Elite Track Nationals in Review

Perspective is an entity rare in the moment of an event’s unfolding. This truth is so difficult to remember in those frantic moments after a race. Heaving desperate breaths, the dull yet paramount feelings of “I gave it everything” and “I’m not enough” are mixed, potent, and permeating. Reality is far from the front of my conscience. All I feel is the weight of doing my best and coming up short at the finish.
This was my front line of combat – to hold at bay a pattern of thought removed from the truth and terribly short sighted.
What I accomplished in Los Angeles this weekend wasn’t what I hoped for. I know I can doeverything I did dobetter. But that’s not the point. The purpose of this trip was the experience itself. It was always meant to be a short stroke on a large portrait still being painted. I am in my infancy as a track rider. I love this specialization and I need to give myself more time and trust the process.
Lessons Learned Organized by Race:
Points Race – My aerobic system doesn’t like being shocked by early race efforts. Be patient, float higher on the track, don’t be afraid to carry momentum through the bottom, attack from the back, learn the key players and be ready to recognize them at a glance, don’t leave yourself under-geared, and, relax.
Individual Pursuit – Befirm in resolve and flexible in approach. Start on schedule, don’t freak out if you are 0.6 seconds behind schedule on your opening lap, don’t try to accelerate in one lap (it’s a big gear you’ve got time), settle your head between your shoulders, leave room between your shoulders for your lungs to work, and, relax.
Scratch Race – Enjoy the moment. Ride high enough to cover moves with potential energy, never jam up to the rail (you will end up back pedaling), be aware of strong riders, be bold to make your own move, and relax.
You should have noticed a common theme? Yeah, that’s something that’s going to take the most practice.
To my sponsors, thank you for getting me ready for this race, to this race, and believing in me as a long-term investment.
To the cycling community, especially Chris Carlson, Michael Barman, Kyle Knott, and John Croom, thank you for sharing your race experience and food. For taking time to do mental check-ins with me, and for your constant efforts to keep me from sleeping on the ground at races.
Finally, thank you Uncle Chuck and Grandma Arlene for letting me stay with you, for driving me to and from the races, for making sure I went to the ocean, for dropping me off at the airport at 2:30am, and, most importantly, for goodbye hugs, “Love yahs” and “come back soons” that have me missing you two already. Elite

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