race now or later

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Permalink Reply by Landon Beachy on September 26, 2013 at 9:03pm

Isn't racing also training? Do it!

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Permalink Reply by Craig MacIntyre on September 27, 2013 at 6:54am

Unless there is a reason other than you have give ... race.  If you have good legs the rest will come.  Stay at the pointy end as long as you can in each race and enjoy ...

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Permalink Reply by Sean Wilson on September 27, 2013 at 11:05am

I agree with the others to race. If the legs are good racing would be the best way to get the heart going again.

Race but don't put any pressure on yourself for results. You could do what Craig said about trying to stay upfront as long as you can or try the opposite approach. Try starting in the back row and see how many guys you can pick off. For me mentally I'd rather be passing dudes than starting too fast and then get dropped, even if my final placing would be the same.

After a race or two you'll know how you stack up against your field and can adjust your strategy.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Krelik on September 27, 2013 at 5:31pm

Thanks guys I am 90% convinced to try it. I am afraid most of my contact with the "pointy end" is when they lap me lol so I may try the back row strategy.
Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by David B on September 28, 2013 at 8:45am

I would race as well. Also if you are racing once a week that leaves 3 other days for training, 3 hard weeks one easier week thru the season, you can also gauge your season by how your placing improves through the season. Also you will build your handling skills, Good luck and have fun.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Krelik on October 1, 2013 at 5:48am

Thanks David, easy week meaning still riding but low intensity I presume?

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Permalink Reply by David B on October 9, 2013 at 9:31pm

Yes lower intensity gives you a chance to recover and adapt, a great book I'd Chris carmichaels time crunched cyclist for training, the newest edition even has a CX training program. Well worth the 15 bucks,

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Permalink Reply by Evan Levine on September 30, 2013 at 7:58am

Race - I'm in a similar situation, just started biking and getting in shape recently and got dragged into CX by some more serious friends. Did my first two races ever the last two weekends, finished 52nd and 61st. It's humbling to finish so far back, but it's also motivation and a whole lot of fun. There are people of all levels to race with, close competition for "not last" is still close competition!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Krelik on October 1, 2013 at 5:46am

Yeah I guess you're right. Sounds like not only did you survive "humbling" results but that you also don't regret doing it. A little humility probably wouldn't hurt me either haha. Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Aaron J on October 9, 2013 at 5:42pm

RACE NOW.  You might not be able to in the future and you will look back at this as a missed opportunity. 

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Permalink Reply by David B on October 9, 2013 at 9:36pm

I race in Portland cross crusade series and the average race in my group Masters C 35 + will have 200 to 240 starters. By lap 2 you have no idea where you are in the pack anyhow, you race against those near you, staying ahead of the guy trying to pass and picking off the guys in front, Also CX is much about handling and transitions on and off the bike, you can make up a ton of time with skills, no mistakes can add 10 or more spots in the average field.

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