Lucky Number Seven

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you know that seven is no longer Lance Armstrong’s lucky number. After reading Tyler Hamilton’s book and the 200+ page USADA “Reasoned Decision,” I feel totally duped by the once dubbed “Boss” of the pro cycling peloton. And, I now know way, way, way too much about EPO, blood transfusions, and the extent to which Armstrong and team went to win those seven Tours. What a shame. And, what a shame that this tarnished image will undoubtedly take away from the good work he did/does with Livestrong.

But, while seven may no longer be Lance’s number, it most certainly is mine. And, to quote 2Chili, while I may be a dope, I am most certainly not doping. Of course, passing out at the sight of blood pretty much ensures I steer way clear of needles.

Anyway, after three cyclocross races, I have cemented my position in the beginner women’s division as “Seventh.” Three races, three seventh places, with an ever-changing cast of characters in the quantity of about 30 per race. I am happy with that spot. Not considered a sandbagger, but also not bringing up the rear – solidly mediocre! It’s time to move up to Category 4, I do think.

The third seventh place finish was achieved yesterday at the Magnusson Park MFG Series Cyclocross race. It absolutely poured all day Saturday – cats, dogs, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals just for good measure. I was on the fence all day if I wanted to race. 42 degrees and raining isn’t typically my cup of tea. But, I would be there anyway for 2Chili’s race, and I always feel better when I race instead of opting out, so I decided if it was not pouring, I would race. Sprinkling would be acceptable, but full on downpour would not.

As it turns out, it was not raining Sunday morning. And, it was not even threatening to rain. So, I raced, and I’m glad I did. There is no better work out than a race-pace effort!

In the first race, I went out way too hard and suffered like a dog the whole time. In the second race, I went out hard, but sustainable, and suffered like a dog the whole time. In the third race, I went out fairly easy and picked people off the whole race, while suffering like a dog most of the time. Moral of the story: Cyclocross hurts, no matter your strategy. And, it seems that no matter my strategy, my place is seventh.

In 2Chili news, he had a very good race, and for the first time this season, seemed like he was happy with his race as a whole. It probably helped that it was not 80 degrees and a dustbowl during his race. Finally, Fall temps have prevailed.

And, in house news, we have started really going forward: Drywall hanging has commenced. That’s what most people do the day before a race, right? It is common to use drywall hanging as a warm-up, I have heard (to quote everyone in the the ‘80s, NOT!)

Keep in mind we are planning to cover the ceiling with bamboo flooring (and have 1200 square feet of it at the ready in the garage). This doesn’t look like much, but it is huge for making the place feel like it is coming together.

And lastly, a funny. We had a clogged tub drain last week (it was seriously yuck), so we went to Ace Hardware to buy a drain snake and some drain cleaner. I thought this sign was the best sign ever…

And with that, I bid you a good week!

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