Keeping calm about time cut offs..the week before my event

[crazycanuck]

I can't stop worrying about the 100km event i'm doing next weekend. I'm not concerned about my bike or my nutrition or clothes etc..What I am worried about are time cut offs.

I've done enough hill work that I think i can make the first cut off time. It's not technical in the first section but it is HARD...

Second section...About 10km in there's a race course i'm familiar with & know i'm not the best at it. I've been out at this particular place doing continual laps but i'm not 100% settled.

Here's the event website..http://www.dwellingup100.com.au/ & you can see the cut off times under "the course"

Any suggestions on how to keep calm, smile and carry on

Thanks

[ivorygorgon]

Well, I empathize. While I will not be doing a mountain bike race, I am doing my first century at the end of October. I am worried about the cutoff and being swept up by the sag wagon. At first I was worried I couldn't go the distance. Now that I feel I probably can, I am worried about doing it fast enough, because I am rather slow. I guess there is always something to worry about. Here is the self talk I am using to try to get my head around it:

"It is what it is. I can only ride my ride and the do best I can do on the day of the ride. If I don't make it, I don't make it. It will be disappointing for sure, but it won't be the end of the world. I will simply keep working and I will make it the next time."

DH and I have bike computers where we can program in a "rabbit." I think we are going to do this for the ride to help keep us on pace. The rabbit will do the course in a pace that will finish the course on time and we have to keep up with it.

Good luck!! and most of all HAVE FUN!!!!

[pumpkinpony]

You'll have to give us a race report afterwards!

I'm doing a 50 mile mountain bike race this weekend, and have serious doubts of making the second time cutoff. It's 45 difficult miles in 6 hours. The last 5 miles is up a looong, steep hill! My friend and I figure if we can get to mile 45, then we can take a nice break and hike up the darn hill if we have to. If we get there...

http://www.racersandchasers.com/Mult..._Marathon.html

[limewave]

I'm sure you'll be fine once you get going. My strategy for stuff like that is to mentally block it out completely. Denial all the way. Otherwise I get anxiety and my heart rate automatically increases.

I can't wait to hear about the race, I'm sure you'll do great

[crazycanuck]

Thank you

Ivorygorgon..thank you for this

It is what it is. I can only ride my ride and the do best I can do on the day of the ride. If I don't make it, I don't make it. It will be disappointing for sure, but it won't be the end of the world. I will simply keep working and I will make it the next time."

I think now it's just best to deal with things I can control-my hydration & eating plan & my smile

Thanks again

C

[cricketk]

Good luck for this weekend!

[crazycanuck]

Thanks Cricket!

I'm calm & have been super duper happy all week because it's boooooteful weather!!!

Ian tells me to "ride like snot" on Saturday

[SheFly]

Good luck! You've had great advice on not worrying about the time cut-offs - I imagine you will be just fine with all of the training you have been doing!

I'm with Ian - ride it like you stole it! Can't wait for the report.

SheFly

[limewave]

Good luck tomorrow!!!