Hmm, the last time I wrote a similar title was in 2010 – the year I raced in the World Cyclocross Championships. What a roller coaster it has been since that amazing day, race and cyclocross season. It almost feels as though I’ve come full circle now. Last year was a rotten year – both on and off the bike – thanks to ulcerative colitis. But this is a new year of cyclocross and I’m starting to really feel like my old self.

It is amazing how much can change in a year. I went from being very fit, strong and confident to super sick and wondering if I’d ever ride my bike again to now being back racing and striving to get back to where I was. Really, I suppose I’m one of the lucky ones. I doubt that many who saw me sick last year would have believed or imagined that I could be back racing again.

Well I am! It just goes to show that obstacles can be overcome and really you can do whatever you set your heart on.

Though I have to admit that I’m having a rather tough day today. Not sure what it is but I’m really missing Marc. Guess it is because I’ve been away for a week now. I know, I’ve been away for much longer than this but I think it seeing everyone else here with their boyfriend/husband and I’m wishing that Marc could be here as well. Well, he is here in spirit and each time I push on the pedals – Marc is there with me – cheering me along.

I did get out for a ride this morning in Plzen. It wasn’t the best ride – I don’t think I was really in the mood for it. I went out to the race course to work on some cornering and to just get in some cyclocross training. Between the super slippery mud, the cold air, crashing, being chased by a dog and thinking about having to pack my rental car – I really wasn’t into it. Normally I can get focused and work on the drills and skills that I want to practice. Guess it was just an off day. I did get some good practice in – I worked on putting my wheels in the ruts – something I’m not that comfortable with and in getting comfortable with riding with my rear wheel sliding around.

I took a bit of a wander around the main street of Tabor this afternoon and snapped a few photos:

Tomorrow I’ll head out for an easy spin on the bike on the road. Hoping it isn’t too hard to find some good quiet roads to ride on. Thanks again for all of the support – couldn’t do this without you guys cheering me on!