“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”

Dr. Brescia, an HRRT sponsor, quoted Benjamin Franklin this morning “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”

It’s time to re-apply to the HRRT teams.  One of the application fields is ‘Best Race Ever’; however, a single race didn't stand out in my mind.  Looking back through my race reports, I noticed a trend. The races I gushed over were races where I had put in place a plan, stuck to the plan and as a result (apparently) done better than I had expected.  Racing at the KMC Cyclocross Festival was another example of what I consider one of my best races ever.

Unsung heroes: Colnago World Cup – The bike soaks up the hits without complaint; the geometry allows for whipping through slithering cross courses; and the bottom bracket is sufficiently high that I've yet to have an issue pedaling through just about any corner.  ProGold – A “light” chain lubricant that noticeably quiets my drive train, sheds dirt, and does not build up and become tacky goo that complicates chain cleaning.  Note that the couple of times I've used ProGold’s bike shine, my bike was noticed and commented on (positively) by other.  GU: adding Electrolyte Brew to my warmup routine ensures that I’m fully hydrated at the race start; a Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel at the start line kept my legs pumping to the end – my last lap was the fastest. Comfort Inn – We were pressed to quickly find a place to stay; we found friendly staff, a clean, quiet and restful room, and the included breakfast met our nutritional needs as well as our need for a very early departure.  Comfort Inn was one of the lowest priced rooms in the area and I have no doubt, the best value.

During the course pre-ride, I tried several different techniques on obstacles.  For the two sketchy course fly-overs, I decided to play it safe and run.  We arrived early to get a full forty minutes of warmup; then kept my legs loose and blood flowing with a trainer course-side while I waited for the staging call.  An unintended positive consequence of spinning – it calms nerves.

I got a forth row call-up – big surprise.  I thought I’d be in the back at the start.  I watched a hole-shot crash the day before and decided to play it safe.  Playing it safe cost me a few spots getting onto the course.Once on course, I made a big push to hang onto the chase group – I was able to maintain contact for the majority of the first lap. During the race I didn’t deviate from my plan to run sketchy fly-overs and keep pushing myself every lap to catch or at least hold onto the rider ahead – don’t look too far ahead; never look back. On lap three I caught Paul.  Paul and I duked it out the rest of the race. While we grappled, we caught and passed two other riders and traded lead a couple times. Threading our way through the death spiral for the last time, I went wide and then dropped across to the inside for the pass; Paul shut the door on me. I chuckled and congratulated him on the fine counter move. We sprint to the line for a photo finish near mid pack.

Another best race; I had a plan, stuck to it, found a race within the race, felt good about my performance, and finished where I had hoped and had fun.