I'm one of them. Last year was very challenging. It started off great, crushing the team win and getting Gary the individual at Bethel. I wasn't in top shape for Orchard Beach but we had that field covered well in both the M40+ and M50+. It was going to get things rolling for the year, until I got taken out. You are entitled to spend some amount of time going through the stages of grief and feeling sorry for yourself. After that, it's all about confidence and doubt. Everyone can tell you whatever they want to, and your numbers may even give you hope, but when it comes down to crunch time, it's all about racing. Knowing what you are capable of at that moment, trusting yourself, and making the right moves at the right time. I went into the NSG with half of my bullets in the gun. That's a game changer. Yet I still managed to succeed. Those results were 99% mental. There were stronger riders in the field who had teammates to help, but I still got it done.

My advice to you, AZT, is to keep looking forward. It's hard not to look back, but you will progress mentally much faster if you don't. Focus on your forward progress. The past is the past. It's all about the now. Make your priority listening to your body and recognizing and celebrating your progress.