Originally Posted by
MDcatV
Race with this mindset and it'll pay dividends when you move up in the categories, you'll be more fit, more confident, and have had more fun.
I agree with this philosophy.
It's better to make a move, blow-up, and DNF than to sit in the pack quietly the entire race. For one, you'll be rewarded with experience in making things happen; for instance, you won't be dumbfounded if you manage to find yourself in a break. At this level the biggest prize you can win is experience.