Morning- This was great! And an amazing experience! I have learned sooo much with in the last 2 races, and practices! I wanna keep it up! I learned that I don't want to think about the race really. And just race when the time comes. Just have fun the day before and time, before the race. And not really focus on it! It really helps. Helps with my nervousness. And plus I was really relaxed at the starting line! I was talking to mike and I was like should I be this relaxed? And he said, "yeah!". So my heart was not even beating (well for blood flow!). But like that relaxed! I don't know why, but I loved it! It just came to me this time! I did warm up. Didn't really focus that much. But when the time came I did! And at the line just a little, before they started the race. I figured out where I was going to go, and how fast to start out! And I didn't really have any major goals in mind, but I wanted atleast top 15! Which I did accomplish! I also broke the race down into little pieces, so I had accomplishments that added up to be a great out come! And I also realized that, if I just stay chilled, and relaxed. I just have a good race! Speaking of the actual race! I took out somewhat with the front pack. And I just went with it! Went up the dirt part, and then up the hill. I promised myself I would not think of the race whole, but in little signs, corners, and other parts of the course. I found myself doing a lot better doing that, than thinking of 2 miles to go! I love to break up the race! It's soo fun! Keeps my mind occupied, and keeps other thoughts out. Like I can't do this, or why am I doing this! But I know the answer for all of those! I just need to push through the pain, and not settle! I felt like a CHAMP, after the race. I loved that feeling! I felt really accomplished, and I was really happy with my place, and time! But there is A TON of WORK to be done! Just need to give it time! This is a really long entry........... But just, before the race. I was like "No Pain, No Gain!" It's totally true! Because if your not hurting than you have nothing to gain! But if you are, then you are on your way to victory! And the first loop of the race was really great! And about 1/2 mile into the race... Guess what happened!?!?!? Your right! Abel Shows up! And I was like not this time! So we were pushing each other like beasts! I dared not to fall off, and he didn't either you could tell! Cause I ran with him the ENTIRE WAY! Thanks for pushing me soo hard ABEL! You are a beast! He would push the pace, and the I would back off, but stick right behind him. Then we would switch. And by the 2nd loop. Abel started to struggle! And I was like don't you dare pull off now!!! ABEL lets pick it up a notch! And we started flying! (really we did!). We grew wings! And we started to fly into the sky! Just kidding, but we were going fast! And it felt great! Hurt like a beast, and felt like a beast doing it! So next time, I am going even harder! I decided to go for it! And about the last 400 meters Abel picked it up a ton! And he started to loose me... And I was like nope not this time! Sorry buddy! And I went all out! He thought he had me! At the last 2ish meters I used the Fire, redness in my blood, and past him! Like 0.28 seconds! I was sooo happy I beat you ABEL! MUAHAHA!!! I felt like a champ! But You did great ABEL! Way to be beast! You were pushing me as much I was pushing you! You did really great! Thanks for pushing like a beast! And we won the invitational, but thunder boys were not racing their best.... But never the less! It is time for work like no other! I am ready for a really great season! And it's just starting! | 