Heading to Grands Calm, Cool and Collected

You need to grab a hold of that line between speed and chaos, and you need to wrestle it to the ground like a demon cobra! And then, when the fear rises up in your belly, you use it. And you know that fear is powerful, because it has been there for billions of years. And it is good.*

It started last night. The sleeplessness. For most nationals I'm only afflicted with insomnia once we actually arrive at the hotel. Then come the common exchanges between BMX moms: Did you bring your Benadryl? Your Tylenol PM? Ask for a room away from the ice machine...Did you hear those people in the hall at 2am? I went out in my pjs and told them to scram... And,  most recently from my friend and fellow Felt mom Ellen, "Should we make spa appointments?" Absolutely!

I want all of their dreams to come true. What mom wouldn't?

November 22-25 is GRANDS. This is what the boys work for all year. It was yesterday while watching William do his sprints that the nerves kicked in. It seems that I need to start my earplug/sleep mask/ Benadryl regimen a bit early.

William trains in our carport in the
predawn hour while I sip my coffee.

So why do I get so nervous? I'm not racing for Pete's sake! I don't like ME when I'm nervous either. I'm snappy and irritable. (I know. Hard to believe, right?) If I'm so ridiculously nervous, how must my boys feel?

As William heaved on his backpack on the way out the door this morning he said suddenly, "Man, I can't wait for Grands!" But then, if he could, we probably wouldn't be going. Is he nervous? Oh I'd be surprised if he isn't, and that's ok.

Swimming 4 days a week has definitely
increased Wyatt's speed on the bike!

I'm not sure Wyatt ever gets nervous, but this Grands could possibly be his final adieu to the 9 intermediate class. With his inevitable move to expert growing closer, Wyatt has dedicated himself to getting stronger and faster. He seldom trains with his brother, choosing instead to spend several hours a week in the pool swimming for ATAC.

These boys couldn't be more ready. They've done everything they can do to prepare. It's time to go to Tulsa!

While everyone fills their grocery carts with turkey and cranberry sauce, I fill ours with bottled water, Gatorade Primes and energy bars. Thanksgiving will be different this year, but we will still be with family-- our Felt family! I'm looking forward to all the laughter we share as we cheer on our riders. GO FELT!

On Saturday, I get a special treat! One of my dearest childhood friends, who I haven't seen in at least 15 years, is driving over from Norman, OK with her son to watch the race. I couldn't be more excited to hug her neck and laugh about old times.

Goodness! I feel better already. Safe travels and good luck to all the riders!

BMX Mom



*Susan to Ricky Bobby in "Talladega Nights".