Originally Posted by MinnMan

This is something that happens solo. On a group ride, the dynamics are entirely different. On a solo ride, the pace is determined by my energy, strength, and motivation. Or not. Sometimes the will to go fast comes from a place I don't understand - I don't have either the energy or the motivation, but somehow I'm compelled to hammer anyway.

It's not about nutrition or warming up or any of those things. As was the case yesterday, it may happen say 20 miles into a 30 mile ride. i've been hammering, just because, and I'm thinking that maybe I should slow down because it's getting harder to keep up the pace and there's no reason to push so hard, but I push anyway.