So, on sort of a whim and some encouragement from a friend, I decided to enter my first road race. It's a cat 5 race, 25 miles, one lap. I've been riding since January and have been doing group rides all summer. I figure the worst that could happen is I could come in last. No big deal really.
I've done some looking around on the web and read a few things such as:
-Hydrate well several days before the race.
-Eat a large meal two nights before the race and a moderate meal the night before the race.
-Eat a breakfast such as whole wheat toast with peanut butter.
I'm mostly just going to try to hang with the pack and then when I get spit out the back, I'll form a pack with whoever else does too. Surely, I won't be the other one. While I'd love to go out and dominate, I'm realistic and know that most people get dropped their first couple of races. Not to mention, I haven't specifically prepared for this event though I have been doing a little bit of interval training. I just hope to finish not in dead last. And even if I do, I imagine it will be fun.
Any other advice or things I should be aware of? Thanks!
I've done some looking around on the web and read a few things such as:
-Hydrate well several days before the race.
-Eat a large meal two nights before the race and a moderate meal the night before the race.
-Eat a breakfast such as whole wheat toast with peanut butter.
I'm mostly just going to try to hang with the pack and then when I get spit out the back, I'll form a pack with whoever else does too. Surely, I won't be the other one. While I'd love to go out and dominate, I'm realistic and know that most people get dropped their first couple of races. Not to mention, I haven't specifically prepared for this event though I have been doing a little bit of interval training. I just hope to finish not in dead last. And even if I do, I imagine it will be fun.
Any other advice or things I should be aware of? Thanks!