What a Difference a Year makes!!!

OK, to start off I did not really sleep last night and I had to get up at 330 AM to get to the race by 6 AM. I wasn't too optimistic about my chances as my knee has been bad. I got there and the guys showed up right after and I got my new gear, yeah!! You may not recognize me as our colors are now red, white and black! I was the only one on the team to get jersey and bibs everyone else got jerseys only, so I felt I had to make it well deserved! The race went well, I attacked a few times but never got a gap, then 5 guys attacked while I was just getting brought back into the group ( I think) so I couldn't go with it. 3 more guys attacked later with Brent Bookwalter in it and no one wanted to even try to match it. Then with 1 lap to go I decided it was time for a go and I saw a break forming. There were 6 guys in it and only myself and Ben Whitehead were pulling on the front and I went OFF on the guys not doing any work, we could have made it if they would have pulled and they know this too. I lost a lot of respect for Stan today even though he is a great rider. Then coming up the last climb as we were caught I attacked with 600 meters to go, I had a gap but looked back and it was single file coming into the sprint with 45 guys sitting behind me. I got swamped with 300 meters to go and i was kinda pissed, but I gave it a shot. After the race I got some very encouraging words from Jeff, Jay, and Ben. Jeff told me he wanted to attack when I did and it was great to see me so active. I told him I felt like I had to prove I can race with these guys and all he said is " YOU CAN, YOU ARE REALLY STRONG". Jay told me great job and I said thanks and he looked me in the eye and he said, " Jeremy I am serious, you have to learn to take a compliment." I guess I just want to do better, can anyone blame me for that. I see myself as having a lot to prove, but obviously I don't, because the State Champ doesn't just throw words around like that. Coming from them it means more than most say to me!!! I raced not being afraid and it paid off, maybe one day it will work when I can come to the line alone and have some time to enjoy it and celebrate!!! I was amazed how easy it went and how fast the race went by. 70 miles of racing is never easy, but today was not hard at all. I guess being completely committed and focused on it has paid its dues! Lastly, Mr. Olson, stop being lazy and worry about yourself in the race, I do not have to close down gaps for you or worry about my line into corners, as I am in front of you I control my own line. It is sad that an ex-coach can be so amateur when he thinks he is so-pro!!! Who really says "hold your line anyway"??? Grow up Mark!!! OK, I am way too tired and I need a nap, then some more riding, but very easy. I finished better in the pro field today then I did in the Cat. 3 field last year!!! Things could not be better!!! Later!!!