FSC #4 Alafia

I do believe my racing has come full circle, only things are much different now!!! Back in 2006 at Alafia, I was un-defeated against the boys.  But this year...we all know that's not the case.

  

I have been racing for 8 years now, but it's been a long time since I actually raced (if that makes sense).  Last year, the top 4 women racers were so much faster than me, I was left behind.  So, I kinda went at my own pace and as long as no one passed me, I was fine with that.  But now, I knew if I wanted to get faster for Nationals, I couldn't settle.

 

So...I had a couple goals going into the race.  Get a good start, keep racing, don't settle in, and keep the heart rate up. 

    

 And wow, the race went just how I had hoped.  I had a pretty good start.  With the exception of the 2 leading boys, I was able to keep up with the rest during North Creek. -Oh... and I lost my water bottle at the beginning of the race, so I had to do the entire first lap with nothing to drink- Anyway after North Creek, the group broke up again.  Two more pulled away, but I still had 2 racers to chase.  I do think the training is paying off because I was actually able to hang with them. ....Until the 2nd lap when a couple guys from a different class passed me, the boys ended up pulling away from me.  Still going at good speed and keeping my heart rate up, I continued on. And to my surprise, I was passed by a boy on Bridges, and ended up placing 8th again.

 

 I pushed myself, never settled, raced the entire time, and couldn't be happier with my results. Some may think that I'm disappointed that I didn't get a podium finish, but trust me, I'm not.  Those boys are so much stronger than me- I mean come on, I weigh 76 lbs- so, the fact that I can even hang with them for a short while, well...I'm good with that!!!   And just to give you an idea of how crazy fast the J3 class is, here's the times compared to W CAT 1-3.  Granted,   I know CAT 1 & 2 race 3 laps, but still...