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Wednesdays at Wakefield 2010 Race #1

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, it's hard to muster the energy to even do the climb as a warmup. This start is going to be interesting.

I place myself in the front line of about 40 racers. The race starts. I mentally turn my crank, but don't physically move anywere. That first pedal stroke takes forever. The whole line advances forward without me. I push the pedals. I'm off to a crappy start. My momentum kicks in and due to choosing a good line I'm able to maintain sixth position at the top of the climb. A couple minutes in #5 flats out. I'm in ok position for a podium, but I'm probably already in too poor a postion to take the lead. I keep up with #4 for the first lap or so. At some point unnoticed by me #4 passes some expert ladies. I approach and with difficulty pass two women racers (allowing #6 to catch up to me). Dang where the heck is #4? I briefly get him back in sight, but he's taken advantage and laid down the hammer. It takes me about 1/2 a lap to get him back in sight and he looks about 30 seconds ahead. I try to push it harder but the additional energy to propel myself forward takes away the energy to stay in control. I nearly crash into a tree. Some bystanders distract me and I almost come off the side of a low bridge. I can't handle more speed. I can't see #6 but I hear him occasionally. I assume he's out of range to catch me. I end the race #5 (I think.. results unofficial as of this posting), with #6 coming in only seconds behind. He says he had me in sight but couldn't catch me. I must of really lost steam.

Not the result I was looking for, and disappointed the leaders were so far ahead of me. Hoping its just a bad day. Didn't feel power in the legs. My HR and breathing rate weren't very high. I had no power. Perhaps some sleep, vitamins, and we'll give it another go next Weds.
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Unknown said…
Sounds rough, but I can totally relate. Sometimes you just have those days, especially when you have to balance work, family and racing. I have no doubt with a little rest you'll be tearing the field up again.
June 29, 2010 at 5:58 AM
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