CCCX XC #3 3/15/09 @ Ft Ord- Monterey

I attacked early on lap #1 at CCCX XC #3. I felt pretty strong and wanted to hit the hills as hard as possible. Ultimately I had to settle for 2nd place as I was dropped by the winner toward the end of lap #1. I rode solo for the rest of the race, hitting each hill as hard as I could to hold off a strong chase group. At times the chase group was only 10 seconds behind me. but i kept working as hard as I could and this paid off as eventually I gapped the chasers and made it to the finish to claim 2nd place on the day. Not bad, but I want to win!

Racing~

The first Tuesday night Circuit race was held this week on the course I selected in Ft Ord. There was a good sized group out for the first one of the year. I kept attacking hoping to escape, but was kept in check by some of the strong riders there. My CCCX team mate took the sprint after I softened up the field.

This Sunday is race #3 of my CCCX XC Series. I added lots of climbing sections to this race route. I am really hoping to have a better ride then race #2. On that day I had no power after having a really bad crash the previous weekend, and then a root canal done on my tooth the following day.

Now I am feeling so much stronger and am really ready to go at it up the hills on the race route I put together. I feel relaxed and ready to race.

Folsom Win

I won the Expert 40+ XC race at the TBF series in Folsom on Sunday. The race win allowed me to also win the TBF overall Series title for the 3rd straight year. This was special for me as I crashed so hard at race #2 and was battling physical issues during the early part of this MTB season.

My legs felt strong and my pedal stroke felt as if it was starting to spin more effortlessly. I hope to continue my progression toward better fitness and being better, stronger, and faster.

Intervals~

Did the intervals today.........OUCH did that hurt. Unless you are doing intervals at least once a week it is easy to forget how bad they make you hurt. My lungs, legs, & all of my muscles were really screaming "what the f*ck are you doing" as I threw it down full force in each interval. I want to do of this stuff for sure!

Today was extra special as I received a green light from Oakley sunglasses for my 2009 sponsorship package. Being sponsored with Oakley sunglasses is a dream come true as they make the best products and sponsor the very best riders. I am very motivated to be one of those riders.

Road

Did 2 hours 30 minutes on the Road Bike today. My legs felt a little stiff so I just kept the tempo easy and enjoyed the time in the saddle. The Tuesday night circuit race practice session starts next week in Ft Ord. It will be some good training for sure. Tomorrow I will do some intervals on the Road Bike. This Sunday is the final race of the TBF MTB Series and I am looking to race extremely hard.

Tried....But NO!

I gave it a go at the CCCX XC Race #2. I had so much going on, putting on three races on the weekend, having a root canal on Monday, and recovering from a hard crash the past Sunday. I tried my best to do the race, but simply could not get it together. I was on the lead for 1 lap and then I suddenly could not pedal and I had to quit the race. A smart move because I was completely tapped out.

Now I must work on getting better, stronger and faster.