Every race is a learning experience. Longer races present more "learning time." This past Saturday I had a 60 mile mountain bike race in Castle Rock, CO. Going in things were looking pretty good. My weight was close to what I wanted, training has been good, and bike is working great! The only thing really obvious missing was training miles. I've been getting some good intensity, but only 2 rides this year so far over 60 miles, with the longest being about 80 miles. So the distance was going to be a concern.
I ended up quitting after 50 miles. Just got tired... Didn't want to do one more 10 mile lap.
What went right-
* I felt super strong for 2 laps and was riding with the leaders most of the first lap.
* great training!
* nutrition was good, and eliminated some of my cramping issues.
* bike was fantastic!
* bought some new glasses. My first ever Oakley's! They have a wind jacket rubber eye piece that seals wind/dirt out , and prevents eye irritation. Big issue since I have some sort of dry eye syndrome. They worked unbelievably well! It was amazing being able to see and not having sweat and wind in my eyes!
What went wrong-
* put in a HUGE effort half way thru first lap to catch the leaders, burning too much needed energy...
* downhills were terrible! This has never been an issue for me before, and now every time I go downhill fast my crash from last summer flashes into my mind. No confidence descending at full speed. Hope that goes away soon... Flat sections and uphill I would catch and often pass people, only to get passed/dropped on the downhills.
* lack of training miles may have hurt a bit
* sun! Finally the sun came out! It was only 70 degrees, but I was baking! By the 5th lap all I wanted was a cool shady rock to crawl under and hide... Hit with some kind of heat exhaustion
Even though I didn't finish, and didn't have the race I was hoping for, it was still a great learning experience! Great training! Great motivation to keep training hard! I got lots to improve on! There were other people at the race that I ride and race with on a regular basis, and it was so nice having them offer encouragement and advice when I was struggling. Couple more short track races then it will be time for the town series!
Posted with Blogsy
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