womens racing

[Andrea]

If you want to read some first hand accounts, you can read my blog for some race reports (There are a lot from last season- look back starting in March 2008).

[jevagirl]

Thanks for the responses posted so far. It's pretty cool for me to get feedback from women in at least 3 different "CAT" levels of competition. I really appreciate the point-by-point answers each of you gave.

And I appreciate the "invite" to keep an eye on your blog, Andrea. It is almost as cool as the bar tape on your surly Good luck with becoming a "nationally competitive road cyclist" ... and thanks for the glimpse into the process.

[Wahine]

So here's an entirely different situation...

If you race, how did you get into it? I did my first road race yesterday and it nearly killed me. It was really really hard and I thought I was either going to puke or my quads would seize up. Ultimately, neither happened and I have since forgotten the pain and am foolishly thinking that this is fun and I'll do it again. I should add that I've been racing triathon for about 14 years and decided to road race this year to improve my bike split times
Do you race against women exclusively? I did yesterday but I saw some women racing with the Cat 3 men and staying in the pack.
Do womens' races tend to be slower than mens'? have no idea for sure but I would assume yes.
Do you make money from racing? Not yesterday.
How many hours do you train (a week)? 12 to 20 hours per week but that's for all 3 disciplines of triathlon. I probably ride about 10 to 12 hours per week when I'm at top volume.
Do you ride with clubs that are co-ed or only women? I ride with my buddies. Some of them ex pro racers, some of them still racing... all of them boys for the most part. I do lead some other women's rides but those usually are are strictly base training rides and are not hard training rides for me.
Do you have a personal trainer or are you on a team with a coach? I have worked with a tri coach in the past and now do my own coaching. Both have worked out well for me. But I have to say that having a coach is a great thing if your pocket book can handle it.
Do you work a job as well? Yes!
How far do you travel to race? I will travel about 5 to 6 hours to race max. I will travel farther for Ironman... but that's a whole different deal.
What level of racing are you at? Cat 4, I just started yesterday!!
What are your long-term racing goals? Bike racing is a means to an end. I am a triathlete at heart but my bike splits need to be better... so I'm throwing myself to the wolves. My goal is to have better bike splits (top 25% of my field) in my next Ironman event.

[Andrea]

And I appreciate the "invite" to keep an eye on your blog, Andrea. It is almost as cool as the bar tape on your surly Good luck with becoming a "nationally competitive road cyclist" ... and thanks for the glimpse into the process.

Thanks! Everyone else had the bases covered, so I figure I could just add in some personal experience so you can get an idea of how races are from the inside out.

[limewave]

This is giving me the bug to race.

But with a baby on the way and another little one and a full-time job with a second job . . . . Maybe a few years down the road for me.

I am so impressed by all of you that race. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[Wahine]

You'll get plenty of racing... running around after the kids.

[SheFly]

If you want to read some first hand accounts, you can read my blog for some race reports (There are a lot from last season- look back starting in March 2008).

Good point! Andrea has a great blog. I also blog about my races, and you can see the entire three season's worth there.

And Wahine - congrats on finishing your first race! It sounds to me like you left everythiing out on the road, which is a good sign.

SheFly

[kacie tri-ing]

I agree! I love this thread! DH keeps telling me that I could make it with the Cat 4 women at the races he does, but it seems so very intimidating. Wahine! I am so excited to hear about your race!!