Hi BT,
I am a mt bike racer, adventure racer and now have set my eye on Xterra. I did not even know I was competetive until I started racing in 2002. Like you, I take my training very seriously, but I do manage to keep it fun.

Here is how I handle my mental racing and training.

1. Every time I race, I set a personal goal for myself. Sometimes it is to place at a certain point in my age group. Sometimes it is based on time.

I did an off road run-bike-run last Oct. I knew the girl that was going to win. I race aginst her all the time. She is 20 years my junior and an amazing athlete. So I set a goal of a finishing time 1:40 min. That was my personal goal. I finished in 1:38.


2. Everytime I race I set a goal that is kind of a joke that is also my mantra. I just don't want to be last, and I want to beat the pants off a few men. I always accomplish that goal!!!!

3. I also remember EVERY time I race, that at 45 years old, most of the women that I know are home on the couch or shoe shopping. That being said, EVERY time I suit up to train, I am a winner, and a role model.

4. I also train with the DH, a big strapping laddie. I cannot keep up with him, ever, so we set times for our intervals and sometimes train simultaneoulsy, and not together. Stick with those faster runners...I am no expert, but training with faster people has made me faster.

He has been an athlete his whole life, and when asked his advice on this matter, he said...that which does not kill you.......

5. I also do a lot of visualization about the race, and the transitions and where I want to finish...goofy but it works.


And lastly...there is always the T-shirt

Train on....I take comfort in knowing that you guys are out there working hard too.

Ruth