From Niki...

Hi All, Snelling was my first road race, and I enjoyed myself in so many ways, including bonding with fabulous teammates and feeling the adrenaline rush of the race before, during and for hours afterwards. Overall, Ifelt comfortable in the pack and appreciated the warnings for turns, sand, water. Cool to be called "Davis." Our group seemed relatively mellow and safe. Second time through, I ramped it up to stick close to Anna on the hills.We were out in front with a gap until the 1.5 mile rough road where Iwelcomed the return of the pack. I was feeling good until about 3-4miles from the finish. I realized later I failed to eat and drink properly throughout the ride - anxious about reaching back for food andpulling the water bottle out/putting it back in the cage, and I didn't gear down enough on the hills. I need to really listen to those whotell me to spin faster! Thanks much to Ruth for keeping me going at the end. I did not realizethe pack would break away on that final climb and I wasn't ready, mentally or physically to ramp it up another notch to stay with it. And thanks to Kevin and Carolyn (I think that was you Carolyn) for the cheering at the end. I needed that!!! Brief summary of the things I have learned: (1) sleep more before arace, (2) eat more than 100 kcals while racing, (3) drink more than 1/2a bottle of water while racing, (4) spin faster, (5) slather on thechapstick, and (6) pay closer attention to the final strategies/attack! Looking forward to the next one!! Niki