good race, last place

When I first started racing cross country last year, my goal was to win. Yeah, I'm that delusional. It's interesting to me now how that goal has changed, and not because I suck that bad, but because I have a lot to learn. Of course it would be nice to be in first. Who doesn't want to win a race? But it's going to be awhile before I grace the podium.

But instead of feeling bad about my racing ability I'm realizing that each race is a learning process. Skinnier tires makes riding on the road faster. Being clipped in makes climbing easier. My seat post is getting higher and higher with each race.

For awhile I was getting frustrated on the bike. It seemed like there was no improvement. Instead there was a long list of can'ts. I can't go down that hill, or around that switchback, or over that drop. I can't ride carlmont, I can't ride pacifica, or do downhill at Sea Otter. I'm too slow, I can't climb...blah, blah, blah. But yesterday on the course I realized how far I've come. I was clipped in, riding through sand, with my back tire fishtailing like crazy, and it was no problem. I didn't even have a moment of panic, I just readjusted myself on the bike and kept going. I was climbing up rutted hills, slowly, but surely. I was doing the downhills with no worries. Fort Ord is certainly not Santa Teresa, but there was nothing on that course that I couldn't handle, AND I was clipped in. That is huge for me.

For the first time racing yesterday I realized there is definite potential there. I still have my "can'ts" but that list is getting shorter and shorter. So I was last, but it was a good race.

Janet took this picture. She made a good support crew. Thanks for holding on to my arm warmers! I think this is the last lap, and I'm still smiling. Some would say that's because I wasn't trying hard enough. I think it's a good sign though. Being happy on the bike is ALWAYS good.