Washington State Championships

 
Today was the Washington State Championships in Steilacoom (Lakewood).  A classic Northwest cyclo-cross venue with great history. 
  The day was dry yet very cold.  The temperature was about 37F with winds coming from the North = damn cold.  Since I was 5th in the State last year, I got a front row call up and did my best to make the most of it.  When the whistle blew, I got in my pedal immediately and was off with the hole shot after the long pavement stretch.  Once we entered the grass chicanes and pit areas, the group started to string out with the real contenders moving up.  I settled into a rythm as best as I could but my legs felt terrible.  They felt like the Monday after a race....not good going into a "double weekend" but there was no sense in whining about it.  There was a job to do, and I had to do my best.  After the second lap, I pretty much stayed put in my position of 11th and was not able to move up and bridge up to the next rider.  Instead I worked to protect what I had and kept distance from the riders behind me.  I finished in 11th place which was far from my season goal, but hey, what do you do, this is bike racing.....push on and keep trying.
  Tomorrow is the race #7 of the Seattle Cyclo-Cross Series (SCX) at Sprinker Park in Spanaway.  Typically this is a good course for me, and I have a good time there.  Hell, maybe I tricked my legs to thinking that today was a good warm up for tomorrow's race.
  NOTE:  Holden had a fantastic ride today, and busted his butt for a 5th place at the State Championships.  He looked good, and really rode well, and worked hard.  Kristi and I were so proud, and amazed at how much he has progressed and learned this year.  Congrats Holdenator!
  Also, a great day for my teammates Corrie with a solid 2nd place in a great head to head battle, and D.P. with a spectacular 4th place and Marc "Pappi" right behind him in 5th in the Master 3's.  Our other junior, Ethan also did a great job netting a 6th place behind Holden in the 10-12 year old race.  Nice job guys and great race  Thank you Kristi for pitting for me in my race.  It was a cold day to stand in the wind with a broken hand.  I love you for it.
  I look forward to telling you how tomorrow goes.  For now.....thanks for reading!