I had a buddy that was always kicking my butt in racing, so I had my ears open when he was talking to somebody else about strategery, and that is what he said. I started laughing, but then realized he was being serious. He said that the adreneline you get pumping will have you going faster than you think you are, so don't try to push it. Just settle into a pace that you are comfortable with, race against the course, not the other competitors, and have fun along the way. I started incorporating that theory into my riding, and was amazed with the better results that followed. Instead of getting all wound up, I was relaxing, and having more fun!