Masters Racing (All Disciplines) - Just hanging out shooting the bull

RR, Glad you are doing Pesky. We will be working registration. It is a very hard course with lots of places to attack. I think the hardest part will be Haskins Hill. My suggestion is to find a local hill similar to Haskins and do some hard efforts on it. Stage Road has some bumps and depending on the wind can be tough as well. However, if you are ready for Haskins, Stage Road should not be a problem. Also, work on descending skills and look at some videos on how to handle hairpin turns. There are some very technical sections on Stage Road and the descent right after the Haskins climb is very fast and somewhat technical. We have course marshals at all the difficult corners and intersections plus we inspect the course before the start. However, conditions can change so be on guard for dirt/gravel on the tight corners.

I was there yesterday...Haskins Hill is drop-dead gorgeous for scenery; if you're doing it right you'll hardly notice.

My perspective is that it's either uphill or downhill. There's little, if any, flat areas. So if you're a climber/descender you'll have it made. The descent after finishing on Haskins Hill might require newspaper...it was darned cold yesterday and it was merely "overcast."

RR, Glad you are doing Pesky. We will be working registration. It is a very hard course with lots of places to attack. I think the hardest part will be Haskins Hill. My suggestion is to find a local hill similar to Haskins and do some hard efforts on it. Stage Road has some bumps and depending on the wind can be tough as well. However, if you are ready for Haskins, Stage Road should not be a problem. Also, work on descending skills and look at some videos on how to handle hairpin turns. There are some very technical sections on Stage Road and the descent right after the Haskins climb is very fast and somewhat technical. We have course marshals at all the difficult corners and intersections plus we inspect the course before the start. However, conditions can change so be on guard for dirt/gravel on the tight corners.

Thanks, Hermes, for this. I purposely didn't hammer this ride so I could assess the roads, the turns, and the conditions. It's hard but definitely doable. I'm looking forward to seeing you & Velodiva & being humbled on this race.

I worked hard Saturday & Sunday, as did c_gallagh, so today we showed the tandem some love (http://app.strava.com/rides/9575945) and called it recovery. Just what the legs needed.

I plan on a big hill repeat workout tomorrow, a TT practice Wed., recovery Thurs., off Fri, easy ride Sat., 30k TT race Sunday. If there's any blood left in my brain I'll post up. Otherwise I'm planning to bury myself.

nacler22, Nice result. I am amazed how much the mountain and cross racers crash and come out somewhat unscathed. You guys must be tougher.

Thanx Hermes.

Yea, I'm not sure if we're tougher, or just know how to bounce better. :D Most likely, it's due to the slower speeds and softer surfaces. (unless you find a rock or tree) Getting taken down by a Sand Snake in a cross race is cake, compared to just about any unscheduled dismount on the road that I can imagine.

p.s. Whoever dreamed up chipseal, is devil-spawn.

p.s. Whoever dreamed up chipseal, is devil-spawn.

This. Appalling stuff.

Another hundred miles yesterday -101, actually. As usual after a rest day, I felt a bit dead. I've often noticed this before when touring, one's legs aren't there after a day off. Stage racers report the same thing, I wonder why that is?

I feel I am doing now the high-volume, relatively low intensity work I should have been doing in December and January when I was nursing my broken ribs etc. Timing all wrong but wotthehell, at worst it's money in the bank for next year. And the sun continues to blaze down in positively Californian fashion. Thunderstorms expected tomorrow, though...

nacler22, still not sure I know what kind of race you did (I tried looking it up on Google) but congratulations on a good result.

chasm54, it seems at our age -- at least from my experience -- volume training is money in the bank. When I was younger I could get to a relatively high level of fitness relatively quickly and maintain it. Now it seems everything in the build up is in slow motion and having base volume is important for having speed work be effective.

Red Rider, may your TT fortunes be much greater than mine.

Hermes, unfortunately I have an old college roommate and his wife visiting on June 16th so I won't be able to do the VSC TTs that day. I haven't been to the track for a few weeks but I'm planning to go on Thursday evening.

AzTR, when is your first TT?

Racer Ex, hope your wife is feeling better. Also hope you did some fun riding after the TTT.

