'Cross Season 2006

Well, after returning from Italia I new I would be in for a world of hurt as I jumped into the 'cross season. While I did some good base rides thru the hills of Tuscany (Cortona, Montepucliano, and Moltecino), I had done zero intensity. However, I took comfort in the fact that I had not missed all of the early season underground races.

My plan was totally and complete annihilation thru racing (i.e. racing myself into fitness). So, my race plan: CCCX#1 Sun (9/24), then DFL Weds (9/27), DFL FinalsSat (9/30) and CCCX#2 (10/01). Needless to say by DFL finals on saturday my legs were cooked. I actually dropped out with a lap to go because my heart rate was high and I had no power left. I figured I'd leave what little I had in the tank for Sunday's CCCX race.

DFL race (weds)

Anyhow, the one thing I noticed so far, other than the fact that I am way slower than last year, is that the pre-season running has helped quite a bit. The CCCX#1 in Prunedale had a longish run up and I was able to attack it without much pain...well until the last two laps. The second to the last DFL race had a pretty burly run up where you could either run up a bunch of steps or hit a dirt trail. I opted for the dirt trail everytime as I thought that was more realistic of a cross course.
CCCX #2 Fort Ord

At the CCCX#2 race I felt like I was on my way towards recoverying from the previous week of racing, but I still lacked top end power. That it is when the road opened up, I had no real power in my legs to launch a full sprint. I'll have to taylor my training to include more short intensity.

Anyhow, I'm super stoked to be back in the 'cross season. I welcome the many familiar faces and look forward to improving my fitness as the season progresses.

See you out on the dirt!