Cyclocross - CX and SSCX races and training

I am, once again, looking after kids whilst my other half goes to yoga. Cross racing 3 miles from home and I can't do it, makes me sad.

I'm in. New tubeless wheels, handbuilt by me, so I'll probably end up in a pile of spokes and sealant.

@andyp surprised they aren't racing yet. @lardboy see you there.

I'm about to begin the hazardous schlep to Bethlem.

Hold me.

Meh. My lack of food over the last few days was perhaps not a great idea: bonked, swore at some people, quit, ate a 9bar, home to bed. Meh.

Be careful with the swearing, before you know it Vicious Velo will have signed you up.

No spokey sealanty mess, thankfully. A crap performance on the bike, including my chain coming off, almost neutering myself in a bad hole and and woeful remounts every bloody time. Still enjoyed myself though.

I feel quite sick.

Gotta say I'm on the verge of being sick too. That was really hard - the heat didn't help.

Heat exhaustion. Go somewhere cool, try to drink water

Well that was fun. Managed to stay upright, and after 3 laps of watching others dismount/remount I twigged I was doing it all wrong and almost perfected it by the end. Met lots of friendly people. Loved it. Will be back for more. Eagerly awaiting results now...

And bring a bucket with you.

Wise words, I'm getting as much water down as possible.

Sorry to hear about your misfortune, Hats, by the way.

Nuun and remnants of lunch all over the floor is not a strong look.

On the bright side I no longer feel sick

Bloody hell. You were faster than me I suppose. Faster = moar sufferz.

More stupidz I suspect. Forgot to eat energy gel before race, got dehydrated during race: recipe for disaster

Where disaster=puke

So a recipe for puke then? Mmm lovely.

Feel better buddy!

I may be re-thinking my earlier "wish I was racing" stance.

More a grass crit with a couple of roots and log hops than a cross course really. Enjoyable for some.

When I go to hell that's the course they will make me ride

Completely baffled as to how they made it all uphill. All of it.

I was wasn't it!

Despite also finishing with that distinctly nauseous feeling, I actually really enjoyed that course - much more so than the reverse-ish version of the other week. I suspect it was because I was in better form and not struggling quite so desperately to keep up with the rest...

Until I crumpled in a heap on the final hurdle of the final lap having cramped up in my calf during the dismount! Thanks to those who helped me out and not (openly) laughing about it.

Having now had some food and some sleep I have to say I'm part disappointed with myself for not finishing but part glad I bailed when I did so I didn't end up puking everywhere, as was clearly the fashion.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one to find it hard. The uphills were the only bit I liked - hated the woods, HATED the bit in the 2nd bit of woods where all the kids were standing and studiously ignoring me inching down at 1mph (no exageration), hated the hurdles.

I'm blaming @Dammit for my poor performance. I told him that I looked really fat in last week's photos and he suggested "moar cross, less food". Which I may have taken too literally. Plus I only arrived at Bethlem a minute before the start so other than the sip of water that @lardboy kindly gave me, I hadn't drunk anything since the afternoon. Anyway, excuses.

I hope everyone is feeling better today - well done to everyone who stuck it out!

I'm a firm believer that summer is far too hot for cross, as its an hour of sprint intervals but at low speed so there is little wind cooling. Makes much more sense in winter as the effort keeps you warm even in pretty horrendous conditions.

I was thinking of you all last night in that heat. Blimey.