I didn't intend to start off the year by serial racing, it just kind of happened. On the return from Northern California, I quickly hopped on my cyclocross bike to complete my first ever gravel race, Miesville 56. I heard for a while that gravel racing was a lot like trail running as far as atmosphere. I am not huge on the road cycling scene. Too much ego factor for a bunch of amateur racers. Let's be serious, it's more about the fun and community, not how you stack up. Since the goal was to do nothing stupid and mainly get a good workout in, I started the day super loose. My legs felt pretty good but a little flat. Nothing was surprising about that. The front of the pack took off super quick which once again wasn't much of a shock. I stayed somewhere near the front but made sure to warm up into the day with little effort. The trails were in perfect shape which made conservative running a challenge. Aid stations 1 and 2 passed quickly, by the second I was shocked that everyone out front was holding pace. At a 7:35/mi pace it seemed pretty aggressive that 10 people were still out front. Whatever, I was bound and determined to stick to my plan. The one thing about this race is it is RIDICULOUSLY gorgeous with a series of pristine lakes and flowy single track. With that being said, the race is almost like continuously rubbing the edge of a paper on your hand. Eventually, all of the small ups and downs leave you bleeding. If you're not careful, the damage will tear you apart.
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