First Race

The first race of the season is always interesting. It happened to be a Buck Hill Thursday night race this year, but I still had some of the anxiety. Once I got to the venue the butterflies subsided as I got to meet some of the familiar folks from last season. The weather was perfect, and the advanced group was loaded with approximately 75 riders. At the start I was most the way in the back and had to fight my way up until we went single file into the woods. The legs were a little heavy, but it wasn't a surprise. The warm-up lap 'informed' me that I needed some more rest after a hard ride Monday night. Lap 1 I was pushing it pretty hard, and keeping good position. In the back single track there was a surge from a group behind and I felt like I was going to blow. I was able to maintain, but I knew I needed to sit back on lap 2 or I was going to be done. Lap 2 was rehydration and a gel to get my blood sugar up. Lap 3 I was starting to come back. I changed from a spin to a masher gear and did the climbs standing up. Lap 4 was more of the same with passing a couple people along the way. Finish time was just under 66 minutes. My goal was an hour, but didn't have it in me. Without the 2 crashes and better fueling, I think I could be there by next week.

Training Update

I am coming into the first week of racing feeling stong. I have been gauging my performance on some local hills, and I am crushing my last-years-self regarding speed and perceived effort. The true measure will be on Thursday with the first Buck Hill race.

I have been able to get out for three rides a week thus far, and will increase that to four once we get into some warmer weather. I am fighting some muscle tightness and calf cramping, but it has been subsiding with my taper in effort over the last few rides. I have been pushing some bigger gears and need to remember to include some spinning.

I should have a better idea where I stand once I get through Thursday...

Lacrosse Rehab

Since it has been frigid and wet the last couple of weeks, I decided to shift my focus from riding to lacrosse. Played last Thursday and used some long forgotten muscles. The last indoor game is this week. then it is going to get warm out...