It's Back - For Now

So, GoWest posted about coming back to racing after time off the bike due to injury. Me? I've been ON the bike physically, but checked out mentally this season. Racing hasn't really interested me - so much so, that at the beginning of the season, I was dreading even getting on my bike.

So, I took some time "off" from racing (but not riding). And I have a new philosophy - only do those races that suit my ability (that is, those without big climbs :D), and that I deem fun.

Taking the pressure off of myself has been a huge relief! The beginning of my road season was tough, and demoralizing. I did have some success on the MTB though, despite swearing that I wasn't racing that at all this year ;).

Now, we're into crit season here in New England. I don't do well at the crits, necessarily, but they suit my racing style, and are more fun than the longer, hillier road races. Last weekend I returned to a crit I hadn't done for a couple of years - it was my first "road" race back from some time off, and I was psyched to be racing! I felt good in the pack, felt good on the bike, and managed a pretty decent result. Was "it" back?

To find out, if "it" had returned, I went out to the Yarmouth Clam Festival yesterday. This is one of my favorite races of the season. Despite a hilly, hard "fun" ride the day before, I managed to accomplish all of my goals in the race - stay attached, stay protected, stay upright and most importantly, have fun! I think "it" really is back! Woohoo!

Now, I'm looking forward to some great upcoming crits and circuit races as I get ready for the upcoming 'cross season.

Who knew that racing was as much about the mental conditioning as the physical?

SheFly

p.s.
V - really missed having you and Thom there yesterday :D.

I'm glad "it's" back. I think a very big part of riding and racing is mental.

Yippee!!! So glad you're having fun again. Have a lobster roll for me okay. :D


Veronica

Hey congrats on getting "it" back!!!!! And congrats on good results and meeting your goals!

I'm the opposite of you. I excel at long hilly road races and have very few top10 crit finishes this year. This is mostly because of not quite mastering the art of setting up a good sprint finish. But I keep racing crits partly because that is what he have around here in the midwest and partly because I can't think of a better way to develop those skills than to go out and try.

Good luck with the rest of your season, and KEEP HAVING FUN!!!!

Glad to hear it!!! I am getting back to "it" slowly but surely. I am with you on the hilly road races.....I will never be described as petite at 5'8" - and I just don't see many climbers built like me...did you see photos of Mara Abbott at the ladies giro - now that is one petite girl.

Shefly we need to talk road race strategy sometime....crits and time trials are usually better - but whew do I struggle on the road at times.

I am doing a "cookie" ride this weekend called hurt pain and agony - I will let you know if I find "it" or maybe something else! (:DI may leave a lung or two on some of the climbs)

Well, that was short-lived. "It's" gone again. I think I am done racing for this season...

SheFly

Awww... bummer! What happened?


Veronica

V - raced in a fast, technical crit last night. Bad positioning. My ONLY goal was NOT to get dropped or pulled (both happened on this course last year). Unfortunately, both happened again last night. I stink at being in the right place... I think it's fear or maybe intimidation.

The thing I can't figure out is why I can ride AT THE FRONT of a 3/4/Master's field, but IN THE BACK of a P/1/2/3 field... I'm seriously considering a downgrade at this point.

Or maybe I'll just go back to MTB racing - did that this past weekend and was much more successful.

SheFly

Ah, sorry to hear it. Maybe a change in terrain will help. Good luck in figuring "it" out. Hope it comes back.