2008 Sprint National Champion F35-39!!!

I left for New York with my Dad to compete in the 2008 Sprint National Championships. We stayed in Ithaca, about 15 minutes from the race sight which was at Taughanook Falls State Park. I had worked hard the past couple workouts to get my leg turnover back and peak watts on the bike. I was ready to put the hammer down and was just expecting my body to respond. Melissa had given me very specific things to focus on in my warm up and during the race. My main goal was to channel what I've done in the past at my sprint races. I seem to be quite strong at this distance.

I started the race hungry for a top 5 podium place, but knew the only thing in my control was MY RACE, and doing my best. I have no control over anything else. I had my first swim where I actually broke away from the group. This was an awesome feeling! I headed out on the bike and noticed a significant headwind even during the first 2mile 7% climb out of transition. I wasn't worried about it and continued with my plan on the bike. As I headed out on the run, I knew I had to be focused on this, all but fast, run course of grass and gravel (which it had rained the night before) and 4 non passing zones over wood bridges. I was a bit concerned as I hit the turn around at a slow 12:33 split. I thought, "Oh boy, you better pick it up girl!" What I quickly learned was it was more uphill than I had thought and knew I could really put my downhill run skills to work now. I pushed very hard and got within 400m of the finish and reached a calf that said "37". This was the first time all day that the nerves let loose and the heart started pattering! I was nervous! Do I pass her now? Will she pass me back? Is that my podium slot? Is there someone else to catch? I went for it and hung on with a hard and fast pass. I knew I was home free after I crossed the last bridge and didn't see her in the "near rear".

As I finished, I knew I had completed my best race, any result at this point was secondary. When I saw a #1 next to my name, I could hardly believe it. Tears errupted as I told my Dad. I couldn't hardly believe my first win ever was at SPRINT NATIONALS! A great place to do it!