Chattanooga, Tennessee!!

A month ago I was just coming out of the horrible period of leg cramping and uncertain where this arduous situation would lead me. I have spent the past couple weeks in Arizona really focusing on my back, my body and using the time not to over work myself or train back up to high hours on the bike. I decided that I would use this off the bike time as just that… rest. Going to a specialist that worked on my body balance and back to make sure I was in the best alignment possible. I also kept the volume short and used the extra bit of time I did have for stretching, back exercises and making sure I got in the pool after every ride to lengthen and stretch my back. I think this helped as I feel looser overall and on the bike feel like I have a “fresh” power that lets me jump on the pedals without feeling that drag down of a tired and overtrained body.

Picacho Peak, AZ . Driving from Tucson to Phoenix

After looking up and registering for upcoming races (North Star Grand Prix and Tour of the Dairy Land) I had a moment of freakout from the costs, but then decided to do what I could to offset these bills. So l turned back to my old ways of making some extra money, cooking. For Mother’s Day I made and sold lasagna and chocolate covered strawberries. And it was quality too, not just something thrown together. I put a lot of time into my cooking and also learned from my dad who was a chef, I think I can give some credit to my heritage also, being Italian I think it comes in the blood.

Chattanooga, TN. Riding over the second bridge in the Road Race course.

Going into US Elite Pro Nationals this weekend I am excited to see what I can do. I know I am not 100% on my threshold and ability to go hard for a long time, but I do know I am rested, trained and am smart on the bike when it comes to racing. I also know the course. Having raced both the TT and Road Race last year I know how the round-bouts play out in the TT which make it a technical course and I know the 15min climb up Lookout Mountain in the Road Race will break up the group and leave only those strong enough in for the final laps of the circuit.

Chattanooga, I’m coming back for a vengeance! I was ready for a great road race last year that ended in frustration and anger. When heading towards the first climb up Lookout the group was strung out going over the railroad tracks and I hit a major hole and flatted. After neutral support came up I was way behind the caravan and worked as hard as I could to get back to the group but wasn’t able to. I did pass some people on the climb but it wasn’t good enough.

This year I will be prepared with experience and go into the race like I’ve never gone in to a race before… rested. I’m even curious how my body will feel going up Lookout Mountain for 15 minutes at a huge effort.

Chattanooga, TN. View from the ridge where our host house is.

Tomorrow is the Time Trial, 31km/19.2miles of truth. 11:52 (et) I start and will put it all out there and find all the inner strength I can.