"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Mental Rut

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Arsbars
05-22-03, 12:44 PM
As of lately I have been hitting a mental rutt... this is my first year out of the safety net of juniors.. and yes as junior rider I was racing in the CATs, doing well too-- but it was because I was a cocky sob :)

Half way thru winter I injured myself and doing so lost all my base miles. Finally I started my "winter training" when everyone was starting their season.. so I'm towards the end of my base training and should start racing soon. BUT there is a problem, my head. I think I wont finish or do well and am now scared to even race. Yes I'm a perfectionist... does anyone ever feel this way, and HOW do you get outta it???

Thanks for the input guys

cannondale
05-22-03, 03:30 PM
I was in a rut back in March. Come to find out I had lots of weak points. My chiropractor fixed those. He also got me eating protein in the morning. I was feeling better because I was stronger and my diet was improved. That got me out of my rut. A lot of it does have to do with attitude. Maybe do a local ride, charity ride or friendly competitve ride. Build your confidence up by performing well against people who don't know you're racing. Or hang at the back of the pack on purpose. Knowing you could have won or could have out lasted everyone will build confidence. Do a lot of visualization and positive thinking. I use to feel sorry for myself that I had to commute on my bike to work in the cool weather and wind. Then I thought about it another way. I should be so lucky as to be able to ride my bike to work, even in the rain. It's all in how you look at things.

Good luck.