Cross Nats

What was I thinking? I mean really, I haven't raced really this whole season, but for some reason I decided that I was going to race cross nationals in Providence RI. The only reason I had was that I had gotten some UCI points in KC, and so I wouldn't be starting at the very back. And so I did it- no expectations, other than to have some fun and try to remember what its like to race again instead of standing around watching everyone. Oh, and not to crash on my shoulder, as an order from Alex.
warming up I wasn't nervous at all, since I wasn't expecting anything from myself- but once I got lined up and looked around and realized exactly what i was doing and who was around me, I got nervous. Luckily i started somewhere in the middle but i definitely did not ride agressive- and that means there was a lot of corners I got chopped in, but i wasn't about to risk crashing over a stupid corner. that means i lost quite a few places on the first few laps. i felt pretty good overall, but there were times i got too comfortable sitting behind someone, and i would have to tell myself that i was racing and to get going. being comfortable is definitely not something anyone should feel in a cross race. i think i just didn't have that drive to risk it but i think overall it turned out ok. since i didn't bring an extra bike for the pit, i suppose from the start i wasn't super serious about the race. its funny how things change though once you're actually on the start line. Going out and "having fun" wasn't on my mind when i heard the gun go off. it was an instant flashback to the last race i did, short track in brian head, UT. i have to say i was pretty excited to be in that group of girls, racing again.
I'm glad i did it, but i probably wouldn't say that if i had crashed and messed up the shoulder. I'm going to stick to training for a while and get through the surgery in January to get the plate out. Then I should be good to go for mtb season.

I raced again this weekend, this time at the ks state cross champs. it was definitely warmer, with the temps getting up to 45 or so. with some ice still in the shady spots, it made for some muddy corners that would eventually cause me to go down, but whats new. I prerode the course a couple hours before the race, and of course it changed since there were 2 races before me. my start was bad, and ended up chasing for the first part of the first lap- i managed to get into 2nd and pretty much held that spot for the rest of the race. i felt really tired, probably since i have been working a lot and not sleeping more than 5 hours a night. those holiday parties can add up. so, for the 3rd year in a row, i am 2nd. i am definitely feeling the lack of strength in my upper body since i haven't been in the gym and i am favoring my left side more than i realize. its becoming pretty sore today as i sit here at my desk, but hopefully the ibuprofen will kick in soon. the course was pretty challenging with quite a bit of climbing and some good running sections. i had a hard time pulling up on the bars for the steep sections and it cost me about 30 seconds by the end of the race. it was good practice to get another race in before nats next weekend- it should be fun to race with my teammates that i have been watching for the entire season. i am still not 100% sure i am racing though, if my shoulder doesn't get better there might be a change in plans. but after the expensive entry fee i feel a bit obligated to race or at least start. we'll see.

first attempt at racing

so, i tried to race last weekend at the KLM UCI race in Kansas City. Needless to say, i didn't do as well as i wanted. i was really excited to race, and actually arrived way before my race which is really unlike me. it was good to see everyone again, since it has been almost 5 months since i have raced and longer since i've done anything locally. i race cross totally for fun anyway, but i still would like to do well- or better than i did. my fitness is ok right now, but not great. i haven't ridden offroad at all since the crash, so i pretty much couldn't control my bike and overshot about every turn on the first lap, which put me into last. it was nice and icy and muddy too since it was about 20 degrees with a windchill of maybe 8 degrees. so perfect cross conditions. even though i didn't do as well as i wanted, at least i got my first race out of the way and now i am super motivated to try again this weekend. state champs are tomorrow so we'll see how it goes. and, nationals are next weekend, so that should be good and muddy. at least i will get some practice in the mud tomorrow. hopefully i won't crash on the metal plate and if i do, according to the doc, it could be bad.