Meanwhile, I had a relatively good 55+ crit. I went on a 2-man break with the guy who has been cleaning up in 55+ this year. Unfortunately it was a 2-man break. I was hoping reinforcements would come sooner than later. After 4 laps of a 0.9 mile course I was hurting and taking shorter pulls. I saw a group coming but I couldn't hang on. I ended up back in the field. We almost caught the break and my teammate jumped across with another guy. I blocked a bit and the break opened a larger gap. Unfortunately my teammate got shelled. With 3 to go I tried again with another friend but we got caught after just over a lap. After that I thought I might try something in the field sprint as there was just one paying place (5th) left for the field. However, I never got positioned properly and that was that. I was still happy with the effort.

The 50+ crit was going OK. I was just hanging out and I figured I'd try something near the end of the race. I had moved up and was looking for a good wheel when the back end of the bike started feeling funny. My rear tire was going soft and I had to pull out with 4 to go. Since we were on lap cards there was no free lap for mechanicals -- not that it would have mattered. First flat ever on that course (and I've raced there countless times). Obviously I've done something to distress the tire gods.

I started the 45+ race just to get in a few more miles. I was tail-gunning that race and dropped out after I had accumulated enough miles for a total of 42 for the day.

Last Tuesday night race of the year tonight. District road race on Sunday and Senior Games next Tuesday and Wednesday finish a big block of racing. After that the focus is prep for nationals in September with the caveat that racing is the best training -- right? ;)

Good luck, Cleave, and nice racing.

Good stuff, Cleave. My first TT is a flat 40K on June 10. I need to get a helmet, and maybe a skinsuit, before then. I don't really want to buy a generic skinsuit, but the next team kit order will be for next year. I'll probably just wear the tightest kit I have, which unfortunately is just not that tight.

The 50+ crit was going OK. I was just hanging out and I figured I'd try something near the end of the race. I had moved up and was looking for a good wheel when the back end of the bike started feeling funny. My rear tire was going soft and I had to pull out with 4 to go. Since we were on lap cards there was no free lap for mechanicals -- not that it would have mattered. First flat ever on that course (and I've raced there countless times). Obviously I've done something to distress the tire gods.

This was a pretty spunky race. Avg speed was a hair slower than Chuck Pontius, but numerous half-hearted breaks in the first half made it more taxing as we covered them. Things settled down, but then just before your flat, a break of 10 built up a decent gap. I figured this would almost certainly stick, considering both the size and composition. So I chased. I caught them after about a lap, but as soon as I did, they threw in the towel. Teammate (who managed 8th) gave me credit for pulling them back, but I'm still baffled (and disappointed) that they didn't manage to stay away.

First CBR race (not counting Eldo). Overall Chris (promoter) seems to do have it down.

Wild Rockies SUPER D

Only about 7 Cat2 starters with a course that had me thinking that, I should in fact, take up knitting. Managed to get thru the scary & steep rock garden, only to crash at the bottom. Got back on, made up some time during the climb, and finished 3rd.

After doing it once, I'm looking forward to the nx one.

Hope you all are having a great Memorial Day weekend.

Nice finish after a crash.

A new casino just opened up in downtown Cleveland. One news item that made the local TV coverage is people can ask to be placed on a "not allowed to enter list". After watching YouTube videos of DD races, I'm tempted to contact USAC and request they block any online registrations for downhill MTB races in my USAC account.

first cbr race (not counting eldo). Overall chris (promoter) seems to do have it down.

cbr?

cbr?

Sorry, CBR = California Bicycle Racing. Local promoter, who used to be independent due to bickering with USAC. They managed a truce this year. Cleave has done dozens (hundreds?) of his races over the years.

Cleave,

From Wiki: Super D - Super D (SD) is a blend of cross-country and downhill. Most of the race is downhill, on trails similar to the downhill segment of a cross-country race. There are also short (100–500m) uphill sections which make the use of downhill bicycles difficult, as a result, most riders use cross-country or 'trail bikes'. Depending on the trail and race venue, the start may either be seeded (riders start in short intervals), or Le Mans mass start (riders run to their bikes, timing is started when the riders start running). Probably the most famous of this type is the Megavalanche (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megavalanche).

Our's was timed and pretty short. My time was ~ 10'

Doing three crits. in a night is "hardman" no matter the age. :thumb:


A' Jet,

It is addictive. I may need an intervention. :twitchy:

shovelhd,

Read your race report in the 33..................damn..............just.........damn.

