i'm going to race tomorrow! First time!

[TrekJeni]

How did it go?!

I'm copying and pasting what I wrote to some of my friends. Got to go to bed, so I can get up tomorrow and do HILLS with the boys. We are getting up super early to beat the heat.

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!!! I"M ADDICTED!


Okay, where to start.
Wanted to get there early enough to watch some of the Cat 5 / Citizen Men race. They started at 8:30 and I didn't start until 10:32. Got up to Mason around 9 and saw two laps of their race. No wrecks considering this is where the beginner men start. The little kids time trial was next. Boy did they look cute. Some of the little ones were dressed in full team kits riding nice road bikes, others were in their t-shirts and regular shorts, cruising around on beater bikes. All levels of talents. Very low key. Like all time trials, they were staggered starts so they were racing the clock and not each other.

It said in the paper, that registration was open one hour before your race start. Mine was at 10:32. I lined up and filled out my registration stuff, got my number and my one day racing license. A lady in front of me, when asked what she was riding in, said with a bit of arrogance and incredibly snotty, "NOT the beginners". "Well, listen here you stupid B#$%@! You were once me! You were a beginner too at one time! We all have to start somewhere!", I screamed inside my tiny little head.

I met some nice women racers who helped me put my race number on and they gave me a few tips. I told them I forbid any of my friends to come and they both said they still do that and they'd been racing for years! They even told me they would cheer for me, and did.

So then it was time for the Junior boys and girls (ages 10 -14), and Beginner Women to line up. In the WB division, there were three of us. The two were busy chatting away like old friends catching up. They were both members of Seven Hills Racing Team and the one was telling the other how her Ironman training was going. "Okay, no big deal, calm down Jen*, you're not in over your head" I said to myself. They saw me and introduced themselves. I asked the other one how many races she'd done before this one and she thought for a minute and said SEVEN. Okay, so now I'm starting to panic a little. I'm racing in a BEGINNERS race against and Ironman triathlete and a woman that has raced seven previous times. The two girls had a strategy. We would all take turns pulling and stay together. Sounded like a plan to me.


On your mark, get set, go!

There we were, flying down the road. I had trouble with my computer so have no idea how fast (or how slow) we were going. I was just going by perceived exertion. I knew I had four laps to do and I wanted to be fast but still have enough for the end. The wind was terrible, granting us a reprieve on only 25% of the course. There was one hill, that after ever lap seemed to grow. One that required me to stand on all four laps, but that's okay, gave my other muscles a chance to rest. Remember that strategy we had, evidently Ironwoman forgot about that half a mile in and left me and the other girl out to dry. I quickly abandoned "the plan" and headed out on my own. We women were lapping the slower Juniors and I never had an opportunity to draft. It was more like time trial stuff, so I hunkered down into the drops, tucked my head, and headed for home. By the fourth lap, I could feel the lactic acid begin to build. This whole race was pretty much 100% an anaerobic effort. "Come on Jen, you're almost there". I saw the finish line and thought, "okay now what am I supposed to do?" I mean really, I hadn't thought about that part. I had practiced fast starts in the parking lot warming up, but how was I supposed to stop? Was I supposed to break right after the finish line and get off the course? Sounded like a plan to me, so that's what I did. Found out later, you are supposed to do a cool down lap. Oh well. (Paul's probably laughing and shaking his head, I'm such a newbie!)

I had a blast. It's definitely something I would do again. Ironwoman went on to do the Open Women's event only to heave her cookies halfway through the second lap. Good try though. I was invited to hang out with the Seven Hills Racing Team. I have their application and will be sending it in. Sounds like a fun team to be on, and I'd been wanting to join them for awhile. Got to watch some really great racing.

I'm glad I'm female. I can't imagine being a male and trying to break into the racing scene by yourself. Guys just don't generally do as well welcoming new people to their sport. Very competitive. The girls on the other hand, were all pretty much very chatty and encouraging. It seems like a very family orientated sport. Many moms, dads, and kids raced, not to mention the moms and dads that supported their children. Hope you enjoyed my story!

Jeni

So, I got a really pretty red ribbon for coming in second!!!!!!!!!!!! It's funny that it meant so much to me, I show dogs and have TONS of ribbons and rosettes. This one I earned all by myself!

[velogirl]

You rock, Jenni! I can't imagine a crit with only three racers -- what a different experience. Are small fields common where you are?

And you should definitely cherish that ribbon. I recently got a medal in a mtn bike race and wore it on the drive home and to the bike shop where I work. Medals and ribbons are cool!

So, what's your next race?

[chickwhorips]

great job jeni! so when i do my first race i know who to ask for advice.

you going to do another one anytime soon?

[Eden]

Nice job Jenni!

[velogirl]

I asked the other one how many races she'd done before this one and she thought for a minute and said SEVEN. Okay, so now I'm starting to panic a little. I'm racing in a BEGINNERS race against and Ironman triathlete and a woman that has raced seven previous times.

BTW, I'm of the opinion that someone who has ONLY done seven races is still very much a beginner. Bike racing is a complex sport. Beyond the fitness, there are skills and tactics to complicate the learning curve -- even more so if you have larger teams involved. For most new racers, it takes 2-3 years just to really understand the sport, realize their strengths & weaknesses, and perform to their potential.

I coach new racers (and not-so-new racers). Over the past four years I've introduced more than 100 women to the sport. The first thing I say to them is "give yourself permission to be a beginner." Intelligent women have a real problem with this (unless you tell them it's okay and even then some women resist).

When adults learn to race, it's a real challenge (intellectually) because they are typically educated, affluent, successful women. They have already succeeded in many areas of their lives. It's tough to step back and be a beginner again. But if you give yourself permission to do that, you'll have a much more successful experience. Even if you've been riding a bike for many years, you're still a beginner when it comes to racing. Racing a bike is completely different than riding a bike. Wallow in the newness!!! Don't pressure yourself too much with results/placings. Racing is really about the process of learning. Don't rush that process.

The women who are successful in this sport and continue to race for many years are the women who don't expect to see instant results. If you view each race as an opportunity to learn something new and to improve, you'll always be challenged and stimulated. If, however, you just want to end up on the podium after doing a race or two, you'll likely be disappointed and won't keep racing.

Give yourself permission to be a beginner.

[BikeMomma]

Congrats Jeni! Sweet! Ain't racing grand fun????!!!

Great advice, Velogirl.....I can see myself in that, more than a 'lil bit. This quote of yours from above describes me: "Even if you've been riding a bike for many years, you're still a beginner when it comes to racing." I do consider myself a beginner racer, but especially for people like myself who have lots of other riding experience, it's easy to start thinking differently. I've had to catch myself a few times and bring my head back to reality. You have to separate the two disciplines (rec riding and racing), it's true.

You're also right on with the "no pressure" thing. Interestingly, the best finish I've had this year was when I wasn't putting any pressure on myself (the Dash for Cash). I got there late and barely had time to register, pee, and get my one lap in before we lined up (where I met you ). I started with the mindset that "well, I'm here now, with no warm-up, this is gonna hurt, so let's just do it, not crash, and have LOTS of fun too!" I had no intention of even trying to place, but I made sure I stayed near the front to avoid any mishaps. I ended up 7th -- right up there, and even gaining on gals but was boxed in, and surprised the heck out of myself.

So yea, your post makes a whole bunch of sense. You're a wise woman, Lori. As I've said before, your advice to everyone here is invaluable. Thanks for it.

~(BikeMomma) Kim

[Nanci]

Great race report! I wouldn't have imagined you do a cool-off lap, either. When's the next one? You're so brave to start racing!!

Nanci

[Lise]

Jeni, congratulations! I agree with Nanci--I think you racers are really brave. The racing you do takes such skill. I could absolutely see getting addicted to that challenge and that rush. Congrats on your ribbon! I say, frame it! Lise

[TrekJeni]

Jeni, congratulations! I agree with Nanci--I think you racers are really brave. The racing you do takes such skill. I could absolutely see getting addicted to that challenge and that rush. Congrats on your ribbon! I say, frame it! Lise

Thanks, my little red ribbon means a lot. I went to Detroit this weekend and took it to show my family. I have dozens of dog show ribbons, some quite large and beautiful but this little red ribbon, the size of a bookmark, means A WHOLE LOT!

Next race is..... don't know but have crit practice tomorrow!

[RoadRaven]

*coffs quietly*

may I just add something, Jeni???


WOOHOO!!!
YOU ROCK!!!