Source Endurance

So this season has been interesting from the start.  The goal at the start was to Roll with the Big Boyz, as I like to say.  I had the desire to focus on racing and move up to a cat 2.  This of course means that on occasion you get the opportunity to race with some really high caliber racers, which for me was very enticing. After training throughout the winter months I got sick right at beggining of the Texas season, missing most all the spring classics that folks speak about all year long. Then, as I got my strength and legs back it was time to work for a teammate that was on really good form.  I enjoyed the team racing as I was certainly not in shape to contest for wins, but i could put it on the line and make sure our teammate had the best possible race.  Finally, in mid spring and early summer I started finding my legs and the coveted points for the upgrade I trained for.  On to the cat 2 ranks it was.

So why is this Chap rambling on you ask.?  Well, I think it's because this weekend as I prepare to for the Tour of KC it's the first time it's sunk in that I get to race with the Big Boyz from now on.   Yes I raced the p/1/2 race during the Austin ALMI crit...and I was actually in the top 20 for most of the race!  But that race was 3 days after I got my upgrade and I felt like I was in shape (and apparently I was)!  I was feeling no pain as I was on cloud nine for finally I reached my goal. Now, racing against that high level of competition that I desired at the beginning of last winter is a reality.

Tomorrow I'm headed to the Tour of KC.  Three days, two crits and a circuit race. Kind of test race for the Gateway Cup crits in St. Louis in about 3 weeks.  I think KC is a Big Boyz race.  And the fact that I have a lot of red on my fancy-dancy SE training calendar has me a bit worried.  The great thing about being coached is that you have something set in stone (well kinda) and you are not only accountable to your yourself, but also your coach.  The point being, lately I dont think I've been very accountable as the dog days of summer have been humidly upon us, and beer and chips/salsa appear to be my two new best friends. So to race with the Big Boyz is just how it's gotta be from now on.  The races dont care who my new found culinary freinds are.  There's a certain level of balance that apparently I need to find becuase I think I'm discovering that to race at a higher level than years past one cannot rely on phisical attributes found in their genes.  You must work hard to stay at the top of whatever game your so choose to be apart of.  Be it Cat 5 or Cat 2. The races are there, the level is high, and the men will be seperated from the Boyz.  Should there be more green days on the calendar from SE?? We'll see when I get back from KC!