Tonight's race was important because it's a good litmus test for what kind of race shape I'm in, and it helps to shape my expectations for future events. I had several podiums in sport (Cat2) last year and started the season early January with a podium at Snotcycle. So my goal for the day is to win the race and advance to expert (Cat1). I really didn't feel well today. Totally sluggish all day. Devoid of all energy. Could not concentrate at work. Not sure what's going on. Sleep deprived? One day i'll run out of excuses. The temp on the car read 103 degrees. Accurate considering the traffic around me and heat coming off the pavement. Tricky because its a short (50 minute) sprint race, so I don't carry water. Camelback's are too heavy and unwieldy, and moving too fast to get the bottle. I pre-ride the starting hill. Its got a new coating of deep gravel. I need to pick a right-hand line to not sink in. Given how I'm feeling and the heat, i...