Iola

I should be extremely happy with Iola -- and, for the most part, I am. I finished at 2 hours, 14 minutes faster than in 2008 (last time I raced there). I finished less than a minute than Christine, was within sights of several girls throughout the race and went back and forth with a few of them. I rode everything cleanly -- with the exception of catching a tree with my handlebars while trying to see if the guy that crashed up ahead was still down. And, probably most importantly, I felt like...I'm not sure of the correct wording but, basically, that I deserved to be out there.

Training definitely has helped. I think all the cross races helped a lot too. A chunk of racing is mental and I don't always have the right attitude/frame of mind. The CX racing helped boost that confidence, racing instinct, whatever you want to call it. And, my new wonderful bike also definitely helped. Those 29 wheels...I'm in love. = )

The 1x9 was tough. It was the first race I did with significant climbs on it and I was afraid my legs would not hold out. That fear was not helped by losing my gel flask soon into the first lap and having my Camelbak leak leaving me with no liquid for a good chunk of the last lap. I held back a little and really shouldn't have but now know better for next time.

So, I was really happy when I finished. Then, I learned I was DFL. I was ahead of Jennifer Whitedog and didn't notice when she passed me back in my oxygen-deprived state. And, I was ahead of another girl that then dropped out. Arrgh!

Tom wasn't thrilled with his result but didn't do horribly.

Christopher had a great time. He was thrilled to get a medal and, in fact, even during the race he would all of a sudden say happily "I'm going to get a medal." = )

I couldn't get him to race his new bike for the kids race. Hopefully, next time. He is soooo close to being able to ride it by himself.