Tuesday, October 4, 2011

If it's not fun, why do it?

This was a bumper sticker I noticed on the way to work this morning. Who would have guessed it was a Ben & Jerry's bumper sticker? I thought that would be a good theme for this post since this is really about Cross. So, two races under my belt (Tacchino & Winchester). Two really great races. Two very fun experiences. I'm beginning to understand the draw here. I'm not going overboard, just enjoying the newness of it all. I'm not going into full blown race reports, well, quite honestly there's nothing to write about other than being humbled. So, I'll just toss out some things that have stood out to me in a random analysis.

1. At first I thought I'd just go out there "ride" around the course during the race, but I'll admit, when that gun goes off I'm REALLY trying hard. I just don't like sucking.
2. I hate off-camber turns. Maybe one day I'll love them, but not anytime soon.
3. You can definitely blow yourself up out there no matter what place you are in. It's a great workout. It's fun trying to catch and pass folks. I like how mini races develop within the race. For me right now, I'm just racing against whatever group I find myself in. It sure ain't at the front.
4. KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED ON MUDDY COURSES! Damn, I nearly had to stop at Winchester b/c a piece of mud from a wheel in front of me flew straight to the back of mouth nearly choking me. How come nobody told me this?!  Mouth open...bad

5. Riding in thick, soupy mud is tiring...nuff said.
6. These promoters that have washing stations are money! I feel spoiled.
7. Cross photographers rock.  Just tons of great pics.
8. I'm 0-2 with doing a race wipe-out free.  Hopefully that tide will change but I'm guessing it will only get worse.
9.   I'm digging take the cross bike out and working on skills over and over and over....
10.  Don't think you can do a one lap warmup 15 mins before the start of the race.  You might miss the start...stupid.
11. Looking forward to November when Emir and I can get out there together without being pressed for time.
12. Being a Master 3 is a great spot to be in; which is key when you are juggling other priorities in the day.  There's about a 5 hour window in time there you can choose from for scheduling purposes. 
13. These MABRA promoters really know how to put together a cross race.
14. Oh, when you eat it on a corner once during the race, you'd think you'd be mindful of that corner the next time.  Nope.  Ate it again in the exact same spot.

That's about it.  I'm getting back in the gym a few times a week now which is a refreshing change.  Even banging out some good runs to mix it up.  Cross training and Cross racing go together nicely.  I'm going to try and jump into a few more races in October until Emir's soccer is over on Nov 6.  Then I hope I can do a lot more racing in November and December. Maybe I'll have my own bike by then!

Here's a few pics (thanks Jor & Nic!):
My fan club:
MUD!!!!
Running a barrier:
Post Race Tacchino...I'm spent: