Much like a test and tune, I’ve been looking for ways to change and tweak my autocross experience for the better. Here are a few things that worked out well for me last weekend.
1. Pack early. Pack organized.
For our last away event, one of the challenges was getting to the site early enough for 1 or 2 course walks. One thing that always delays us is getting the baby ready to go. Now, when packing, I roll each of MJ’s outfits (onesie, shirt, shorts, and socks) and secure with an elastic band. For his meals, I separate food for each day into plastic bags so we can grab and go. When I pack for solo (by myself, not “solo” as in autocross) trips, I tell myself, “If I don’t got it, I can buy it” but when I pack for the baby, I bring extra of everything. I’m probably going to keep doing that though, because he wore almost all of his clothes, ate almost all of the food, and also wore almost everything he ate.
2. Walk alone.
I often complain that my driving doesn’t improve, but then I don’t change anything. So, I decided to pick 1-2 things to change at every event. In an earlier post, I mentioned that I end up socializing or tending to baby instead of analyzing the course. For the last event, I walked at least once with Team Panda, and then walked once by myself. Okay, technically, MJ was strapped to my back, but he seemed pretty focused on the course as he didn’t say much.
3. Filipinos are always late.
Okay, so this is not a lesson learned, because I knew that already. And apparently, Team Panda knows too. Dave and Todd each pointed out spots on the course and said, “You should be at full throttle here, and stay in it until there.” I told them later, “I really tried to get to full throttle at that spot you pointed out, but I just couldn’t. But I did try to get there earlier and earlier on each run.” And then they each confessed, “Yeah, I couldn’t get to full throttle there either, it drove a lot faster than it walked.” Dave pointed out, “You know how you tell someone a party is at 6 when you want them to be there at 7? We just told you to be at full throttle earlier so you’d actually get there when you are supposed to.”
4. It’s never too early to find a co-driver.
This has nothing to do with my driving, but is just too adorable to not mention.
5. Make sure you fit and are secure in the seat.
After Day 1, I realized I was bracing myself really hard with my left leg, and my co-driver noticed on my videos that my left leg was all over the place. On Day 2, I tried a chest strap to help hold me into the seat. We may want to install a real harness as this is an issue for both of us. MJ does NOT fit into a seat quite yet, but we have a few years before we have to deal with that…
6. #wearallthebabies.
MINI Cooper drivers are one of those groups of people who wave at each other, band together for social events, create online groups through social media, and other things that fanatics tend to do. Baby wearers are the same. We have online communities, we call out to each other in public. We think baby wearing is the solution to everything. Everytime I put MJ on my back, someone would comment: “Wow, that’s impressive/cool/convenient.” or “You could totally shag cones like that.” I walked course with him on my back, I did my work assignment with him on my back. Tip: be sure to avoid getting the baby’s shorts button tangled in your hair, or make sure someone is close by to untangle you (Thanks Kathy!). Bonus: panda wrap means MJ got to go on course in a panda.
7. Be inspired.
Pam, formerly known around NER as THE autocross mom (but now a self-proclaimed autocross “grandma”), is my hero. She is always quick to offer to watch MJ, and she is so great with him, I think he might even prefer her over me. It was an honor to have her sport the first-ever “Street Mommafied” t-shirt, although hers should probably say “Super Street Mommafied.” She watched him AND she drove at the event! I have talked about quitting autocross a few times, but made the decision to keep trying. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her. I’m also motivated by others who have commented on the fact that I’m still driving. Last year, I heard comments along the lines of:
“It’s so great to see you back so soon after the baby!”
“You’re an inspiration. We want to start a family soon, so it’s awesome to see you keep driving.”
“Too many women stop after having babies, we need to encourage them to come back.”
It’s true that I started driving because I enjoyed spending time with my husband, my brother, and all of the friends I have made. But I am motivated to KEEP driving because of all of the support and inspiration I have received. So, support all the mommas!
8. Set reasonable goals.
Let’s face it, I’m probably not going to win. I’ll leave the winning to my husband Todd. If I’m lucky, I might trophy. But I’m still driving. I improved on every run for the whole weekend. That’s progress. That counts. It keeps me coming back.
