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.