Chad's spot for various thoughts, musings, poetry, ideas and whatnot

Monday, July 14, 2003

Two in the Win Column

I've finally managed to breakthrough I've been training for and it does feel good. I took out the top honors in the last two races I've ridden in. The first was a MTB race up in Gainesville at the Ag Center. After my typical slower than most start, I found my rhythm and began to power through the course. By the beginning of the second lap I had caught most of the leaders and by the second climb I had dropped them all. I soloed to a 1'30" win over the second place rider. No flat tires this time. It felt great to get my first MTB win and to get past the mechanicals that have been plaguing me.

Saturday I went out to the Georgia State Games for an attempt to win the Cat V time trial race and get a gold medal. The win at Union City was a good precursor but I wanted this win a lot worse. I had a stronger field to contend with and the course was a lot flatter. That meant that my not exactly areo bike would put me at a disadvantage against more guys with better gear. The funny thing though was that i never felt the usual nerves I get before a race. I got the adrenaline rush right after registration but once I got past that I was calm and determined. When I left the start house I leg my legs find their rhythm and then turned on the gas slowly. At the top of the first little hill I spiked my heart rate at 187 and then let it settle to 180. I went all out for the next five miles. At the end of 18 minutes, I had caught my minute man and won the gold. I didn't find out until yesterday but I was pretty calm until then. I knew I had ridden to the best of my ability. In fact, I had set a personal record speed of 25.4 mph and my legs had felt better than they ever have at a time trial.

This weekend I'll go for a gold medal at the State Games MTB championships at Dauset Trails. I don't think anyone in the series has had back-to-back wins so I'm trying for a lot here but I'm pretty motivated. Here's to hoping for no mechanicals and good legs. Those and a little luck and I'll be on the podium for sure, maybe in the top spot.

Thanks for reading.

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