FSC #7 Lakeland

Thank goodness... I learned a long time ago, not to have high expectations when it comes to racing.  I have specific goals- yes, but I never assume that a race will turn out a certain way.  And a prime example would be this race.  Things definitely didn't go as smooth as I had hoped!!!

First, see that little tiny speck in picture about the 9th one back??? Yep, that's me.  Still working on my starts!!! 

Photo by:  ID Angel Maccarty Racing

In no time, I was able to catch back up to the main pack (with the exception of the first 2 juniors). I continued on, making my way up a steep climb on Puff N Stuff, when I was bumped from behind by a junior running his bike up it.  Yep- happy to see that I'm not treated any different because I'm a girl.  A quick "I'm sorry" (as I dangle off the ridge) and he was on his way. That's racing for ya.  So, I hopped back on my bike and continued on.

Photo by: Nancy Cyman-Bregg

Unfortunately,  my game was off a little now.  So, I wasn't surprised to find myself stuck in the bushes after hitting a root and flying sideways over the bars.  Guess I caught a little too much air. So, there I was, in the bushes on Cruddy Buddy near the alligator infested water. Helmet tangled up in some vine crap, the legs somehow stuck in the bike frame, hurt shoulder and chest, so yeah-  this time- there was just no hopping back on the bike, I really couldn't get up. To my surprise, Kyler Hall (one of my teammates) saw my little crash and stopped to offer help.  So, I took it.  And I'm so happy he didn't end up getting passed by anyone in the meantime.  I would have felt really bad if he lost a position because of me.

With the exception of being super sore, the second lap went really smooth.  I was able to pass a junior towards the end and finished the race in 8th place.  Even without the crashes, I don't think I could have done much better.  And I'm happy with my lap times when comparing them to the women.  Good bye for now and looking forward to the Santos race.

FSC #6 Alachua

Oh yeah...things are coming together quite nicely.  Ever since the Alafia race- I don't know- I just feel stronger.  Intervals on the trainer don't seem to be as challenging, and I feel like I'm flying on the trails.  I haven't hit my growth spurt yet (the doctor said that probably won't happen until I'm 14) so, it has to be Coach Drew's training program. I wanted to see if I had gained some extra power, so I decided to put myself to the test at the San Felasco race.

I had a plan for the race. I was going to get on Ethan's wheel and hang on as long as I could. With his fast pace, I figured he would get me up into the main pack, then it would be up to me to hold it.  What I had not planned on was such a bad start.  I slipped a pedal and was pretty much in last place heading up the grassy climb.  Thank goodness my legs were feeling great.  I was able to pedal my way through the racers and put my plan back into action.

Photo by:  Nancy Cyman-Bregg 

   
I caught up to Ethan and stayed with him for the first lap and going into the second.

Photo by:  Christie Burnett

Photo by:  Carol Coker

 And then... Ethan and a couple other racers started to attack, switching positions a couple times. And for me...well let's just say I didn't have any gas left in the tank to go into attack mode.  So, they pulled away, but not by much. Out of breath and ready to puke, I finished the race in 7th place.  But this time instead of being minutes away from a podium finish, I was only seconds.
  

Photo:  Nancy Cyman-Bregg