Thetford

Thetford

Sunday 13 October 2013

Dusk til Dawn 2013

Mixed feelings about this one............     I have said this before but cycling is weird because it takes a team effort but ultimately relies on the person turning the pedals.  I personally like the 'team' side of stuff because underneath I am quite a social person, especially after the odd beer or three.

Cycling doesn't like this, and my theory is you have to be anti social in a way, because the aim is to beat your mate and like it.  I turned up at this race in a big group of people who are great and have good team spirit but felt quite alone.  I had no one 'in my corner' as such and relied on old mates and their good nature to accept me and help out.

Don't get me wrong, I was focused and sort of ready, although I did not feel that good the week leading up to the event.   I also had high expectations because of recent form and a confidence (whether it is justified or not) that I can podium this sort of thing.  So I set out my pit and got down to the start nice and early ready to take on 12hours of cycling.


So what happened..... basically I was going well and then I wasn't.  I set off briskly (not mental though) and found myself trading laps with Tom Ward who eventually came 2nd.  We parted company about 5 or 6 laps in and then I settled, but at 8 hours in I started to feel rotten and then never recovered and so at 10 hours I simply had to stop.



Am I down though???? no is the short answer, I got it wrong a) I did not have pit man b) I did not give 12 hours racing enough respect c) I did not feed or drink enough again.

So for six hours I felt good and sure I was good enough to grab a podium.  So lesson's learnt and I am safe in the knowledge that I gave it my all and there was no way I just wanted to top 10 again....... I wanted a podium.

Two things then, shall I lower my goals?  bollocks no.   Shall I train even more and try harder next time?  yes.


Hence the cyclo cross bike and the notts and derby league races entered.
  
So I going to thrash myself around muddy fields for the winter and hope I get even fitter and faster.

What's the worst that can happen.............................................?