I woke up this morning and felt like crap. I really didn't want to go do this race. However considering how much aggravation went into get myself registered on time, and that my teammate was only doing it because I was, I decided I would drag my sorry ass up there.

I felt pretty good during the warm up considering that yesterday I was convinced I was getting a cold, and this morning I thought I had a fever. Must have been hot flashes. :-)

I was very nervous at the start. Last year the holder dropped me, and I fell at the start. So mentally I was a little spooked until I was sure this guy was really holding me upright. I got off to an okay start. I may have been a little overgeared. I just went out as hard as I could. The rider who was leaving 1 minute before me was a no show so I was chasing a "ghost rider". The woman 2 minutes in front of me I thought was going to be my serious competition. As I got near the turn around I saw the woman with the two minute headstart was not all that far ahead. I wasn't sure I'd do a "Lance" to her, but I figured I was going finish not that far behind her.

After the turn around, I started to up the pace a little more. There was a little bit of a tailwind, but nothing real significant. I had forgotten to reset my computer after my warm up so all that mileage and time was included. I knew roughly my mileage, but didn't know what type of speed I was maintaining. I had no idea what my heart rate was because I couldn't find the watch this morning.

As I was getting into the last mile I could see the woman with the two minute head start up ahead. That got me jacked up enough to push the pace a little more. When I saw the 1 KM to go I let it all hang out. I knew I wasn't going to catch her, but I was going to come across the line shortly afterwards.

Start in a little easier gear, and not get so freaked out over the start.

3 mile cool down spin.


I'm not sure how much faster I could have gone.


Empire State Games is NY State's staewide Olympic style competition. I've competed both as master and in Open division. In the Open you have to qualify, and very intense competition. I always get my butt smacked around by the Cat 2s and 3s.

Masters you don't have to qualify but still can be some tough competition. I was thrilled to win Gold today. They even have an Olympic style podium. That's kind of cool.