Thursday, July 16, 2009

2009 GIRO DONNE



I can't believe I have just finished racing one of the most prestigious races in europe.  Not only that, this years edition of the Giro was considered one of the HARDEST yet.  Needless to say I was surrounded by incredible athletes, women that I admire and look up to, that inspired me to push myself to see what I can do, how far I can go.  
Truth be told it did not start out that great, prolog was flat and fast and furious, and I had several mechanical problems with my tt bike for the 15km time trial.  I was very frustrated and upset. But I had to be realistic with  myself and put that behind me since I knew I couldn't expect to do incredibly well in the tt since I had only ridden the bike a few days before and had not done much specific training for it. But as an athlete that is also very hard to swallow.  So after my tt disappointment I cried ( away from everyone)...let out all of my frustrations and started fresh! Sometimes that helps...a lot! Specially when you are in a place where your support system is not there to encourage you and put things into perspective.  Thats tough, probably the toughest thing to go through...alone.  I miss my people.  The people that believe I can conquer and overcome and encourage me, push me to do the best that I can do. I have been incredibly blessed to have so many people like that in my life.  Even from far away I carry those encouraging words with, just wish I could hear them more often....stinks when we are on the road its hard to get internet service! But my heart gets filled once I have the opportunity to check my emails and fb msgs.  Thank you soo much for all the positive energy sent my way!
Things began to change when we started to head uphill!!I was able to make up time I had gained on the tt and then some!To have finished 14th overall was an incredible feeling.  I know its not like winning the darned thing...but for my first big euro stage race...I was very happy! I just want to say thank you so much to all you (you know who you are!) who have been there for me through think and thin! I hope I can keep up the good work!!till then keep on sending the love!! check out the stages and results here: ttp://www.girodonne.it/portale/