Position

Cross race #2 was a very exciting affair for sure. The racing was very competitive. I felt good sensations in the legs and body. As the racing went on I felt in control and ready to take the win.

I put myself in the right position over a strong group of riders to win.

I want to race strong. I will work to have power and leg speed. I must be prepared to suffer and believe in myself and my training.

I was in position to win the race. I will continue to work to put myself in the right position.

Race

Sunday is CCCX #2. The course is hard, fast in some sections, tricky and slow in some sections, and very demanding throughout. I will race my very hardest.

Visualizing

I keep my mind on the goals that lay ahead in my racing. It is visualizing these efforts and race tactics that helps me keep focused. During recovery periods I visualize success and great rides with positive thoughts. During my riding I stay relaxed and let all the hard work, training, recovery, and visualization lead me to my best performances.

Recuperation

It was a very long recovery ride for this Tuesday. I definitely need some recuperation directed toward my muscles and mind. So it was hard climbing up Robinson Canyon and Los Laureles Grade to spin out the legs.

Now I really need some rest and recuperation as the climbing was very demanding today.

I know for sure I will be ready to climb that portion of the race route this Sunday that I will use.

I want to ride up it at my highest level of pain and suffering possible.

It is going to be fun.

Cross Race #1

It was the first Cross race of the season for me. I felt I was lacking just a touch of power, as I did the Saturday morning ride the day before and went pretty hard during that ride. However I can not be negative because I was at the front of the race the entire time. I wanted to ride hard and that is what I did, and in the end I was 3rd place on the day. I made 2 mistakes in the sand uphill section that cost me, one on the first lap and one on the last lap. I know I can improve, but I must keep positive and keep working to improve.

It was a hard race on a fun course and it makes me want to race more Cyclocross.

I want to dig deeper and push myself harder then I ever imagined was possible. This is how I want to race.

Cyclocross 2008

My first Cross race of 2008 will be this Sunday in Ft. Ord. I like the course I designed and the route is very fun to ride on. I will race my very hardest.

I will be doing the Saturday morning ride to hopefully open up the leg muscles and get some time in the saddle turning the legs over.

Strength

I must keep trying to improve my riding. I must work on overall strength. Strength in climbing. Strength in spinning. Strength in race tactics.

Cyclocross season starts this weekend, and this will be the best way to work on my racing tactics and all around riding strength.

Victory

You have to race your bike and take chances if you want to win.
At the Folsom Circuit Race I put it all together. All the hard work and all the lessons I have learned in my racing came into play.

With only 2 laps to go in the race, I was in the pack but no one was going to pull a breakaway of 7 guys back so.....................

First I did a solo flyer and attacked up the bridge climb to make it across to the breakaway. It was a serious effort to get across, and I had to dig very deep, but I made it happen.

With one lap to go I was in the break with a fighting chance for a special win.

After catching the breakaway group, I drove the front and pulled the breakaway the final time up the bridge climb. I wanted to keep the speed high and make sure the field did not catch back on. I had amazingly good legs in this moment and simply drove the front of the group and let all the guys have a free ride up the hill.

While the rest of the breakaway was not wanting to risk a move before the sprint for the finish, I made a huge move up the final hill, got a gap, and had a go from so far out solo to the line. It was a risky move but I was determined to make it to the finish for an amazing win.

Getting to the finish line first was a result of hard work and some major determination and fighting like a wild animal all the way to the line.

VICTORY!!!!

Eyes On The Prize

It is important to never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel~

To get results you must dream big and fight hard.

Desire

My desire to train and race is overwhelming. However, it is important to curb my desire to ride and search for recovery after hard training. It is far to easy to over train, when I enjoy riding so much. I must focus on stretching, core work, recovery, and diet, as well as time in the saddle.

Benicia Race

It was a strong finish at the Benicia Crit. It really has been an amazing year for me on the road. All of this experience will allow me to get better, stronger, and faster. I am so thankful to be able to compete and I will work hard to reach my full potential.

Keeping Focus

It is key for me to keep focused on the task at hand. I lose focus, and I lose the race. I need to remain concentrated on my race.

Hills

It was hill repeats in Ft Ord to shake my legs out some on Tuesday night. It was nice to get in some fast tempo climbing to feel the legs burn a little. I will now take a few rest days to try and recover. I did notice I was a little lacking in power the past weekend and felt fatigued. I rode strong, but the legs felt a little heavy at times.