Southern Exposure

I'm only just beginning to get used to the sunshine here - blue skies, warmth, not having to wash down the bike every ride. I like it!

Yesterday was the Time Trial - a 6 mile all out loop. Racers going off every 30 seconds. Trying to catch the person in front and not being caught be the person behind being key. My race was due to start around 1:30, but I didn't go until 3:15. That's a long time to wait around for the start of your race. I tried to keep in the shade with my feet up, but when you are expecting one time, and then it turns out to be another, it gets had to stay relaxed.

My time comes eventually and it hits me hard. I've not done a hard effort for about a month now. With a trip to Hong Kong and then getting sick this is a shock to my recovering body. I give it everything, catching glimpses of the gal in front of me, doing everything to keep the person behind from catching me. Within a few minutes my mouth is dry and and my lungs feel as if the hot air is searing them inside. I wonder why I do this. About half way through I'm gaining on the gal in front, I pass her quickly. Another gal in front now, I pass her close to the end. There's a gal closing in behind me but I hold her off until the end. If she's in my class I know she will have a faster time than me though. How did I do? Hard to tell as I have to wait for everyone else to come in and for the results to be posted.

Turns out the gal behind was a different age, and I did just enough to take the win in the 30-39 age category. This surprises me - it's my first national win!

My time of 27:41 has given me a 10 second lead on my competition going into the Super D. Can you say 'target'?