This was my first cross race. I never practiced cross before; the bike was new to me (Jeff helped me find a SS cross bike and put it together Thursday evening); I realized right before the race that the cleats I had didn't match the pedals (Jeff saved me again). I got lined up all the way at the end which was nice because I was spared the pain of seeing 40 something girls passing me since they were already ahead of me. Not really knowing what to expect during the race I dived head in and gave it all I got for half an hour.
The race itself was a bit of a blur. First lap was a trial and error exercise, after that I got the flow. I kept on passing people on flats and hilly sections only to see them flying ahead of me as I was trying to run over the barriers in slow clumsy motion. By the third lap I was dry heaving and ready to puke with one and a half lap to go. Most of the field did 5 laps, I managed 4 and a half. Finished somewhere last ten or so. I still felt like puking two hours after the race ended.
While this was the most painful race I've done so far (more so then Rapha or ROF) it was also the most fun I've had in a race. Although my ass was handed to me I had a giant grin most of the time. Can't wait to do it all over again.
Cristina enjoying post-race refreshments with Allison(photo courtesy of Mo)