Thanks. I need a therapist stat.

Thanks. I need a therapist stat.

Ha, try this on for size. He's cheaper and less touchy-feely.


“History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days. What is the worth of all this? The only guide to a man is his conscience; the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions. It is very imprudent to walk through life without this shield, because we are so often mocked by the failure of our hopes and the upsetting of our calculations; but with this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honor.”
― Winston S. Churchill (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14033.Winston_S_Churchill)

Nice quote... One of my big goals is to know I've left it all out there on the course more often, as Shovel was able to do in a fiercely competitive race.

Good stuff, Cleave. My first TT is a flat 40K on June 10. I need to get a helmet, and maybe a skinsuit, before then. I don't really want to buy a generic skinsuit, but the next team kit order will be for next year. I'll probably just wear the tightest kit I have, which unfortunately is just not that tight.

Wow. I commend you for doing a 40K as your the first TT. There is a reason that 40K is typically used for championships due to it being so hard. To quote Erich Whalburg (sp) a local P/1 strongman, one should have the slight taste of blood in your mouth during the last 10K.

Shovelhd, Your NRC race sounded exciting. The sprinters timed the catch perfectly. And they bring the field with them. Philosophy... You are a great breakaway artist. When it works it works and when it does not work, well, it just does not. The really good news is that you have a competitive advantage that works in some races even with the best racers in the area as evidenced in your other NRC win.

Cleave, We will be at VSP on Thursday before racing on June 16th, Saturday for Roger's 4PM session and we will probably do part of the 7PM.

Wow. I commend you for doing a 40K as your the first TT. There is a reason that 40K is typically used for championships due to it being so hard. To quote Erich Whalburg (sp) a local P/1 strongman, one should have the slight taste of blood in your mouth during the last 10K.

Yeah, well... there are 20K and 40K options for that race, and I was told to do the 40K option as a learning experience. :cry: You know... like throwing a kid in the deep end of the pool, and if he/she survives, you start swimming lessons?

Anyone else using a Garmin 500? I just updated to the latest firmware, which adds two more screens, plus a bunch of new data fields: Training Stress Score, Normalized Power, Intensity Factor (all those are Coggans-Allen concepts), plus vertical speed, which I suspect is VAM or VAM-like but haven't confirmed it. I'm going to use the expanded capability to add a TT screen and HC screen. Currently I have a basic riding screen, an intervals screen, and a ride summary screen. For TTs, I want distance as well as time, whereas I normally don't pay too much attention to how far I've gone.

I use a 500. I think it had VAM before 3.0. The extra screens are useful- I have a riding around screen, an intervals screen, a summary screen and a race screen.
The race screen shows only distance and time, so I won't see my watts or HR and back off.

What a jumbled mess of "training" I've done this month! There is no structure at all to what I'm doing, other than adding miles and pushing harder (or trying to). This month has seen me ride over 500 miles, and heaven knows how much climbing. All that has done is leave me frustrated, I just don't see the gains, even though other riders I know tell me "you're looking strong out there". The proof is in the pudding, and I know the pudding isn't ready. I'm not strong enough to stay with the pack I'll be "racing" with on Sunday, I know that. How can I be when I'm mid-pack with a club group ride, regularly smoked on climbs, and unable to stay with the A and B level riders when the pace goes up to the mid to high twenties on the flats? Fast pace line? Take a pull? I can manage 22 to 24 for maybe a mile, then I'm back to 20 to 21 and in need of shelter - quick! On the field sprint today I tried to follow one of the faster guys to the front of the field. That meant gluing myself to his wheel. I did it for a short period, then got gapped, just slightly, at 28 MPH, but that's all it took and I was off the back. I tried hard to bridge up, but blew up trying to do that at 26 - 27 MPH on my own - I just can't hold that pace.

On the big climb today I was feeling pretty good, so I tried an attack on two of the stronger women in the group. I managed to pull out about ten feet on them before I had to sit down and take my lumps. I tried, though - and I really think they were humoring me.

Race? Me? Yeah, right. I have ZERO natural talent. Determination, yes, but I'm beginning to feel the frustration in knowing that determination alone just is not enough. Big engine I do not have. I'm a mid pack everyday rider with big aspirations, and I think it's time I woke up to that fact.

So, Sara, what results were you seeing this time last year? Similar, or is this year markedly changed (as in improved)?

