Ravin' on... Racin' Goals

[RoadRaven]

Well... I am knackered (she says graciously) and restless.

I rode hard today, the race was a 39km out and return course over rolling hills and in gusty, very strong winds.

We started well, 32-34kph paceline, rotating the lead and I was feeling alright - just doing very short moments in front.

But at 8kms out, the pace cracked on, and we were up over 36 and I could only maintain that for 2kms before my legs went lactic. So I drop rapidly off the back as my legs decide to ignore what I am telling them to do and tootle along between 12-17kph for the next 3kms trying to disperse the lactic acid.

Suddenly, my legs remember that we are racing and they start to respond to me, so I shelve ideas of turning back and continue on. I knew I would have to do this on my own, only two other women had been dropped before I had been.

It was a battle, but I put myself into time-trial mode at the turn-around/half-way point. My average at the half-way was below 25kph, and by the finish line I had lifted it to nearly 29kph.

I feel absolutely exhausted - I have Pursuiters Cough (and a headache now from the coughing!), and despite a nice soak in the bath I am still walking 'funny'. This tells me I gave it everything I had.

I feel very satisfied despite the comprehensive caning from my grade, because usually they drop me after about 5-6kms... I hung on twice as long.

I am anticipating next week despite the hills...