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Jen Jordan's Journal
Focus on the Successes
posted by at 03:47 AM on November 17, 2009
Bay Area Super Prestige #3 Sierra Point11/14/09
Even if you come in first, is it really possible to race a perfect race? I doubt it. Even if you win, there is probably some failure in there somewhere. Something you could have done better. You may be wondering why I'm talking about winning in this race report, when I was so far from it. When I look at my result, this race was a failure for me - But when I look at the big picture, I succeeded in many ways.
Success #1 I listened to my body and the advice of some good friends last week, and took the whole week off the bike. I didn't ride at all. I know it sounds cooky, but my legs were so much more responsive to my will! I also had a deep tissue massage and drank tons of water. Never before have I believed/trusted that this much rest could be good at the peak of a racing season. Who new?
Success #2 I woke up on Saturday morning feeling very calm and confident. I was really looking forward to this special night race. I was "feeling it", which was not the case in the previous 2 races.
Success #3 Got to the course early and was able to ride up the "run up" -as long as no one was in front of me. This boosted my confidence.
Success #4 I did a decent trainer warm up for the first time in what, 2 years?
Success #5 I got a call up for being 9th place in the series, and rolled up to the line visualizing a great sprinting start in my head! It you can visualize it, you can do it.
Success #6 I had a solid start on the pavement, bunny hopped that curb at speed, and and actually bettered my position during the first lap! Yeah Me! This is where I want to be!
Success #7 I had a blast! This course was so fun, I felt like I was on a roller coaster! I was launching myself out of that "bowl" on "Disco Hill" and catching air. Yes, it was a big waste of "time" as far as the race clock goes, but I sure was enjoying my time.
Success #8 I was able to race and ride with 8 of my team mates. Nearly the whole team and their families were there. Anna and Erin we missed you!
Success #9 I got to witness the finishing sprint in my field! Why? How? Because Barb Howe and Kerry Barnholt lapped me. Thats how. Can I count this as a success? Here's where I need to throw in a few "failures" to explain my position.
Failure #1 Dropped Chain during preride - put it back on by hand and thought nothing of it. Even though this has never happened before with this bike, I just continued on, without looking for the problem. Duh.
Failure #2 Dropped chain on first lap run up - couldn't pop it back on. Had to dismount and fumble around with my chain for what felt like an eternity while most of the A field passed me.
Failure #3 Dropped chain again on second lap - same fumbling
Failure #4 You guessed it another dropped chain. At this point, I'm riding with the B's not even racing anymore- just riding and catching air when possible. I figure the cyclocross goddess must be laughing at me, so I decided to laugh (and quietly swear) with her. So this is where failure #5 comes in to play.
Failure #5 I failed to put my serious game face back on, and lost my top 10 position in the series as I played around on the course.
So you see, 9 successes and only 5 failures - and 4 of those failures were a dropped chain! Maybe I will only count them as one failure to check equipment properly. A few days later I realized that my chain guide had slipped out of position. I suspect foul play. Just kidding!
I was 25th out of 30 starters in the A field. The worst result I've ever had - yet somehow I can still chalk this one up as a success.Thanks to all who came to race and support. As Furman always says, you are like extended family. I know some of you had really hard races, so thumbs up to all. Thanks to Joie for the great set up, and of course, the cheerleaders.
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