crit advise?

[Pink Kona]

Scoping out the course is key to completing it. You know where the turns are, or in this case THE turn is - and where people get out of their saddles. Hopefully enough of it will have sunk in so that when you're racing it - it will come back to you. The surges are inevitable - but placing yourself in the front 2/3 will conserve 5-10% more energy then if you're hanging on in the back for dear life. If you're on the back - try for dear life to move forward.

I am so excited for you Alison! I can't wait to hear how it goes. Training wise - sounds like you're getting some awesome base miles commuting. I would throw in a sprint effort too - if you don't already. In the end it comes down to the sprint. And if you master it - you will be faster than 95% of the women out there. (Let me know if you'd like some sprint workout suggestions.) Good Luck!

[alison_in_oh]

I am so excited for you Alison! I can't wait to hear how it goes. Training wise - sounds like you're getting some awesome base miles commuting. I would throw in a sprint effort too - if you don't already. In the end it comes down to the sprint. And if you master it - you will be faster than 95% of the women out there. (Let me know if you'd like some sprint workout suggestions.) Good Luck!

Thanks, I'm excited too! I don't have a structured training program yet, but I'm trying to study up on the best way to improve in all-around ability. I think that sprints and long steady aerobic effort are things I need to work in. My usual rides have been a couple of hours of fartlek-style intervals, riding at a high-aerobic heartrate (averaging 85% of max), hitting the hills hard, and occasional bursts of effort to catch back on with the guys I'm riding with, or to make a light before it changes.

Man, I hope my new saddle comes soon! And spazz -- thanks for the images!