Great Dane #2

On paper, my third race was a relative success: 6/39

I wanted to leave everything on the course for this event. I didn’t. I think I worked harder than I needed to at the wrong times and, as a result, yielded places to five “lucky” racers.

I didn’t want to move to the front. I stayed in the middle to rear because the field would bunch up at two choke points on the course. At those times I didn’t see the point in making the effort. Mistake.

The course was a short 1 mile loop with four corners and a few winding turns, and two short hills. The start/finish was on the first hill, the second was ½ way through course on the backside. After the downhill start the first corner turned us into a (light) headwind and the entire field slowed and front to midpack was 20 riders and perhaps 20 feet. The second choke point was after the second corner and a short hill. Because I didn’t move up I was caught in the headwind as a result of being on the outside way too often. So, I was doing just as much work as the leaders but without the benefit of field position. Mistake. Well, I still earned 6th.

Notes: I warmed up more thoroughly than at the Burnham Super Crit two weeks ago. That was helpful and the difference from the was noticeable.

My limiters are my power at threshold and my recovery. I can motor away and do well to hang on, but I cannot really lead—mentally speaking. I didn’t want to go to the front. I can compensate for my fitness with better race tactics: I need to learn how to be up front (by going and being there) rather than in the middle or back. Until I raise my threshold and increase my ability to recover under stress I may be a top 10 guy, but I won’t win any races.

I also need to figure out this diabetes stuff. I began the race with a BG of “160something” this was after a steady rise from 120 1.5 hours out, 140 1 hour out, 160something 20 min out and I finished the race at 310. I wonder if this is the result of nerves or of cortisone released from the physicality of the race. If it it’s the latter, then I should be able to train it and lower the curve. If my nerves get me in the beginning, I will need to figure out ways to dose prior to the race so that elevated blood glucose does not impede my performance. (I don’t think it did today…)

My average HR was 167 (threshold is 168-9), average speed was 24.5mph.

Side note: I saw an amazing thing in the third or fourth lap. A 2o0lb rider lost control of his bike for a few seconds and went way outside the field right into a 70lb junior. He bumped this kid hard…HARD!...and the kid stayed upright. It was amazing. It happened right after the second turn, going up hill, the kid was still leaning to his right and this guy lost it and slammed into him. The kid went from a 30* right leaning position to a 20* left leaning position and still stayed upright. Badass. (There were these gaps in the asphalt filled with this rubbery goo, typical stuff seen everywhere, but when you ride parallel with the gap and cross over it you can loose control and can create a really bad day). Also, a guy touched my rear wheel today. No crash.

I didn't charge my camera battery...pics next time.

Next week is the Iowa City Road Race, cat 5s go for 26 miles. The Bike is in the shop; I hope Alex can get it back to me soon so I can get some training in before Saturday.