First XC race of the season

I lined up for my first XC race of the season on Sunday. I'd been training for it, but nothing prepares you for that start-line feeling. The heart rate spikes before you even clip in.

The start

I got a decent start — not last into the singletrack, but not first either. The first lap was chaos. Everyone fresh, everyone fighting for position, and I made the mistake of going too hard on the opening climb.

By lap two I'd settled into a rhythm. Found a group, worked with them on the climbs, and pushed on the descents where I felt comfortable.

“Racing isn't about being the strongest. It's about being the strongest when it matters.”

Finished 14th out of 38 in my category. Not a podium, but I'll take it. The legs were there, the handling was there, and most importantly, I didn't blow up. Progress.