If you follow my Twitter stream, then you already know that I will be competing in the Kansas City Corporate Challenge (KCCC) bike race. I hesitate to predict how well (or poorly) that I will do. But I will be in the race. And I am so pumped about it.
Since the start of the year, I’ve logged about 2000 miles of bicycle commuting. I’ve also lost over thirty-five pounds of dead weight. I’m not at my ideal weight yet. But I am in better shape than I’ve been for almost five years. And I’ve been training on “Black Beauty” (my Surly Long Haul trucker).
Black Beauty is a delicious beast. But she is a Clydesdale built for a Clydesdale. While I am making excellent progress towards my goals, she is not what I need for KCCC. I need light weight and sheer pedal power. So I’ve spent some time (and a few sovereigns) getting my other beauty into shape.
To meet the need for speed, I got my Trek 2300 serviced and returned last week. I replaced a well-worn chain. And I had the whole drive train serviced. I also replaced the pedals with new SPD SL pedals. [Note: Next time I do this, I won’t change pedals because I’m having some trouble getting accustomed to the new attachment system. Hopefully, I’ll get it down before Wednesday.] Almost as important, I was greeted with an excellent surprise last Friday: I had hit my pre-race weight loss goal.
So I hope that I am ready. My goal is to get a top ten finish in the fifty-plus age bracket. That goal is within reach. But I do covet everyone’s prayers on the matter. I always worry on group starts. My eyes really do make a difference at the start. And since the race is relatively short, a bad start may just doom my hopes.
But whatever happens, I am so glad that I am competing. I am happy and healthy about the race. And I’ll get points for the team no matter how I finish. But I really do want to achieve my personal goal. Pray that I can win the all important mental battle against my own doubts and fears.
-Roo
