Day two and the final STS event of the year started auspiciously, as I awakened to an even deeper pool of raw sewage in the tub and shower. Obviously my normal 5:30am routine of a quick shower was out of the question, so it was a good toothbrushing (while holding my nose) and off to the desert.
Since my morning routine was ruined (not that I'm superstitious or anything...but when I used to play softball I always made sure *not* to step on the chalk lines coming on and off the field), I changed it up even more by stopping at Peets for a mocha for the drive up. I could afford to get there a little later as there was no registration, but 8am driver's meeting.
Then after the obligatory gas and McD's breakfast in Rosamond, I unpacked the car and started preparing for the day. It was warmer than yesterday, probably mid 80's. It looked like I wasn't going to get a student (another cancellation?) but I raised my hand and got one that hadn't been assigned...a very nice 18 year old kid there with his older brother and father (they were sharing the same '84 Carrera).
On Saturday I was battling with my new rival Richard, with him being quicker than me by about .2 of a second, but me finally getting him by over a second at the end of the day. He had corded rear tires though, and borrowed a set for Sunday. First session was crowded and we were running CCW, which makes the bowl (turn 6) a tricky decreasing radius affair. I was quicker than Richard in the first session, and I had my student out as a passenger. But about a second off class record time. I then went out with my student in his car and he was doing great...it was his 4th and final instruction session and he "got it." I felt a twinge of naseua, but just shook it off. It was getting hot and my firesuit is a cheap one (read: thick and heavy).
My second session I was dogging one of my old instructors. For quite a few laps. He just wouldn't let me pass him though until the end of the session so I never got a good hot lap in. But such is a day at the track. Frustration is part of the deal. I then went out with my student, and really started feeling sick. I knew this feeling...I've had motion sickness more times than I can count (I get it paying first-person shooter computer games even), and the last time I instructed in June it was 110 degrees and I got *very* ill. I made it through his session by sheer force of will, and the reality is that he was ready to solo. So I talked with Marty and signed him off. But I was feeling like I needed to throw up, and historically I do not recover from this without a nice stable couch and a night's sleep.
But I really wanted to run at least one more session, and anyway, I had to feel better before I drove home. So I tried to choke down some of the free lunch, but really couldn't. Instead I sipped water and juice and slunk into my folding chair is prone as possible and closed my eyes. Concentrated on resting and thinking good thoughts. My third run session came up, but I wasn't going anywhere. So I sat. And tried to relax. and Just took it easy.
Lo and behold, I slowly started to feel better. After about an hour walking around was OK (not dizzy), and I no longer felt like I was ready to hurl. I rested a bit more, and when the 10 minute call came for the 4th run session, I was ready to go. I had changed out of my driving suit though, into shorts and a t-shirt to try and stay cool and get some breeze on my skin. I switched to long pants and long sleeve shirt, as that was a lot cooler than the race suit. I went out for the 4th session and gave it all I had. Got quite a few clean laps, but the track was a little warm and the car was a little loose. It was fun though.
When all was said and done I beat Richard for that session, but hadn't beat his time from the morning session (when the track was fast). Oh well. It isn't about winning. It's about showing up. And for the first time, I was able to beat back the motion sickness and make a come back. So that has to count for something...
