Nittany CX

Being even less prepared that last year, I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the cyclocross season than a double race weekend at Nittany. This year the MAC added a women’s 40+ Masters category, which I was extremely thankful for because I am FAR from UCI material.

The vibe at the starting line was much more relaxed and friendly. It made for a pleasant racing experience that did not lack competition.

Saturday was flat and fast, which played to my strengths and a third place finish. Late day rained altered the course dramatically for the second day of racing. The turns were slick and there was a large mud pit not far from the start. On the first lap I was forced to dismount and run, which put me in chase mode for a good portion of the race...but as I like to say “I’m not a starter, I’m a finisher” and my endurance enabled me to fight back to a fourth place finish. 

Overall, it was a pretty good weekend. It was nice to see everyone from the CX community, people who are like family to me for the next few months.

When I got home I took the dog to the field and drank a Pumking. Then I ate a kick ass burrito. Tomorrow won’t be very pleasant, but the bikes are clean and there’s another race to look forward to next weekend.

Nittany CX: DAY 2

Sunday morning was a carbon copy of Saturday morning, except for the fact that when my alarm went off I felt forty years old. 

Last season I raced back to back days on two occasions. Both times, I felt sluggish and sore on the second day, yielding poor results...and because I haven’t been training, I figured that today would be no different than what I experienced last year on day two. 

It had rained over night and the temperature was cool. I previewed the course in all of its muddy glory, then picked up my number. This isn’t a particularly profound thought but...what goes on behind you and what goes on in front of you can impact your race significantly...sometimes you come out on the winning end of things, sometimes you don’t. 

There was a lot going on during the first three minutes of this race, especially when we hit the mud. By the time I broke free from the congestion, the lead group had gotten a gap. I worked hard to close in on them and managed to reel in two riders, resulting in a fifth place finish. What pleased me the most was my consistency. Placing fourth and fifth on back to back days is definitely an improvement from last season.

Nittany CX: DAY 1

The forecast was for heat and humidity. My efforts to stay properly hydrated were rewarded with several trips to the bathroom throughout the night. The alarm went off at 5AM. I donned my headlamp and took the dog for an hour long walk.

One of my friends said that racing this weekend would be good for me because it would allow my mind to focus on something else...obviously, she doesn’t race CX.

Aside from attending one skills clinic, I’ve done absolutely nothing to prepare myself for this season. Lack of preparation seems to lend itself well to lack of expectations and so I rolled up to the line fairly relaxed. And when the whistle blew, my heart raced, my legs ached and I was thankful that the race was only four laps.

I stayed with the lead group for a good portion of the race, then started to wear down on the third lap...but I held my position and kept them in sight, crossing the line fourth. It was my best result in the MAC Race (by a lot!).

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay to socialize after the race...but it was nice to see so many friendly faces. I appreciate the kindness of each and every one of you who reached out to me today.

Nittany CX

Ten months. I waited ten months to write this post. Cyclocross season is finally here!

I took some time off from structured training after Crossasuarus Awesome. When January rolled around I was back at it, forever changed. Riding on the road was ok, but it wasn't cross. As the months went on I found myself less interested in road racing. The workouts became more about maintaining fitness for CX Season.  

My first race of the 2013 season was Nittany Cross on Sunday September 8th. There were 47 women in my race (Cat 3/4 Women). It was the largest field I've been in so far. 

The course was mostly flat. We dismounted twice, once for a log and another for a set of barriers. After a rooty, winding section in the woods there was a long straightway, which was my favorite part of the course...hammer time!

The race started fast and stayed fast. I learned a valuable lesson last season about the importance of the first lap. I did my best to hold my position through the first two laps, then went to work, picking off riders. When it comes to racing cross, my strength is the ability to endure suffering. My weakness is choosing the right lines, which is one area I'm looking to improve upon this year.

I crossed the line in 13th place. Lucky 13! I can only hope that it is foreshadowing...if so, it should be a good season. 

My post race beer selection was a Pumpkin Ale from Iron Hill Brewery. Definitely not my favorite offering from Iron Hill. Definitely not my favorite Pumpkin Beer, but I was able to force down two pints.