BaseCamp athlete Tracy Ellwein shares the highlights of her 2024 year of training.
10 for 10: A Season of Grit, Growth, and Gratitude.
Ten races. Ten podiums. The 2024 season was a year that redefined my cycling journey. But this wasn't just about results; it was about the journey of becoming a stronger, more intentional athlete.
Four years of Basecamp training and three years of one-on-one coaching with Kate Johnson culminated in a season that felt both extraordinary and deeply earned. My magic sauce? Consistency, discipline, and a newfound ability to give myself grace. I learned to strive for consistency over perfection, understanding that life's complexities don't diminish athletic commitment.
The highlight reel includes two standout victories that encapsulate everything I've learned. At Cascade Gravel Grinder, I claimed first place, but the real triumph was at the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder's Queens Stage, an 80-mile, 9,000-foot vertical challenge on the fourth day of a five-day stage race.
Going into that Queens Stage, anxiety was my companion. Surrounded by smaller, potentially faster climbers, I carried Coach Kate's wisdom: "Ride your race, not theirs." My confidence emerged from deliberate training; powerful flat sections, steady climbing, and technical downhill skills that became my secret weapon.
When a strong contender from Flagstaff dropped me early on a multi-mile climb, I didn't panic. Instead, I hunted, catching her on the downhill with 10 miles remaining. We pushed each other, trading strength and determination. In a moment that redefined my limits, I dug deeper than ever before, winning by minutes on a technical descent and flat finale. I recalled Coach Tim saying, "Narrow your odds," and I played to my strengths this day.
The final day was a true test of resilience. Fatigued but unbroken, I finished 2/18 in Masters Women, culminating a grueling 330-mile, 30,000-vertical-foot journey. Beyond the podium, the BC community and the nightly camp camaraderie transformed this from a race to a truly memorable experience.
Detailed race preparation became my cornerstone: meticulous note-taking on conditions, course reconnaissance, and nutrition planning. Each element was a deliberate investment in performance.
As I reflect on 2024, I'm struck by how what now seems "easy" represents years of dedicated training, strategic preparation, and unwavering commitment. This season was about understanding my potential and embracing the journey of continuous improvement. Grateful doesn't begin to describe it. I recommend to others to believe in yourself, invest in the time, have grace, and enjoy the ride.
Comments