Firecracker in Breckenridge

wow so, i really had no idea how hard the national marathon race in Breckenridge was going to be. I figured, i would ride it, and enjoy the awesome trails while getting a little training in. I didnt realize it was going to be one of the most mentally and physically challenging races i have done this year. actually, maybe ever.
the race was 2 laps of 25 miles each, with each lap consisting of around 5,500 ft of climbing. thats a lot of climbing.
the atmosphere of downtown main street was perfect for 4th of july- the hot sun shining, hundreds of people congregating, flags and plenty of red white and blue. behind us where we lined up to start racing, a parade was waiting to begin after us. the racers started in waves, being a neutral lead out through town, as kids lined the street extending their arms hoping to get a high five from us as we rode by. i think that was the highlight of my race. at the end of main street, the racing began. i knew it was going to be a long race, so i paced myself. and after not feeling so hot and being on antibiotics, this race was purely for fun. so i thought.
the first climb, which was over 5 miles, took longer than i thought. i had a really hard time figuring out what kind of pace to do in order to make it through the race. i backed off a bit at the top, and looking back, i think i could have gone a bit harder. it was hard to see everyone go passed me, but i knew i had to race my own race.
after the first lap, my arms and back hurt worse than i had ever felt. i really didnt think i could do another lap- the downhills were way more rocky than i remembered from preriding, and i wished i had ridden a soft tail since my back began to spasm and i had to stop before the first climb. i lost about 10 minutes as i waited for my back to stop piercing with pain. i rode up the first climb again, and i decided to divide the race up into sections- and i congratulated myself as i completed each climb and decent. these small personal motivations and accomplishments was all i had to get me through that last lap. i think i became a bit delirious toward the end, since i was mistaking stumps for other racers. pretty funny actually. there was plenty of aid stations to feed us, so i think i did an ok job of drinking. but now that i am home, and now that i have some sort of stomach virus that is causing me to be in the bathroom every hour and i can't keep any food or water in my body since the race, i am wondering if the volunteers where reusing the bottles that where thrown from other racers. i haven't had a real meal since before the race on the 4th. not so good for recovery. i was going to do a race in winter park tomorrow, but i think i am too weak. i may just have to stick around boulder and do some road riding to get myself back up and going.
i am glad i did it, and i think once i recover i will be fine. every race after this will seem so short!