New napping spot

I have discovered the reason why all my towels are covered in cat hair

Nationals Wrap Up

Well, nationals finished the way it started, with a win. This time in the 3 kilometer team pursuit. That's when 3 people ride together to get the fastest time over the distance.

We assembled a great team with me and Ingrid Alongi from Boulder who incidentally set the second fastest individual pursuit time. I only nipped her by 0.2 secs in the individual event. We also had Kate Gracheck. I guess I could say that Kate had us on her team since it was 6 months ago when Kate asked me to do the team pursuit with her. Thanks so much guys, it was a great ride and a great way to wrap up nationals.

Master's Nationals Update Part II

Last night was the points race. I've been eagerly anticipating this race since they announced Master's Nationals was moving to Colorado Springs. The points race is by far my favorite event, either road or track, so I was super pumped for the race.
Unfortunately the tactics of the race didn't suite my strengths. I prefer a very fast, aggressive race. Although I did my best to live up to my nickname with several futile, ill-timed attacks, I couldn't get anything going off the front. I ended up 3rd in the points, just barely. I took the 3-way tie for 3rd with my sprint on the last lap, so it was real close.

I do have to give a lot of props to Brooke O'Connor. She raced a fantastic race and it's great to see her win. I couldn't think of anyone nicer to get beat by. She and I used to face off against each other when I was racing nationally. I never beat her back then and I still couldn't last night. To be honest, I think that field last night was one the deepest and most competitive field I've ever raced with. So it's no shame in finishing 3rd with that group.
Of course, I'm still bummed about it, and I did my fair share of pouting last night, but there's more racing tomorrow. I have the team pursuit tomorrow. That's 3 people doing a 3k time trial together. We assembled 3 of Colorado's best pursuiters, so between me, Ingrid, and Kate we hope to put in a good time.
In the most excellent news from the points race last night, Kate Gracheck won her age group. I couldn't be happier for Kate since she's not only a good friend, but someone I've seen get better and better every year on the bike. This year in particular it's great to see Kate doing so well because a year ago this month she was diagnosed with cancer. So, she not only kicked cancer's ass this year but also totally kicked ass on that track last night.

p.s. thanks to random people on facebook for all these photos which I stole.

p.p.s I also want to thank everyone who came out to watch last night. I had friends come down as far as Boulder just to watch me race. I definitely had the home crowd advantage. Thanks everyone!

Master's Nationals Update

This week are Master's National Track Championships. I haven't raced them since 2006, the last time they were here in Colorado Springs.

2006 was also the last time I won a national championship, which I was lucky enough to do again today. That makes a total of 5 for me now. I guess I'm kind of proud of that number now.
Today's race was the pursuit and it was a surprise win as I've only done 3 pursuit workouts all year. I guess those last 7 or 8 years of pursuit training is paying off because I not only won my age group today, but also set the fastest time for all the women. My time was 2:39.5 which I think is a PR. My goal was to go under 2:40, so I guess I did that, just barely!

I do have some people to thank.
I need to thank Swillissa for loaning me her aero helmet. I won the race by 0.25 seconds, and I'm sure her more aero helmet was the difference over my circa 1996 P.O.S aero bucket.
I have to thank Katie Compton for calling my splits during the race, mostly she just yelled at me to go faster, which is all I really needed anyway.
I also have to thank all my fans, aka coworkers, that came out to cheer me on like maniacs. Every time I came through the home stretch there was thunderous cheering, cowbells, and screaming. I am sure I would not have dug as deep without them.

And then the day ended with a beautiful sunset.

Next up, the Points Race on Friday night. I can't wait! The Points Race is what I'm actually good at.

Racing update

Dear Mom,
It's been a while since I've been able to say this, but I won the race on Saturday. Woot! The form seems to be coming good just a couple weeks ahead of nationals. After about a dozen 2nd places over the last 2 years it's kind of a relief.