The Outdoors, Inc Cyclocross race is less than a week away now, and my nerves are already twitching. This race last year, I was in poor cyclocross shape- there was time off following the end of the endurance season followed by the start of low intensity base training. I was soundly thrashed by both Heather Ladd and Kat Williams. It was painful to get beaten so hard with all of my peers watching… I wished during the entire race that a giant mutant catfish would emerge from the the Mississippi River and swallow me whole.

This year is very different… at least along the lines of my own skills and fitness. It’s not different in that I still have the same insecurities about getting my ass kicked in front of all of my friends and co-workers. I’m not sure who all will show up- there’s bound to be an Arkansas contingent, but the Nashville gals (including Kat and others who are strong and fiercely competitive) are unknowns since many racers from Nashville will be going north to the USGP race in Louisville.

This is one of those races where I feel like I need to live up to expectations, and I’m nervous about the possibility that I can’t do so. The good part? It’ll make me race like my life depends on it… or wish for the imaginary catfish to swallow me and take me out to sea.