Doing My First Race!

[SheFly]

That's a pretty fair distance for an MTB race... I'm usually racing that sort of distance as an expert. I'm guessing that it's due to the "pancake flat" aspect, and non-technical nature.

As others have said, make sure to pace yourself. BUT, do not go out too slowly, either. The first lap (or 5 miles-ish) should be at a HARD pace - this will give you the gap you need, and let you come down some for the remainder of the race.

Think hole shot - being the FIRST into the tight twisties is always best.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! If you can't use a water bottle when racing (I can't), wear a SMALL Camel Bak and remember to drink. For 17 miles, you're going to be out for 1.5 hours or so - try to drink every 10 to 15 minutes. And every 30 mins, eat something. I find on the MTB, in a race, Clif Bloks work really well - just make sure you pre-open .

Most of all, HAVE A BLAST! And of course, let us know how it went.

Good luck!

SheFly

[limewave]

Ooooh! I can't wait to hear about it! I signed up for 2 XC races this year and they will be my first too!

[Aggie_Ama]

The race is Sunday, it is a series of races this is the sixth one but the first that wasn't too technical and after my half marathon. This is the beginner/Cat 3 race I am doing. There are 8 women pre-registered which is a bigger field for women in my age group. CC we have Enduro events called the marathon series in the winter.

Last night I practiced race starts, it was brutal and I am not so good at going all out from a stop but at least I practiced! I am hoping to get a decent start because I KNOW I will be faster than someone and I don't want to be picking people off on a tight course. I have really good endurance from the half marathon I just did but not speed on the bike.

I am definitely wearing a Camelbak, even in the expert division racers do it some. I think I may do gels but tape them to my top tube, so I can get to them fast.