "I was in the pain cave at that point," she says. "Everything tastes so bad. You have to hype yourself up for that one extra gel."
Gray used mental tricks to keep going. "I'm really grateful to be able to suffer like this," she'd tell herself. She also made a point to smile, even when it felt forced. "I probably looked a little bit insane, but I would always just smile if I was suffering."
The Power of Support
While mountain biking might seem like a solo sport, Gray discovered the importance of teamwork. Her crew, including family members, provided crucial support. One memorable moment came at mile 78, when her cousin chased after her with a peeled banana. "We have this epic shot of him chasing me, offering it to me," Gray laughs.
Battling the Elements
Leadville's high-altitude course (around 10,000 feet) adds an extra challenge. This year, riders also faced some wild weather. "Some people got hailed on. Some people got rained on," Gray says. She experienced a brief but intense thunderstorm, quickly donning her GORE-TEX Jacket to stay dry.
The Final Push
As Gray approached the finish line, emotions ran high. "The last maybe 5 miles, I was just thinking about seeing my family and crew," she says. Even with tired legs, there was no stopping. "There's no way I'm stopping right now, even if I have to drag my bike across." Crossing the finish line brought a flood of tears. "That was the hardest thing I've ever done," Gray realized. The accomplishment drove home a powerful lesson: "I can't believe that your body can do something like that if you get your mind right around it."
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on her journey, Gray offers advice for newcomers feeling intimidated by the sport. She told us to look for friendly faces in the crowd - a simple smile can be reassuring. And most importantly, to remember that everyone starts as a beginner.
Most importantly, Gray realized that endurance sports aren't as solitary as they seem. "This is not an individual sport at all," she says. "The crew and the supporters and just even people within the race - that's your team there."
From Doubts to Triumph
Gray's Leadville journey shows what's possible with dedication, support, and a positive mindset. She went from questioning her abilities to conquering one of mountain biking's most legendary races. Her story serves as inspiration for anyone looking to push their limits and discover what they're truly capable of achieving. Leigh’s fierce determination brought her to the start line of the Leadville MTB 100 and beyond.