Success rarely feels good when we're achieving it. It's hard work. Hard. Work. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

You have talent -- you need a structure to help you maximized that talent. I suggest a coach.

AARP membership negotiable. *cheesy grin*

My pre-race ride on Sunday, and c_gallagh's friskiness on the tandem yesterday combined to give me weak legs this morning when I woke up. I have a plan for that race next month, however, and it includes a lot of HTFU and Jens Voight methods.

So I ended up doing this (http://app.strava.com/activities/9639344) today and the win for me was ignoring the multiple urges to quit or make it easier or not push so hard or do whatever it took to minimize the pain in the legs. My Suffer Scores, VAM, power, etc. aren't anywhere close to most of you men, so I celebrate my victories and Strava scores for what they: My PBs.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Tough workout tonight at the Underground Crit. I worked too hard in the early laps and it cost me. That's a recurring theme. If I'm able to stay towards the front early on without burning matches, things work out well. If I chase the front runners too closely, I use myself up prematurely. I warmed up using the last 6 laps of the B group. When the A group went, some guys heated it up just as we finished the two neutral laps. I saw a guy was going to attack on the outside after we came around to the start after the first lap, so I went around the inside and grabbed his wheel as he came back to the middle. There were already two guys OTF at that point. Chasing them, we spun a 28.6mph lap, with me averaging 418w while only riding the other guy's wheel. Ouchie. I realized (too late), that I was blowing it and that we were being caught. I eased off, rejoined the pack, and we reeled everybody in - so repeat of a lesson learned. Shortly thereafter, a guy was attacking, to my left before turn 3, when he apparently slipped a chain at his cassette. As I watched, he looked back just as the wheel locked up, with him in a bad position on the bike. Lots of weird gyrations before he went down over the high side. Someone yelled to slow down, but I was about the only one who did, and I lost the group. I chased, with a guy on my wheel not helping, but finally decided it was free lap time. I rejoined in a spent state, and fell off again later, when things heated up chasing a break which ended up being caught in the last lap or so.

All in all it was a hard training workout, but from a skills standpoint it was more lessons learned the hard way. Last week I had broken through some of the mistakes, but I repeated them this week. Burning matches when it benefited others instead of only me - pulling the damn pack up to breaks - etc. I need to internalize that when I'm mixing it up with the big dogs, I'm at my best when I get into an energy saving rhythm before becoming aggressive, and I need to be keenly aware of how they will use me and then toss me aside.

But hey, I love racing with a field that includes 1's and 2's. It's a masters class every week, and it's going to have huge impact on my results in the 50+ and 55+ races.

What a jumbled mess of "training" I've done this month! There is no structure at all to what I'm doing, other than adding miles and pushing harder (or trying to). This month has seen me ride over 500 miles, and heaven knows how much climbing. All that has done is leave me frustrated, I just don't see the gains, even though other riders I know tell me "you're looking strong out there". The proof is in the pudding, and I know the pudding isn't ready. I'm not strong enough to stay with the pack I'll be "racing" with on Sunday, I know that. How can I be when I'm mid-pack with a club group ride, regularly smoked on climbs, and unable to stay with the A and B level riders when the pace goes up to the mid to high twenties on the flats? Fast pace line? Take a pull? I can manage 22 to 24 for maybe a mile, then I'm back to 20 to 21 and in need of shelter - quick! On the field sprint today I tried to follow one of the faster guys to the front of the field. That meant gluing myself to his wheel. I did it for a short period, then got gapped, just slightly, at 28 MPH, but that's all it took and I was off the back. I tried hard to bridge up, but blew up trying to do that at 26 - 27 MPH on my own - I just can't hold that pace.

On the big climb today I was feeling pretty good, so I tried an attack on two of the stronger women in the group. I managed to pull out about ten feet on them before I had to sit down and take my lumps. I tried, though - and I really think they were humoring me.

Race? Me? Yeah, right. I have ZERO natural talent. Determination, yes, but I'm beginning to feel the frustration in knowing that determination alone just is not enough. Big engine I do not have. I'm a mid pack everyday rider with big aspirations, and I think it's time I woke up to that fact.

