A whole lot of pain for a little bit of redemption.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Back in the Saddle Again!

So begins another cyclocross season. 

On September 21 I arrived in Baltimore. Barely. As is par for the course, I got lost. 

Yet, I arrived with enough time to pick up my registration, prepare my bike and pre-ride the course, as well as acclimate my boyfriend, Paul to the ins and outs of cyclocross – a strange, new subculture to which he had not been previously exposed. 

The course was just as I remembered it. Fast and windy with LOTS of barriers. I anxiously lined up with the other Cat 3/4 women. There were a lot of them. 40 to be exact. 

I took it all in stride. This was my first cycling in race in months, and though I'd been running to train for a marathon in October, I didn't want to risk blowing up too fast. I battled with some women and my legs felt strong but tired. I just needed to keep at it, which i did. It wasn't a perfect race but a good way to start the season. A fresh start with a new perspective on things. I am 29 and looking forward to an enjoyable but challenging season. 

Here's to cross. 

Result: 34/40