20 January 2012 | Misc
Winter? Update
How's this for January in Colorado? Photo: Jeff Kerkove
Is it really the middle of winter right now? I’ve been asking myself that a lot lately as I realize I’ve once again over-dressed for a ride. Temperatures have been in the 40s and 50s which is pretty darn nice for winter training if you ask me. Others have been complaining about the lack of snow and the poor skiing conditions, but I just smile- I’ll take it! I’ve gotten out for some beautiful training rides lately, and every time I’m out there I think how lucky I am to live here.
Lucky. Photo: Jeff Kerkove
It seems like a loooooong time since I have raced my bike (if you could call my performance during ‘cross “racing”….), and I am starting to get excited about the upcoming season. I am ready to put a decent but somewhat frustrating 2011 season behind me and head into 2012 guns blazing! It has been so nice to be home for a big chunk of time, and even though on some cold days I (briefly) wish I lived in Arizona, I don’t really mean it. This is the longest I’ll go without traveling all year, and I am soaking up every minute of being home as I get ready for the 2012 season.
What are my goals for 2012, you ask? Well, to win every race of course! Seriously though, my first goal is to qualify for the Olympics. There are 2 spots and more than 2 of us that are vying for them. It’s going to be tough, but I think the qualification system is fair, and ultimately the 2 fastest U.S. women will representing the U.S.A. in London in August. Of course I have other goals too, like defending my national title and being on the (top of the) world cup podium. And as cheesy as it sounds, one of my biggest goals of the season is to consciously appreciate how cool my job is and how lucky I am to be able to have had this job as long as I have.
My season will start March 3rd at the Mellow Johnny’s Classic, which has one of the best spectator turnouts in the country. I have enjoyed racing in Texas the last two years, and I have no doubt that the new venue and course will be even better. Texans are always excited to have us there, and I look forward to seeing some familiar faces. After that, I will be home for a few days before heading to South Africa for the first World Cup. This year, I won’t be underestimating the toll that the travel will take: we’ll arrive in South Africa about a week before the race and allow for plenty of time to ride and adjust to the time.
But for now I am at home and loving it. Just me and my chickens (who have started laying eggs, by the way).