4 Days until Collegiate Nationals

So here I am four days away from collegiate nationals and really getting anxious to race. I told Kel and Rob yesterday during my race planning session that I feel like a caged animal. I love to race, I mean LOVE it. There is no better feeling in the world for me than the emotional high I get after a good race. Despite knowing that I haven’t trained for this race like it is an "a" race, I can guarantee that i will race like it is. I know that I am as prepared as I can be at this point, so I just am going to go out there and see what my body can do.

Its been great riding outdoors the last couple of weeks, but that didn’t come without some struggles. After a tremendous new bike fit, I also had a saddle change which ended up being disastrous. I experienced extreme discomfort while riding, but even worse was how it carried over throughout the day. I can tell you that after two softer seats, I can confidently say that the harder the saddle the better for me. Finally, about two weeks ago I knew I had the correct saddle and it happened just in time. I have never really been finicky about anything in regards to equipment, but I can now recognize the importance of finding the right saddle. Kel and Rob were a huge help in guiding me through this "painful and sensitive" transition.

As I get closer to Texas and to race time, the drive thus far has allowed me to reflect on all the days of training that are behind me. I doubt that anyone else in this race was out in January using snow contraption skis which made "running" after a long ride nearly impossible. I remember the runs through sideways sleet and snow, when all I wanted to do was be in a hot shower. Or most recently, when I was riding into 20mph headwinds and all I could think about is why am I doing this and when will this wind stop? I finished everyone of those killer workouts, be it a mental or physical grinder. I finished all of them and they will make me that much tougher come Saturday. I can’t wait to see all of the hard work pay off and to see the benefits of training smarter. Ill see you in Lubbock...bis bald.

-Darcy

I love it Darcy! You are going to rock it out Saturday! I love your frame of mind. You will need to go back to this on race day, when your legs are burning on the bike, think back to all the time you put in on that hard saddle! When you feel like you are going to explode on the run, remember what you did with the snowshoes, in the snow storms, sleet and even rain - all of these workouts were deposits in the bank! On race day, it’s time to cash in! Unleash the caged animal!
-Coach Kel

Wags Race Plan:  You know what to do - now Git ‘er Done and Make ‘em Pay!!!  Show No Mercy!!!

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