XC National Championship Eve

Tomorrow is the big day.  This is what I have been preparing for all year.  The butterflies are swirling; Zeke said they are dragonflies, ready to do battle.  I keep telling myself that I have done everything I can do to get ready.  I am not worried about me:  the legs are sparkly, the mind is focused, this is my kind of course.  My concerns lie with the bike.  Will the other brake break?  Why is my shoe making that squeaky noise when I pedal?  Will my tires hold up?  Will my chain break? And the list goes on.

I must let go of the negatives and focus on the positives.  It is going to be hot and humid.  The course is uber technical.  Consistency is the key.  I have great support.  I love rocks!  I have lots of new red blood cell friends to fuel my muscles.  It is my race to lose.  This is the list I must replay in my mind tonight as I drift off to sleep.

Today I went for an easy spin to just remind the legs of what is needed of them tomorrow.  "Spin to win" and "float like a butterfly" will be my mantras.  I found a little park to do some laps, practice my start, and work on some CX maneuvers for the trainwrecks that will most likely ensue on this true mountain biker's course.

Nice 1 mile loop to spin out the legs
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My left shoe was being all noisy so I loc-tited the bolts and then went for a little spin in the hotel to test it out.

Yes, I will always be a kid at heart.  And luckily no one burst out their room door!  I go off tomorrow at 10:30.  3 laps with some tough competition.  I WILL have fun, ride my own race, be safe, and the rest will fall into place.