Wednesday, March 25, 2009

ok...that's better

Last week I had a pretty poor result in the Plano Tuesday night crits, for reasons I won't re-type here.

My coach and I had a couple of "re-focusing" type conversations to set my mind back on track to what I am doing and why.

Couple those with getting there on time last night, warming up properly and concentrating on breathing....and what a difference in result and attitude!

Last week: Dropped in 7 minutes, lapped twice, could not hang with the group as it passed.

This week: Dropped in 13 minutes, lapped once and stayed in the group the rest of the race

I did pull out with 2 laps to go so I didn't commit the racer sin of taking someone out of the race that was on the lead lap due to crash, flat, bonehead move, etc. But that was my decision...not one my legs/lungs made for me.

Next week? Goal - 15-20 minutes or better...keep adding to it each week.

For those not familiar with this series, I am in the B Race which is Cat 4 men, 35+ Cat 3 masters, and some women. Its faster than the typical Cat 4 men only run, in my opinion. Great for training.

Cyclist to pray for: Leona in the Ukraine.

DB

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Crit results

>>Results tomorrow or Wednesday.<<

Results:

1 flat tire before warmup
1 long line at registration
1 abbreviated warmup

1 7 minute race before I dropped.

3 excuses for stinking up the joint.

Anyone got a favorite scripture reference for verse 30:3? 303 is my number for the year. Wanted 323 (Romans 3:23), but they weren't taking requests :) Got lucky last year with 3:16.

Cyclist to pray for: The junior that went down in turn 3 tonight...looked ok, but wasn't walking it back in...

DB

Monday, March 16, 2009

Let the season begin!

Yeah, I know...the season began unofficially in January at Copperas Cove, then in reality in New Braunfels. I got dropped 5 miles into the first and didn't bother to go to the second (too far)...

My goals for the year:
  • Pack finish in the B race at the Plano crits
  • Upgrade to Cat 3 on the track by season-end
  • Others, but I'm not telling.
Tomorrow is the first event of the FDM Crit series, and I'm as ready as I can be thanks to OnTrack Coaching. I've been on his training plans for 2 months and have worked really hard to abide by them. Did my test warmup at the crit course this afternoon and felt great.

Of ourse, with all the prep and God's sense of humor I'll probably get a flat on the Start line :) Just for humility's sake...

Results tomorrow or Wednesday.

Cyclist to pray for: 99% for John Ryan for continued recovery, 1% for me to not crash and hurt myself tomorrow...

DB

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Well that was cool!

The kick-off event of the Horse Country Time Trial Series was this past Saturday. It was part of a three-races in 2 days weekend, as well as bring the opener for the Texas Cup North Region competition and the Texas High School season.

This was the perfect storm of factors that brought about our largest attendance in the (now) 8 times we have run this event. 200 racers came out to go fast, turn around, then go fast some more. Previous best: 89.

We are a Christian Club, and we start each race with a prayer before we even set up registration. Scripture tells us that God will never ask us to do something without providing the tools to do it. Likewise, when He is included everything works for the best. We have seen this proven many times over in our club.

We had exactly the number of volunteers, officials, etc. to run an event this size. Even despite some of them pulling out due to illness (Get well Kolton and Gary!).

I stand in awe, but not suprised at the blessings that have been heaped upon our club.

3 of the standing course records were broken (Juniors, Women, Elite men):
http://www.ic3-ntx.org/March2009_Results.pdf

No injuries, despite one of our youngest competitors literally being knocked over by the wind. Tough little dude got up and kept on going.

I was supposed to race later in the afternoon, but the HCTT process was not finished in time to allow for a proper warmup, so I skipped it. This makes March 17 in Plano my next race.

Training is going well....legs strength up, weight down, attitude good.

Cyclist to pray for: John Ryan. Junior racer that did a faceplant after a bike vs. Great Dane incident yesterday. Lots of damage, looks like the concussion/broken nose may be the worst of it.

DB

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I'm back! Sort of...

Its been a busy two weeks since I last posted...

In addition to the training, I've been focusing on getting everything ready for the 3rd season of the Horse Country Time Trial as well as ongoing stuff for the Cooper Crit at Craig Ranch.

I love promoting races. Its truly fascinating to see all the pieces come together when everyone kicks in their labor and ideas. Nothing sweeter that seeing an event go off with little to few hitches. The TT should be easy this year, as we have lots of volunteers. The crit is the first one we have run, so who knows?

In the middle of all this, I've been suffering from fit/fitness issues on the bike. My saddle keeps sliding back when I'm not looking, and I keep forgetting I no longer live in the days where I could just jump on the bike and go. If I don't stretch the hamstrings, the back screams at me within the hour.

But train I must, as the Plano crit series opens in less than 2 weeks. As a warmup I am doing the 4/5 crit in Denton on Saturday.

I'll let you know how it goes...

Cyclist to pray for: John S.

DB