We've told you this before, Sara, and we'll keep on telling you. You are going through a progression. It's one we've all been through. Yes, it's hard, but it is a progression. Those fast spurts where you lose it all if you get gapped? Been there... done that. And not long ago. Keep doing it, and you will realize one day that hey, you just pulled at that speed without blowing yourself up. You'll also get much better at avoiding/closing those gaps - your surge power will improve.

Structure and feedback would certainly help keep you on track. Without coaching, you should still plan out your workouts in advance. Tell us what you are going to do, and we'll happily tell you why should do something else. It's a BF tradition, after all.

But the big thing is. Hang in there! You are doing good! If a too-tall band geek like me can make progress, then so can you!

AZT, training races are training races. What I do in them depends on what I need from them. Most of the time, it's just intensity, so I attack, attack, attack, and crush myself with every effort. If I roll across the line DFL, then I did it right. Tonight, though, I want to work on peak intensity, i.e. maximum effort for a shorter period, so that means that I am going to do nothing but sit in for the first half of the race. This takes patience and discipline, because when I see a strong group start to go, I want to be a part of it. I may get lapped by sitting in. But when the halfway point comes, I'm going to be ready to explode.

Sarals, as AZT says, it is a progression. Frustration with your performance is part of any sport. This one is particularly tough. The fact that you are pissed off is a great sign. It tells me a LOT. This is your first year seriously training and racing, correct? You need to look at this as a three year plan. The first year is getting your feet wet, and trying to discover what kind of rider you are. The next year is training hard on your weaknesses, and building your strengths. You are in the middle of the first year, either chronologically, or psychologically. You don't know what your strengths are. What you should be doing is EXACTLY what you ARE doing. Finding out by trying things out, especially during group rides or training races where it doesn't matter what your finish is. I would suggest racing up (racing at a higher level than you compete in), and you are already doing that. Make sure that you are getting enough rest. Gains come from rest, not effort. Effort tears you down. Rest builds you back up, and with the proper nutrition, builds you up stronger. If you are frustrated with your performance, then turn the focus not on the outcome, but how you are feeling. Try and learn to listen to your body. It's a skill that has to be developed, and is best developed under high stress. Learning to know what you have left in the tank, when you can afford to make a strong effort, and when you should rest, is such a valuable skill, more valuable than the race tactics themselves in my opinion. Once you understand what your body is telling you, it will make dealing with the frustrations much, much easier. You are doing GREAT, young lady.

RR, AzT, Shovelhd - thank you...

The funny thing is I came away from yesterdays' ride initially feeling pretty good. I uploaded it to Strava (http://www.bikeforums.net/app.strava.com/rides/9658586) and then went over it. And thought about it. That's always a dangerous thing, and yes, the wind went right out of my sails.

I guess I'm wrong in gauging myself after everybody. I compare what I do to you folks, I ride and compare myself against (not with) the MEN in the club because by and large they are faster than the women (there are some that they aren't), there are more of them (by a LOT), many have raced (or are racing), and I set my sights on being able to do what they can do. Well - three things. 1) They have raced, have been riding for years, and have developed the physical skills to do what they now can do. 2) They're much bigger and stronger than I am. 3) They're more aggressive than I am. I can improve some of those things, learn one of the others, but the physical gifts - they'll never be there.

But, I can build on what I have - yes, you folks are exactly correct.

I do need structure. I've been splashing around, trying to figure out what works, and I've found out through that nothing does because the focus isn't there. For instance, yesterday two of the fellas jumped on my wheel when I went off the front of the B group (I didn't know they were there) and played wheel sucker for a good distance - until one went by me when the road tilted up and the other started yelling at me to "go Sara, grab his wheel!". That REALLY pissed me off!! Why? I don't know. Maybe because I felt they toying with me? I was riding hard, holding a good pace, and they go by me like they're out for a stroll. I realized then that I needed to learn to "meter" out power rather than light it and burn it, like I had been doing. I could have held a reserve and caught that wheel. If I had been doing a focused training regimen, I would have learned that. Duh!

I really should redirect those experiences into something positive. I will.

A coach. Yes, a coach. I wish I could afford one.

Shovelhd, I know this is the "feet wet" year. Next year will be better, yes. Here's the bad part, though. In three years I'll be 63. Slower yet! Also, the way USAC structures the women's ranks, I'll still be either Cat 3/4 or ride in the Masters 35+. There is no 55+, so I'll always be behind by virtue of my age. THAT'S frustrating!

