Thanks for the input! I have attempted to work in some intervals and hills into my training and so far I have realized that I have a LONG way to go.

I found a 25k loop local race and decided to enter the cat 5 this weekend which was 2 laps or 50 k, with about 750ft of vertical climb over some rollers with a big effort at the turnaround then back to the start downhill. Lets just say it was pretty rough . . . the field was pretty ridiculous but I will address that in another post. Suffice to say I got smoked - I was off the back within 2 miles and basically rode the rest by myself. The pace was INSANE . . . AND IT WAS CAT 5! How do you get into this sport?! Jesus I was a downhill snowboard coach for 6 years, racing, trees, freestyle, hiking at 12000 feet with 25lbs of gear in remote backcountry - and NONE of that compares to this . . . we hit the first hill and my HR was off the charts, by the second effort I was at the back, by mile 4 I couldn't even see the pack anymore . . .