Canton Cup Cyclocross

In New England (or New Belgium as some locals like to say), Canton has become almost as popular a 'cross race as Gloucester. I really liked this course last year, and I LOVED it this year - I just wish the results showed that enthusiasm ;-).

DH and I got to to the venue really early, in time to talk to all TWELVE of the NEBC 3/4 women lined up to race, as well as a handful of other women I know. WOW! I have to say, it was so impressive seeing so many teammates and friends on the starting line, and you all had TERRIFIC races! I think I had more fun cheering all of you on than I did in my own race. Here's Trigirlpink heading up the run-up:

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgser...108Aat2TRu4aOO

In my race, I desperately wanted to have a good start, after having such a poor one in Brockton the day before. I was focused. I concentrated. I set my HRM one minute before we really started. I was ready. I counted down from 10, and....nothing. I ended up going into the woods DFL. I don't even know what happened, except that I did get somewhat boxed in with racers on the right having to skinny-up. I really need to practice the start - I've had such mixed results with it this year.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgser...108Aat2TRu4aOO

So, I sat DFL, trailing Roz P for the entire first lap. DH cheered. Don cheered. Gewilli cheered. Scott and ML cheered. Kathy, Geoff, Linda and Karin cheered. Other people cheered. And still, I was DFL. But then my legs kicked in. And Roz slowed up in a section. And Susanne faltered on a small uphill. I took advantage and got a bit of a gap. And then I remembered everything I yelled at my teammates earlier in the day - sprint out of the corners! Smooth and steady! Each lap, DH and our friend let me know that my advantage was increasing, so I made sure not to let up, no matter how much it hurt. I sprinted every corner, botched the barriers, and sprinted some more to hold them off. I ended up finishing third from last, but was happy with how I ended up racing in the end.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgser...108Aat2TRu4aOO

Yup, racing with the Elites kicks my butt. But it is also helping me to become a stronger racer, and I look forward to getting my butt kicked some more before the season is done ;-).

SheFly

Good lord.. I let out a little yelp when I opened this thread this morning!! Egads! Ladies plez take note: I am smiling because Cathy is yelling so loud to get my lily white a** up that run up I was crackin' up!!:D :D :D

You stick with those elites Cath! Good on ya!!! You don't want me to call you a sandbagger when I see you in my races, do ya?? ;)

Great report SheFly, and nice pictures of you guys!