TTs are HAAAAAAAAAAARD

Part 1 of my Walla Walla Shakedown was to do my first TT in aero bars. Since I conveniently won some the other weekend, today's Carnation TT was to be my testing ground. A few things occupied my mind over the 12.5 mile course:

1) Relax your shoulders.
2) Get your hoohoo more forward on the saddle to be in a more powerful position (delicate, but doable).
3) Why am I doing this.
4) This freakin' sucks.
5) Where is the damn roundabout.
6) That bitch passed me.
7) Oooooooooh.......tailwind. I love God. Thank you God for tailwinds.*
8) I take back everything good I said about you, God. I now I have a wicked crosswind, a long way to go, and you suck.**
9) Races where you can't stop pedaling or draft behind someone are STUPID.
10) My teammate, Barb, is CRAZY to do TTs on purpose. And she does much longer ones. And wins medals. She's CRAZY.
11) That wasn't so bad.

Other than the torturous 40 minutes or so, it a very fun affair warming up and cooling down with the guys on our team. Races with epic amounts of laughter are what make it all so worthwhile. I really enjoy being surrounded by my new big brothers who can't take themselves or this silly racing business too seriously. Part 2 of my Walla Walla Shakedown is next week's criterium where I will hopefully complete my first crit and walk away unscathed. Laughter, guaranteed.

* Not a common use of the word "God" for me. More like one of those moments of extreme pain or ecstasy when giving praise to a deity kinda blurts out.
** Most common use.