Prepping the bike. Sorting the gear. Doing "what if" scenarios in my head and making lists. That is what separates epic races from the typical cross country types.

"Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail!" I've found out this the hard way, earning my lumps. I'm heading back to the Berryman because of some unfinished business that resulted from lack of prep and planning. It was a long drive home last year after finishing a race I could have won in my age group. I finished about 27 minutes back of the 50+ winner, 5th place in my class. Probably didn't help that I took off fast at the start with some others and missed the first turn off to the trail. By the time we figured we were lost and returned, we were back of the pack and having to ride through all the slower riders.

Probably didn't help that I cut a sidewall and then failed to check the tire before putting in a tube in a tire full of thorns from Poosey. Probably didn't help that I had one more tire and ended up flatting because I didn't put enough pressure in my tire and ended up with a snake bite puncture. I had to wait for another slow rider to come by and beg a tube.

I raced cross on that Saturday in Smithville then drove all the way to the Berryman and the slept in my car. I was still making changes to my bike that morning. What was I thinking? This was a tragedy in the making.

The 260 mile drive home was a blur as all I could think about was Berryman Epic 2010 and how I would take the race a bit more serious. I'll spend the rest of the day preparing to prevent another 2009 BTE. I want the "epic" to mean "lomg distance challenge" not "epic experience because of lack of preperation and stupidity!"

I've waited a year for this. Let the race begin!

I am so freaking pumped for this event. I have a little different mindset for this race than what coach has.....he's preparing himself to win, Im preparing myself to finish. I also have alot of different thoughts going thru this skull of mine. Like "hey idiot your a beginner, what are you thinking." or "what if i cant make it" and numerous other nice thoughts. Then I think to myself.....wait a minute....this is me we're talking about. I AM GOING TO FINISH!!! I WILL CROSS THAT FINISH LINE!!!! My type A personality will not let me fail!!!! I will cross that line even if it means crawling thru with my bike on my back.....I am not scared!!!! OUT!!!!