I have been racing for over 4 years and I really have enjoyed every stinkin' mile, training ride, and race. It was only in these last few months that I really decided to put my head down and try to get one more top ten placing or a few more upgrade points.
In 3 consecutive weeks, I was involved in crashes; either I went down or it created such a gap, that I was never able to get back on to the front. San Ardo, being the last road race of the season and a good course for me, I knew I could nail this one. Last year, I got 5th place and there was no reason I should not have been able to grab 2nd this year. It did not happen. I did not get those points and I came in 11th.
I have to wonder if this sport is for me. I train properly, following my coaches plan, eat well, do not drink alcohol and recover properly. Loose a few more pounds? Rest more? Add sprint work? Quit my bartending job?
Maybe, I'll go back into the gym and hang up my bike for awhile..........
11 comments:
I hear ya! But, this, I will say. You are an absolute pleasure to race with, Denise. You're smart, always in good position, safe, and friendly. It was a blast racing with you on Saturday. I always felt comfortable when you were close by.
Now, why would you want to upgrade to the 3s if you're not winning the 4s? Or do you just want to upgrade and then announce your retirement?
i know why you want to upgrade and i know you can do it
but i'll admit, i found it no fun at all when upgrading became my goal
it takes away the fun of experimenting, of risking, because you don't want to risk not getting another top 10
i don't know what you should do as far as your training because i don't know the details of what you're doing(not that i'm not unwilling to spout my opinions in detailed fashion offline), but i do know that you shouldn't worry about it now
have fun during the off season,
come to some of the bella training rides if you can this winter, and things may well come together for you next season
you are a strong racer that i respect and enjoy being teammates with
DO NOT GIVE UP DENISE!!!
do take a break though, sounds like you need it...
you have a lifetime to upgrade...it will come - results don't mean much if you are feeling down because of results...
there are a lot of PRO racers out there that race for many many years and do not come with results but race for the team...
just keep chugging along...
slow ugprade is better because you have more experience once you upgrade...
don't feel so down, you are an amazing person with a very good heart and a wonderful life...
there is no such thing as "not for me", it is for you if you make it to be...
"you are a strong racer that i respect and enjoy being teammates with"
word.
i love watching you and your teammates race.
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when VB has the training camps this year ... and of course, i use that term loosely, come and goof off with us. big plans, BIG plans.
the food will be great, the company divine, and a nice little selection o' vino and microbrews.
oh, and we'll ride a bit, too ... i guess.
i can't wait! Sabine and I have been dreaming about them.
so much fun.
I sense end of season blues...we all have them. They manifest in different ways for different people. But I suspect that what your teammates/friends have said about you on this blog is only scratching the surface! Sounds like you have a TON of respect among those you race with...and you're having fun, and that should be reason enough to keep at it! Upgrade schmupgrade...it will come when you are ready!! Enjoy the journey, because isn't that what it all is? Getting there creates the memories which all put together create what we call our lives. Live it!
Oh...and take a break and enjoy the off-season! I'm in withdrawal already....
oh yes, listen to OV!
training camps with the Bellas will re-ignite the fire.
so, rest-up...you're not done yet!
...oh and another thing...if one of the requirements for upgrading to a 3 was winning in the 4's, i'd still be a 4...i was a pretty bad 4.
We love ya Denise!
And thats all I'll say because everyone said it much better than I could.
This team in one of the reasons I race......inspirational, motivational, and sensational. You're the best....thanks!
it has always been fun being in races with you...you are a racer chick...
You've been ready to be a 3 for a while. I'm actually surprised that you still haven't upgraded. If I have enough points to upgrade, I'm sure you do too!!!
You are one of those few I enjoyed racing with. You're a strong racer and a cool one on top of that....
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