Author

Thomas Kabacinski on Nov 13, 2010

Race name: Staten Island Cross Race date: Saturday, Nov 13, 2010

I went to my home town for a cross race which is only around for 3 editions. I was there for the first and ready for the next one.

The field was over 80 people with nice weather (60’s) and dry conditions. After a bad work week, I wanted to race to feel good about myself. I was even able to sneak in a practice lap. There were a few long sections of runs (one long beach area with stairs up and one technical stepped down into water and up a crazy dirt hill then a flat section followed by a left turn straight up with no momentum). It was dusty and dry and I felt ok. They did a call up which was based off of bib numbers. My number was 272 which meant I was in the 7th line up. With this in mind I was ready for a good effort and fun, we had a big start which I think I did ok with but knowing my history and I didn’t video it I most likely held my 70th place. The first lap was tough as the barriers, sand, and running locations were log jams. I was able to get around a few people and didn’t push myself too too hard. I was passed by about 3 or 4 people on that lap. Lap 2 I was starting to pick up some people mostly in the technical areas where I did the long run into the water and ran the flat section before the next uphill. I passed about 4 or 5 people with that move. Lap 3 I was on fire and by now I re-passed the 2 or 3 of the people who passed me. I felt really good on the technical sections keeping my speed and going through turns. Lap 4 I was pushing hard and picked up another big bunch of people. I had some people cheering for my team from Chicago in NYC. Lap 5 the bell lap I was starting to really get into my groove. I had 2 guys in my sites for the last straight aways but could not get them. I ended up finishing 35 out 84 riders. Based on my poor work week, lack of prep for the race, and bad start position I was really excited about it. I originally told that I came in 54th but was glad to find I did much better. This puts me on par for my other cross races with this many people.

I found some fan on the course who was tired of saying go XXX that she started calling me porn star!!! WEll that is the first I have ever been called that. I also ran into Dan McMahon who was from Chicago and moved to NYC. I guess one could say he and I swapped. He also thought I was Randy Warren as he attended the J Pow class as well as I. It was my second compliment of the day. I told him I wasn't any where close to Randy's skills. It is always good to see xXx recognized and that I represented the team well.

My technical skills are 100% better than the last time I did this race. I am very happy with the race all things considered and happy with the season.