We had a sitter all day and my husband went to the bears game. Goal, leave the house before he does. I woke up before 6am and thought I am still sore and tight calves, great, this will be a long day. I tried rolling my calves, back and IT band, a bit of yoga and started packing. Lots of advil.

I was nervous, first year racing, state championship race, needed 12 points to win the cup series. Lots of time training. I thought Cross is fun, remember cross is fun, find some kids sledding and remember how fun it is to play in the snow. Much better!

I arrived at montrose and parked next to Britt and Mike, good, great to see happy faces, it is going to be a good day. Picked up my race number and dressed for a tour of the course.

The course was tricky lots of turns and a few spots I was very worried about Ice (under the overpass). I rode the course slow one time, assessed my trouble spots and practiced each one till I was happy with my line. I was thinking the sand hill would be different by noon, so no big deal, I did not stick it, I will later.

I went back to my car reclined and closed my eyes and waited till 11am. Drank my coffee, discussed wardrobe ideas with Mike and decided to under dress. I got out of the car, I forgot the best part. During my nap I see this metal stuff going by my car, it was Emily! Jumped up to say hi and proceeded to turn on the windshield wipers, honk the horn and drop stuff everywhere. spaz

So I warm up for a few min. get some tips from Parker and a few others. Get to the starting line. Unbelievable how many people were there to cheer us on. It was looking like a good day.

I get the hole shot. I know I need to keep it because I do not want to get stuck behind anyone going under the overpass. I kept the lead, but #2 is close and silent. She tried to pass (I think) and never made it. Lap 2 I heard her take a pole out. I cleared a gap of 16 seconds (thanks Cecile for the info). I kept pushing. I knew 1 fall could put that 16 seconds away. Goal to stay up right and keep the gap. Fortunately the gap kept growing, and growing. I felt great, everything was clicking. Except for my pants falling down, again. I stuck every line. Mounts for the most part were clean, I kept waiting for my seat to get caught on my pants. Last lap, I was very surprised at my lead. Goal to stay up right. At the end my arms and hands were cramping. The guys told me to suck it up and get over the cramps. They were right.

Thanks for the crowd support. Who was the guy telling me my laps? Who told me to take it easy I had a lead that would stay? Quickly followed up by DONT SLOW DOWN! Emily, I heard all your cheers and I did not want to waste the opportunity!

Illinois State Championship!