And, that brings me to the race this weekend. Cat 3/4 and Masters 35+, combined.

I'll let you know how I do with the 20 somethings after this coming Sunday.

Lastly - I SO APPRECIATE your support, your encouragement, and your willingness to help a "wanna be" newbie like me. This IS a tough sport, but knowing folks who are willing to impart is huge. Huge.

AzT - I'll take you up on a "training report"!

Thank you, all of you.

But hey, I love racing with a field that includes 1's and 2's. It's a masters class every week, and it's going to have huge impact on my results in the 50+ and 55+ races.


AZT, training races are training races. What I do in them depends on what I need from them. Most of the time, it's just intensity, so I attack, attack, attack, and crush myself with every effort. If I roll across the line DFL, then I did it right.

Indeed. With the possible exception of the track sessions, Tuesday night practice crits (several variations and choices) were the best training revelation for me when I moved long distance climbing rides to racing. Intensity really is king. And, of course, that added benefit of practicing cornering, pack dynamics, etc. Chasing cat 1/2 monsters is a training goldmine. And it is almost a necessity here in socal, since the 50+ fields are full of cat 1/2 monsters!

Training plan for the rest of the week:

Spin class this morning, one hour. Knowing Kadria, there will be lots of off the saddle efforts. Realistic efforts, she races Cat 3 road races and understands what is needed.

Tomorrow: pre ride the CCCX Circuit Race course. I'll ride to the course, ride two to three laps, working on breathing, RELAXING, and dealing with the rollers (the course is full of rollers). Then I'll ride back home (home is only 4 miles from the course).

Friday: one hour spin class.

Saturday: rest.

Sunday: race!

My focus on the training crits, right now, is to be able to show some aggression but still stay with the pack. It's every bit as much a mental thing as a physical thing at this point. A combo of knowing when to go and when not to go, really conserving when I don't, and the mental toughness to dig as deep as necessary to stay with the pack after a hard effort. Based on how I felt afterwards, I dug pretty deep last night... but still not deep enough. I feel there was one point where I could have held on and didn't.

The age category thing is interesting. Were I a few years younger, I'd look around and feel like I was on the Jamaican basketball team about to play the U.S. "Dream Team" of Magic, Jordan, Bird, etc. Some of the 50+ guys here are truly exceptional, with one of my teammates being the star of the group. 55+ has a guy who is invariably at the top of the standings, but at the same time, I can see myself competing with him day in and day out. I quickly got in the top ten, and intend to contend next year.

Sara, I doubt they were toying with you. They were legitimately trying to help you dig down enough to not fall off. There is a fine line between that being great encouragement or a downer.. it depends on the situation, and apparently they didn't pick a good one. But I'm sure the intentions were good. There are several women who ride the A group on Tuesday nights here. A couple can totally kick my butt. Others run out of power. I -almost- said something similar to one of them last night in the final laps as she was struggling to hang on going up the rise. I refrained, because I thought it might be one of those situations where it wouldn't be helpful. I let her decide how to handle it without my meddling. I follow a rule a volleyball coach once said to some overactive parents. "If you think they want to hear it, go ahead. If the you think they need to hear it, keep your mouth shut." Leave that to the coach. It's pretty irritating to hear "go faster" or some such thing, when you are going as fast as you can.

Thanks. I need a therapist stat.

It can get worse. A few years ago the guy who ran our team decided he wanted to win a biggish-time race near his home town. I had won it the year before. I figured that was fair enough. Plan was for me to go with 2 to go and make everyone chase while he sat in. This I did. Half way through the last lap I get caught and I'm pretty blown. Start counting and watching the guys come past. Small group. No body in my kit. Look back and there's a huge gap to the rest of the field. So I gather what I've got left and end up 4th. No doubt in my mind I could have won the race. During the debrief he said he wasn't feeling good the whole race.

Would have been nice to know.

But, I can build on what I have - yes, you folks are exactly correct.


My first year in the local "C" group I rented an apartment in Offthebackistan. Hard work can overcome a lack of natural talent, trust me on this. Also know that the best of the best don't win or place all that often.

Did a TT last night. Not too good. Damn kids.

AzT, I think you're right. I really didn't need to hear that in that moment.

