2012 - The Journey

I often have a conversation with Brad Lako that usually goes something about what does it take to be on the top step? Why is it always so hard? Why does that gap always seem so huge? Why is there always that "guy" that comes out of no where, or someone finds that superman strength for one year? Why do these guys always seem like a flash in the pan? Here now, gone tomorrow. Our conversation usually ends with talk about always being a brides maid - for another year. And a realization that if bike racing was easy or came naturally, we probably wouldn't be interested in it anymore. Its always a challenge. We seek only incrementally improvement year after year. But we are always right there in the mix consistently race after race. We are always chasing the top step. I have mentioned it before, but it truly is the journey that drives us, not the goal of finishing on top. Because it is challenging, exciting, and you truly never know where it will take you, its the journey we chase. Most important, it never ends if you continue to chase your goals. Because goals should never be the end, they are only piss breaks on your journey.

As with any year, 2012 had its ups and downs and my journey took my down many different paths. Mainly with life, between my Dad's injury, and training myself into endurance anemia, I was not sure I would get out of spring with any fitness. But all of that made me realize a few things. Whats important in life, and how to identify and resolve problems with training dilemmas. I learned a shit ton this year about proper training, and understanding the data. I put some plans in place before the season. Stuck to them and ended up with my best season to date!

I had could not believe the mountain bike season I had this year. I ended up on the podium in almost every race I entered! As a result, I ended up 2nd overall in the USAC Tailwind XC series, and even took a win for the first time as an Expert at Ruby. Furthermore, for a 2nd straight year to finished 2nd at the Iceman in a snowy, muddy, and longer Iceman.

As for Cyclocross, I came into the season fresh and hot. I stood on the podium at a USGP by taking 2nd place in the single speed class in Madison, something I never imagined would ever happen. I took a win at Kensington, and was hoping to get at least another one, but was not able to pull it off. A couple of crashes and mechanicals put the damper on a few other chances toward the end of the season, and a mistake in my training plan left me gasping for air in the state championship race. But for the first time in 2 years, I finally ended up on the state championship podium by taking 3rd place for Masters 35-39, and finished 3rd overall in the Tailwind Series.

I could not achieved all of this without the support, of my family, and friends like Brad, Jarod, Tom, Don C, and JB for help keeping my head screwed on straight by encouraging me throughout the year, and answering all my training question and offering advice all season long!

I can never thank everyone we race with enough for screaming, cheering, yelling, high fiving, ass smacking me race after race as I spend time in the hurt locker. Its always amazing me how much more I can get out of myself from every one's energy and excitement! So please keep it coming for next year!

Finally thanks TMS for the love, and hard truth. Continue to keep it real, and continue to keep it alive.