Snaps.

Finally.

Review.

So, this morning I had my first road race. Here are a few lists of what I learned and what went right or wrong.

Good:
Didn't panic when I found myself at the back of the group.
I took opportunities to move up to the front when they arose.
Early in the race I was coping well with the pace.
I wasn't intimidated by group racing.

Bad:
I tried to eat some of my energy bar but couldn't chew it before the climb, which meant I had to swallow it almost whole. I got gapped on the climb, couldn't breathe right then off the back of the group threw it up at the road side.
I joined another rider who had been dropped earlier, was going to carry on but he had already decided to head back to HQ and I followed him without any argument.

What I learnt:
Don't use energy bars in races. There isn't the time. It has to be either sports drink or gels.
I can 'do' road racing, the atmosphere has quite friendly and it was good to be in better company.
Don't take the easy way out, keep going as long as possible.


I feel a little disappointed because it was a mistake that ended my day rather than lack of legs but there are a lot of positives and I'm looking forward to my next race in a few weeks.

All Tapered out.

I'm currently sat on the sofa, resting in preparation for my first road race tomorrow. I'm about as ready as I'll ever be, although strangely I'm not feeling that much pressure because I've been told so much not to expect a lot from the first races. There will be clubmates in the race too and I'm even getting a lift out so don't have to worry about finding my way.
This time last year I had just completes my first TT and ridden my first century, looking back it's hard to believe how much I've progressed both mentally and physically. There's always work to be done but that's half the fun.
Next week it's my birthday again and we're heading to a little B+B I used to stay at with my family when I was a young 'un. That's all for now, back to Midsommer Murders and a cup of tea.