I was told by my spin instructor this morning, after she asked me if I had lost weight ("why, no - I've gained four pounds!"), that I was looking leaner and definitely stronger. And then, "don't get discouraged. You're progressing (AzT!), believe me..."

It sucks to be impatient!!!

;)

Patience is so important in bike racing. It comes with experience and confidence.

It can get worse. A few years ago the guy who ran our team decided he wanted to win a biggish-time race near his home town. I had won it the year before. I figured that was fair enough. Plan was for me to go with 2 to go and make everyone chase while he sat in. This I did. Half way through the last lap I get caught and I'm pretty blown. Start counting and watching the guys come past. Small group. No body in my kit. Look back and there's a huge gap to the rest of the field. So I gather what I've got left and end up 4th. No doubt in my mind I could have won the race. During the debrief he said he wasn't feeling good the whole race.

Would have been nice to know.

I remember killing myself on a 400 meter lead off in a distance medley relay in college and giving the 800 leg runner a 20 meter lead. He took the baton and seemed to jog until the other 800 runners caught up to him. After the race we were talking and I asked him if he was alright. He replied that he was fine but he didn't want to run his leg alone and needed the other runners for motivation.

I would have hit him over the head with the baton. That'll motivate him.

Shovelhd, I know this is the "feet wet" year. Next year will be better, yes. Here's the bad part, though. In three years I'll be 63. Slower yet! Also, the way USAC structures the women's ranks, I'll still be either Cat 3/4 or ride in the Masters 35+. There is no 55+, so I'll always be behind by virtue of my age. THAT'S frustrating!

Funny thing about bike racing. Age is a factor, but it still comes down to the watts. I'm M55+ yet I can still place top 20 in P/1/2 crits, higher if I can get into, and stay in, the break. They have to be short breaks, though. :) Racing up really helps you find out what you can do and for how long. I bet once you start to determine these things you will be competitive in M55+ races, even as a female. I know females who can drop me like a rock on steep climbs. NTTAWWT. :)

Would have been nice to know.

:)

In my case, my break mate started to fade with 6 to go, so I had to take longer and harder pulls, which I did. I did not have enough left to attack him, and I don't think I could have soloed for that long after such a long effort. I needed the rest that he provided. I spoke with the guy afterwards. He wasn't gaming me, he was just cooked. I'm not having any regrets about the move. I do wonder what 50 meters would have meant, though. A few more hard pulls or a little less rest. Aero wheels (I race aluminum box sections). Bridging a few laps later than I did. Questions with no answers.

I would have hit him over the head with the baton. That'll motivate him.

A baton probably weighed 2 oz and might have only caused a flesh wound. As a decathlete I had a 16 lb shot-put and javelins in my arsenal. I also had 15' pole vault poles that could have been strategically placed. :lol:

I remember once throwing an indoor shot back to the throwing circle and it hitting the footboard and taking a big bounce. That happened just as the tightly knit distance group was coming around a turn on an interval. Who would have thought one little shot put could take out 6 or 7 runners in full stride.:innocent:

Who would have thought one little shot put could take out 6 or 7 runners in full stride.:innocent:

As a shot putter, discus and javelin thrower in HS I have this all too real mental picture of the carnage on the track from the 16# shot put and the cussing that would result. Ever played catch with 16#er? I did, only once:notamused:, the right eye stayed swollen shut for about a week when I let it through my hands and into my face:twitchy: My now wife, then girlfriend wouldn't be seen with me that week after she found out how I got the shiner :innocent:. so just heave either a shot or a hammer perhaps at them when they don't do what they should:lol:

Bill

Sara,

I'm a little late to respond to your post. Just keep at it girl. You are doing fine and I do believe those you ride with are rooting for you. When you ride with mixed company there will always be some one who is a specialist at sprinting, TT'ing, climbing or just plain old hammering. It takes time to refine those skills/strengths which enable someone to ride with those who are younger or more skilled. You may not believe it but some of those your are riding with may be just under the breaking point.

I just read through Sara's posts and wanted to say that this "Plateau" shouldn't stop you. Please do not get discouraged or down on your self. I look up to you as someone proving to me you can start racing with a shot of determination and hard work. Everyone here has been nice and encouraging to me and I'll bet you feel the same way about all the members here. Keep up the good/hard work and you will , as said earlier. Take what AJ, AzTR, Shovelhd, Hermes and the others are saying. You have a rooting section here that wants to see you succeed and enjoy your racing. Suffering and pain are one thing, discouragement is the pits.

Best of luck and wishes,
Bill the rank beginner:innocent::rolleyes:

Training plan for the rest of the week:

Spin class this morning, one hour. Knowing Kadria, there will be lots of off the saddle efforts. Realistic efforts, she races Cat 3 road races and understands what is needed.

Tomorrow: pre ride the CCCX Circuit Race course. I'll ride to the course, ride two to three laps, working on breathing, RELAXING, and dealing with the rollers (the course is full of rollers). Then I'll ride back home (home is only 4 miles from the course).

Friday: one hour spin class.

Saturday: rest.

Sunday: race!

Blind leading the blind, but I'd:

1. Let your spin instructor know you are racing in two days.
2. Most people do an opener the day before the race. One hour, mostly easy, but with a few hard efforts.

It can get worse. A few years ago the guy who ran our team decided he wanted to win a biggish-time race near his home town. I had won it the year before. I figured that was fair enough. Plan was for me to go with 2 to go and make everyone chase while he sat in. This I did. Half way through the last lap I get caught and I'm pretty blown. Start counting and watching the guys come past. Small group. No body in my kit. Look back and there's a huge gap to the rest of the field. So I gather what I've got left and end up 4th. No doubt in my mind I could have won the race. During the debrief he said he wasn't feeling good the whole race.

Would have been nice to know.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/amberneben.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/amberneben.jpg

With her and Lance I've been beaten by two Elite WC's in a TT.

Sara, The first rule about being a bike racer is feeling good about your results. I have several DFL to my credit as well as a few wins and everything in between. And I suspect that will continue. And we all start at the bottom of the peloton and work out way up. So you need to feel good about your results. Consider this...you have results and most do not. It takes courage, motivation, perseverance, training, skill, tactics and some luck to do well at bike racing. You have the first three components.

Results are always a function of who shows up for the event. I raced team pursuit last year at elite track nationals and came in DFL. Well, I was competing against the best in the USA and our time was not horrible. It just was not good enough. I like to race, I like to train, I like team pursuit, I liked my teammates, I learned a lot, I had a lot of fun, I improved my fitness and skills. What is not to like? We all wish the results were better and sometimes they will be.

I am getting older too. My reason for being here is to give you other guys hope. Yes, one can improve as we age both in strength and power. You are getting older but so what. HTFU and get on with the work. I never focus on age other than when I select my age group for state and nationals. If one focuses on age and that younger is better it will drive you crazy. It is counterproductive and nothing we can do about it and you will deprive yourself of some of the most fun and great relationships that racing has to offer.

I completely agree with A'Jet. You never know how other people feel when you are riding. Part of learning this sport is knowing what is really hard and how different situations affect all racers. You may be hurting and suffering and so is everyone else. They are good at not showing it. You crack and think you suck. The reality is you need just a little more mental toughness to hang in until the other guy cracks. That skill takes time to develop. You probably have much more capability than your brain lets you tap.

Also, over time you will get to know the racers you compete against. You will measure yourself against them. i suggest you do some time trials and hill climbs to get a sense where you stack up against other women. These races will also build your power, endurance and mental toughness.

Fellas, I slipped up. I had said, because it applied so well to me, that what Hermes had said about the Russian coaches - the HTFU and STFU mantra - was so appropriate to what I was doing that I was adopting it. I slipped and forgot the STFU part. Yes, I was frustrated, and yes, I am impatient. I set out a long time ago wanting more, wanting to know my limits, wanting to know just how much I really could do. That desire has led me to racing. Now, that DOES NOT mean winning races, but it does mean "racing" - as in being in the pack and being able to contest. When I'm off the back in the first lap and competing with only my thoughts it can get pretty discouraging. I know - "the fog of war". I know too that mental conditioning is a huge part of any athletic endeavor, probably the largest part, and I need as much training there as my body does.

You guys don't know how good it feels to be encouraged, coached, and inspired by all of you. I so look up to you guys, I so admire what you've done and what you can do. There is just no way I can thank you all enough for your kind words.

Too, I do know I have those here, in 3D, who support me. Some have said "sure you're coming in last - right now. But, you're a winner because you have the courage to get out there and DO IT."

Okay then. Time to STFU and get on with it!

Great post, Hermes. :thumb: