[Closed] Being an average racer - worth it?

Enter an enduro, they have age cats* 😀

I'm currently in a 5 year training program to be awesome in the vets

Its meant to be fun. If you dont enjoy it, stop doing it!

* edit im talking about enduro & DH, then only type of races I enter.

I've never seen the point.

Some folk have the desire to race, some don't. In all the "sportives are not races" threads over the years I've yet to understand many of the comments from those that "race". Most of them are only making up the numbers and are unlikely to be winning anything, and even then it's only against folk at roughly the same competency as themselves. If you're that good you go up a category, up again, up again until you're at Worlds level.

Otherwise, it's just for fun.

I'm a terrible racer - bottom 30% on average though i've almost reached mid-table mediocrity. Regardless of results I have great fun, made lots of friends and rode lots of trails I wouldn't have found otherwise.

I'm fit and strong but I'm still too cautious on the bike which is my limiting factor!

I think it's worth it (albeit for my mediocre running rather than cycling efforts :D) but different strokes etc...

Yes.

Since I ended up in elite I've not really been so fussed about the result and focus on enjoying the race and the weekend away with mates. The actual race is often the least fun bit of the weekend!

GB

I enjoying racing to beat myself. Whether it's running or riding, I'm happy in a race if I do better than a did out last time. That's my motivation as I'm never going to trouble the sharp end.

If its not fun, you're doing it wrong is my take on it. Last year, putting too big an emphasis on training and racing sometimes made me forget what got me into riding in the first place.

I'm a very average racer. Could I improve 10 or 15 places with a structured training programme? Maybe. Will I have more fun if I do? Nah.

BoardinBob - Member

I'm a terrible racer - bottom 30% on average though i've almost reached mid-table mediocrity. Regardless of results I have great fun, made lots of friends and rode lots of trails I wouldn't have found otherwise.

^^ same for me. I like the atmosphere at events and races too.

If you arent enjoying it then I wouldnt bother. Riding a bike is meant to be fun, why do something that you don't enjoy.

Or perhaps just not be so hung up on results? It's only a number.

Ive slowly got better over the last couple of years, but still pretty crap

dont really train as such (between young family and work not much time for it)

I enjoy the social side of I as much as anything else and competing with mates rather than the top 10 finishers!, only race enduros and the odd DH tho!

I can understand why you're feeling a bit put off after Sunday's sh*itfest. But think forward a couple of months when it's a lovely sunny day, with a race on brilliant trails and a piss about with mates afterwards.
I either find the actual race the best bit or the worst bit, depending on how I do.

Road or mtb?

Road racing is a [b]team sport[/b]. I know 4th Cat racing doesn't seem like that sometimes and can be very negative. But it gets MUCH better in Vets racing.

Set appropriate goals and be realistic. I finished last in the bunch in last Saturday's Surrey League 2/3 race. But I spent enough time blocking on the front to help keep a team mate in a breakaway, then secure a second escapee near the end for his 10th place. It's all relative.

If you don't enjoy it, don't do it.

I don't know if anyone has ever mentioned it but you worry too much 😉 think of it this way... Even if you were racing wc's and winning National races on the MTB then the odds are you'd still have to hold down a full time job and be pretty amateur in the grand scheme of things (even more so in the UK!). It doesn't matter which end of the field you are 99.9% are doing it for the love so make sure you enjoy it

Time to open up a big can of MTFU I'm afraid 😉
I'm in pretty much the same boat as you tbh - I started out awful 3 seasons ago, and now I'm distinctly average! But I'll keep pushing and trying to improve for as long as I can. I fully intend to still be racing in Super Vets if I'm still in one piece! What are the alternatives? Being less fit and fatter? Not exactly a selling point...

Go for a ride with some non-racers and make yourself feel like a riding god, that should do the trick 😉

scaled - Member
Enter an enduro, they have age cats*

I'm currently in a 5 year training program to be awesome in the vets

XC has age cats too - Vets is generally a lot tougher/faster/more competitive than Sport!

If you're that tired this week I would think you weren't properly rested for the race.

Maybe you are trying to do too much. You might race just as well on much less training.

Regarding racing and whether its worth it if you aren't winning, that depends on whether you enjoy the actual races or get more satisfaction from the results.

It' all good, as long as you don't come last. 😆

I've run out of age cats now so I don't bother any more racing against a young 50 year old 9 years younger than you is no fun at all.

Hmm.

I did a bit of proper, structured training a few years back, I got up to about 20% faster than my normal on a local loop, which I was dead pleased with, but that only translated to about five places in the next local race. I just about squeaked into the top ten in a field of not quite thirty riders. I didn't mind that much, I wasn't expecting to get on the podium or anything, but when I weighed up all the sacrifices against the gains I decided I couldn't be bothered with it and went back to just riding for fun. I enter the occasional Enduro™ (*waves at Scaled*), get my arse handed to me (bottom 1/3 of the field at best) and have a nice day out with mates chucking myself at stuff as fast as I can without worrying about running over newbies/kids/dogs/baby robins. I'm happier without the training at the moment.

But it sounds to me like you're actually pretty focussed and dedicated, and it'd be a shame to waste all the effort you've put in just off the back of one unsatisfying result. There's more to racing than just fitness, you might be suited to different course types, or be lacking racecraft, or maybe you just had an off day. I'd definitely stick with it and do some more races before binning it as a bad job.

Maybe allow yourself a day or two off though, after a race, perhaps have a beer or a bit of cake or something? 😉

If you arent enjoying it then I wouldnt bother. Riding a bike is meant to be fun, why do something that you don't enjoy.

I do enjoy it. I like having a reason to keep fit & slim, and in an evil way perhaps is good to outperform lesser mortals as a measure of my fitness.

Its really just the net effect of this week that has me in the dodrums.

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you tbh - I started out awful 3 seasons ago, and now I'm distinctly average! But I'll keep pushing and trying to improve for as long as I can. I fully intend to still be racing in Super Vets if I'm still in one piece! What are the alternatives? Being less fit and fatter? Not exactly a selling point...

This is me, glad to know its not just me - the reassurance helps.

I don't know if anyone has ever mentioned it but you worry too much

Yup - part of the issue is that I have my first ever TT tomorrow ( a two-up) and although I'm going for the experience more than anything, I feel as of last nights failure to finish some training I'm not in a good place to work hard for my partner.

I can understand why you're feeling a bit put off after Sunday's sh*itfest. But think forward a couple of months when it's a lovely sunny day, with a race on brilliant trails and a piss about with mates afterwards.

A good reminder thanks. And in actually fact if you wind back 12 months I finished 5 places up on the same event as last year.

I am a "confidence" rider, so thats a reflection on BoardinBobs post as well - I'll do better when the ground firms up than I will in last weeks slide/clag fest.

binning it

I'm not going to do that, but I think the first thing to do is have an easy week after tomorrows TT before Battle on the Beach.

I definately had overreaching symptoms - lack of sustainable power yet burning legs, limited max HR, lack of focus, couldnt stay in the TT position for more than a minutes (I've done up to 40 mins before).

3 months of turbo training and no booze? Stuff that.
Racing at any level below where you're getting paid for it is about realising you're crap and accepting the results as they come. Even more so after the age of 25 where any chance you had to get paid for it has disappeared.

Either your target W/Kg wasn't sufficient to get you where you thought it would, or concentrating on that meant you neglected something else (like being able to race), or you had a bad day. Possibly all three.
Accept it and move on, if you can't enjoy racing and the process building up to it then change something.

If its not fun, you're doing it wrong is my take on it

Spot on. Also consider the diminishing returns in terms of sacrifices made for results. Certain types of training are not fun, nor is sticking to a diet.

For about ten years I dabbled in all sorts of bike racing, purely for LOLz with no targeted training, just turn up and see how it goes. Last couple of years I've taken things more seriously, particularly cyclocross. Proper training programme for the first time, watch my diet (I'm lucky in I don't seem to have too much of a problem with this; eat fairly healthy out of habit and drink very little booze), etc. I've been achieving my (modest) goals, but have no great desire to work any harder at it or make any more sacrifices for the chance of slightly better results in what are still only local races, or the chance to go to a round of the National Trophy and maybe just about get round without being withdrawn for being too slow.

My point is, if you like racing, just rock up and do it without worrying about the other bits. You don't have to take it seriously. Think about the sacrifices you are making and whether they are worthwhile; maybe just stick to the bits that are easily achieveable or more fun.

I'm doing an E123 road race this weekend, that'll be a good reminder that I'm well down the pecking order!

EDIT: LS (a better bike racer than I ever will be) sums it up better and in fewer words...

Kryton, as you're well aware, I'm in a pretty similar position to you.

There are days and even weeks where I wonder if its all really worth it. Sundays MSG race had the potential to be one of those days. I arrived and rode 1 mile of the practice lap at 0930 before turning around, loading the van back up and going to Hadleigh instead

I'm glad I did as I had great fun on the bike and regained some love, enthusiasm and confidence rather than making it all even worse riding a race like that!

Get out on the bike and have some fun...go to a decent trail centre and rediscover why you do it...It never ever fails to work for me!!

no booze? Stuff that.

+1 you are a amateur it is supposed to be fun, anyway I've been out drinking with plenty of Elite riders although they tend to avoid it in the run up to major races. Also remember it takes a while to get back into racing after a winter, as it is hard to replicate a race in training, however, after a few weeks you'll be more on top of your game.

I like races for the vibe and ability to push harder than you can normally. Also ripping apart a bunch on a road climb is the best feeling* in the world.

* well it is is pretty good anyway.

I know exactly how you feel. I posted a similar thread a while ago. Though you sound more dedicated than me, a bit of booze won't do any harm realistically. I've worked pretty hard since January to get ready for the first race on Sunday, got ill in the middle of last week, lost all motivation, and have spent ten last 10 days consuming my body weight in homemade shortcake and obsessing about tyre choice which is irrelevant when I!m tired out after a 15 minute stroll.

But it is worth it, I have a feeling iyou're like me with a very catholic guilt approach to sports so you'll feel worse for neglecting it. My aim for this season is simply to be in the top half rather than bottom half of the pack, fingers crossed. I'd rather put the work in and be mid field than come last! So long as you enjoy the training keep at it, plus dare I say it, the fitter you are the funner the uphill becomes 😆

Kryton, as you're well aware, I'm in a pretty similar position to you.

Well, except you finish top ten or thereabouts, I'd be happier with that!

I arrived and rode 1 mile of the practice lap at 0930 before turning around, loading the van back up and going to Hadleigh instead

Ah, I wondered why you didn't appear when your name was called!

I have a feeling iyou're like me with a very catholic guilt approach to sports so you'll feel worse for neglecting it.

Yes I do. Going over MFP's cals per day, not finishing last nights turbo session, being tempted by a Waitrose cinnamon hot cross bun... 😐

I have raced for about 10 years locally and regionally, and top half of the field would be a good result for me, but after a few races you get to find the people who are about your ability and then it became as much about beating them as the overall result, I have had great fun racing for a place in the bottom half of the field, where I have been up against someone of similar fitness level and/or skill level, and the best thing is we still sprint for the line, and then have a great chat afterwards about the race etc

Ah, I wondered why you didn't appear when your name was called!

OOO interesting....do you remember whereabouts I was gridded?

OP - how does your family perceive it? Lots of training takes time from elsewhere....when you way everything up (enjoyment espect, health, family, your emotional state from the training etc) it must end up in a positive..otherwise it's not worth it...life should be fun!!

only to come 33rd in a Regional A XCO race.

33rd out of how many?

being tempted by a Waitrose cinnamon hot cross bun...

Jesus H Christ, just eat the bloody thing. It's not going to make the difference between where you are now and the podium. And even if it did you'd be on the podium in a low-level race in a country with a low level of participation. Who gives a monkeys?

where I have been up against someone of similar fitness level and/or skill level, and the best thing is we still sprint for the line, and then have a great chat afterwards about the race etc

this.

I'm not going to worry any xc podiums, so having some fun and giving it all against similar folk motivates me. Maybe once my kids are older and I can generate more time, I might train to a structured plan, but right now my rides are so sporadic I'm shocked that I can even get to a start line.

Still, racing motivates to ride early in the morning and in bad weather. If I didn't do that I suspect I would go for weeks without riding.

being tempted by a Waitrose cinnamon hot cross bun

I'll have it if you don't want it

What Adam said ^^

And what lots of others said too - if you don't actually like it, you don't have to do it.

I love racing, whether it's on the road, TTing, on the track, XC or best of all, cyclocross. I'm a vet and find that in most disciplines, vet races are the most competitive, probably because - like me - most of the other vet racers don't have time to be racing as much as they'd like to so try and make it count when they do!

I do alright - I'm usually top 20 at least in most races and series, and I can do a low 21 min 10 TT - but I basically don't train at all. I'm on my bike most days, riding to and from work, and ride fast when I am, but anything over 20 miles is a rarity. I've got active kids, a busy home life and a fair bit of my spare time is taken up with coaching. I see friends with fewer commitments, power meters, training plans, performance coaches, flash equipment etc and often think I should make more of an effort to consciously train at least, watch what I eat etc, plan training around target events etc, but I really can't be arsed.

I eat well (vegetarian, everything at home is made from scratch), don't drink much alcohol and enjoy other exercise away from the bike, but the idea of doing much more than I do - something like the OP describes - sounds miserable to me and I think it'd all be less fun if I did.

Sometimes I'll get found out (road races in particular tend to be either fine or disastrous :-)) sometimes I'll be frustrated thinking I could have done better, but its rare I don't feel like I've had a good time or that it was worth it by the time I've washed the bike and sat down reflecting on the race. I might never win a race, but that's alright - plenty battles going on within the race and within myself to provide the sense of achievement. I just like getting out of breath outside, at the end of the day.

Been racing on and off since my 20s - 30 years later I still race occasionally but more to enjoy myself rather than placings / kudos whereas for others it is simply about the results. It's really about getting the right balance between work/home/bike and managing your expectations. If you are disciplined and prepared to stick to structured, high-quality training then you can get good results but don't expect it to be easy. You also need to be motivated to win - you might be physically capable, but also need to be mentally prepared. Me, I simply enjoy riding my bike and challenging myself - my last race was 38.5 hrs and more than half didn't finish....one or two of those a year are far more memorable for me than tear-arsing around a circuit for a few hours.

I am quite competitive and always have been, I've got a decent bike and try to train as much as I can but nearly approaching 50 now I can't wait to get into the Grand Vets cat! but theres are some seriously quick riders out there in that cat.

But I've found the harder I train the more prone I am to getting injured or getting the large.

But its the law of the sods as when I did last years Ard Rock I had a huge off on S5 and damaged the bike/plus face and lost about 10 minutes on that

Lets hope I don't do the same this year ! 😐

Its a race, so unless you win the race basically all your efforts have been wasted.

So, given its unlikely for any of us to win a race, I just enter them to enjoy the mid field battles. Shortly after they start you end up with others who are similar to you and you can then enjoy it.

That way you can train or not train to whatever level you like.

Once I entered a serious XC race and was so far behind I actually stopped after a lap just so the field could lap me. Then joined in again in the thick of it.

Alternatively you could start cheating in an attempt to win.

Some good reminders / truths here thankyou. Gaz, no I don't sorry, I was too busy clearing enough mud off my bike from the practise lap to get a half decent start.

The family - not really affected. I've always done so,e kind of ride so a Sunday morning away isn't unusual, turbo sessions or rides are either early am, after this kids are in bed, or at lunchtime as I WFH.

The hot cross bun - I'm not a powerful rider so the weight part of w/kg is quite important to me, plus I can gain serious weight at the bat of an eyelid so I do need to take care.

Boards bob - 48 on this occasion, usually about 60 in that race. The conditions put a lot off - see Gaz post - I was on the wrong bike for mud clearance reasons. In context I was 13 of 35 at Hadleih the week before on a dry albeit Hilly course which doesn't suit me - I'm better in the flat.

I do enjoy it. I like having a reason to keep fit & slim, and in an evil way perhaps is good to outperform lesser mortals as a measure of my fitness

Really?? Because the amount of whinging you do on here about it would make it seem like someone is forcing you to do it...Otherwise, pucker up buttercup!

Some people seem to respond better to training than others, like some people respond better to doping than others!

I noticed one of your posts the other day said you'd just bought a power meter. Did you have one before? You need to have a decent amount of time on said power meter before you'll start noticing the benefits/understanding what its telling you. Also - do you have a coach? Its all well and good spending up on a PM and such, but if you don't know what you're doing with it regarding structured training then you may as well not bother. When I started taking XC more seriously I didn't have a power meter at the time but found having a coach made a lot of difference.

Turbo training is good if its structured in its approach. Not just doing a session because you like the look of it or because its more interesting than a recovery session. I know you're not daft and understand you're very focused but without someone giving your plan the once over and understanding (from various tests) what you're capable of and how you react to certain training loads, you could be training yourself into a fatigued hole.

Boards bob - 48 on this occasion, usually about 60 in that race. The conditions put a lot off - see Gaz post - I was on the wrong bike for mud clearance reasons. In context I was 13 of 35 at Hadleih the week before on a dry albeit Hilly course which doesn't suit me - I'm better in the flat

So there you go....forget the MSG race, scrub it off. Its obviously just one of those races. I suspect the conditions played with your head so ignore it and get ready for the next one

I tend to think of myself as above average, i get quite a few podiums on regional DH stuff and if I stay on my bike, I'm usually around the top 10% in enduro's.

But I'm not kidding myself, the quick guys can tear me a new one still. I'd like to do better, but the reality is work & life mean I don't train that much (maybe 2/3 sessions a week for an hour a time) and a decent ride at the weekend & that's about all I can manage.

Reading that, it's just excuses, if I really wanted it I could double my efforts, do the whole diet thing, etc but I'm just not that fussed. I enjoy riding, I enjoy racing and going away with friends, all the banter & our own little battles etc.

If I pushed myself, sure no doubt I would do better, but would I still enjoy it? I'm happy with where I'm at (that said, a bad result does annoy me & refocus my training to try and not let it happen again).

Worth it for me I think!

Because the amount of whinging you do on here about it would make it seem like someone is forcing you to do it...

I'm not whinging I said earlier I don't intend to stop and there's many motivations for carrying on.

I'm just interested in discussing other's thoughts on some of the effort racing & training requires, or not in some cases.

I can see why the pro's do it, its just as hard for them I guess but at average level is it worth the effort?

Discuss...

From my op, see? Discussion, driven but the ups & downs of my last 2 weeks.

Don't overlook the mental side of racing, lots of people concentrate on the physical aspect, it takes a completely different mindset to be able to go faster than everyone else..

As per normal, my initial post was a bit...harsh. Apologies.

Regarding your motivation, is it to stay trim and fit or is there a burning desire/need to win? When I was racing I couldn't have cared less about how slim and trim I was, I just wanted to smash the faces in of everyone I was racing. Obviously weight was a concern, but the net result of 'being fit' didn't even register. I even downloaded pictures of my racing peers and had them stuck of no the wall in my 'turbo cave' - a bit weird but did the job when all I wanted to do was get off, watch TV and eat cake.

I still stick by the coach thing. Apparently Bottril was 'only' doing 8 hrs a week training when he was winning national 10's and 25's. You sound like you're putting the hours in, maybe you need to look at the quality of those hours.

As for is it worth it - the first time I stood on the podium I properly choked up. In fact, the first time I did 'well' (in this case, 23rd out of 180 at a VERY muddy round of the Thetford Winter series) I actually cried as I walked back to the car after finding out my result - not sure i've ever felt happier. Previous season I'd been in the bottom 5...

Its a race, so unless you win the race basically all your efforts have been wasted.

I completely disagree with this you can use races to build form, to get more 'street smart' or simply to race for fun. Most of the time in bike racing you are a loser and that goes for the pro's as well.

Kryton57 how do you square [b][i]I'm not a powerful rider[/i][/b] with [i] [b]I'm better in the flat.[/b][/i]

No offence Kryton but you were no spring chicken when you started, most of the guys at the pointy end have been at it for years, your body just wont adapt enough (in all likelyhood - statistical outliers exist etc...) to match theirs. You can look at it two ways:

I'll never be the winner so there's no point

or

I'll beast myself to beat myself

If you're going to continue to race it needs to be about you enjoying getting faster/better against yourself/beat the guy who beat you last time cos the chances are you won't be troubling the podium. With regards to levels of training/'sacrifice' etc only you can decide what's too much but i get the feeling you're the kind of person who gets as much out of obsessing over the process as the results, me I just CBA with all that.

I trained my arse off for the EWS last year. Proper 6 days a week on the bike, turbo and gym. No booze, healthy eating. I felt great on the bike (relative to my norm).

By the time the race was over it was the worst result I've ever had! Nerves plus the fact I was in the midst of splitting up with my wife meant I rode like an absolute donkey.

Standing at the start of the 1st stage. Oh look there's Nico Voullioz, Cedric Gracia, Fabien Barel etc. Maybe I've bitten off too much here 😕 About 3 corners in I almost pulled over to vomit with nerves then proceeded to spend the rest of the day crashing.

Finished the first day 260th out of 263! Gave myself a good talking to at night and managed to do much better on day 2 coming in at 237th that day and 245th overall.

Regardless, all the training in the world becomes pointless if your head's not in the game and since then I've learned to relax a lot more and to care a lot less as it doesn't matter at the bottom end of the field, as long as I'm not dead last!

I used to do a bit of MTB racing in my 20's and enjoyed it, I was never great but at least came top half of the field.

I've not done any for roughly 10 years.

Last year I did 3 Peaks Cyclocross, and came in pretty much at the back of the field. I was embarrassed by that. However people said that with the amount of time I had to be able to train I did pretty well.

However - I am now thinking do I want to do it again? I loved the course, and the race itself. However I couldn't see myself doing the level of training needed to get even half way up the field, to me it would take away too much time from family. Also spending hours on a bike each week (just to get fit) doesn't really appeal in any way.

So either I enter again and accept I will do pretty badly, or accept being the worst of a good bunch, and enjoy the opportunity to enjoy taking part. However the competitive side of me still wants to get out, do more, etc etc.... who wants to come last???

The hot cross bun - I'm not a powerful rider so the weight part of w/kg is quite important to me, plus I can gain serious weight at the bat of an eyelid so I do need to take care.

Neither am I, far from it, but if fretting about eating a hot cross bun is what you've been reduced to then you need to have a serious word with yourself. One of the joys of cycling, and particularly hard training, is the facility it gives you to eat pretty much any damned thing you like.

Focus on the process goals not the performance ones.

http://www.derekshanks.co.uk/2015/03/its-all-about-process.html

Go back to page one of your cat 4 racing thread and see how far you've come (or not) then change your processes to give more achievable outcomes.

Write a plan too! For all the stick he gets about Z2, Friels MTB training bible gives a really clear road for identifying weaknesses and really focussing your attention on the key A races. Even if you then use a different set of workouts- his planning stuff is invaluable IMO.

If pinning on a number isn't giving you a buzz at the mo then lay off until you start to miss it 🙂

I sometimes rise to the dizzying heights of average, and really enjoy it. TBF I seem to be having more fun than most of the top 20%. But I generally do this by investing no more effort than an entry fee and actually turning up- my racing's just part of my riding. I wouldn't do it if I felt I had to work on diet, real training etc. (I suspect if I did, I could rise a decent distance up the results but I'd never be actually fast anyway)

Lots of different approaches to this, maybe if you're not happy with the one you're using you could look for another?

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/cycling-events-are-a-a-rip-off

Kryton57 how do you square I'm not a powerful rider with I'm better in the flat.

I don't know. I have this weird way of being able to turn big gears at pace on the flat on an MTB course, yet struggle up hills.

From what I've read before, I think its because my physiology is more geared towards fast twitch aka sprinter rather than climber - Wiggins vs Cav as an
extreme example.

Friels MTB training bible gives a really clear road for identifying weaknesses and really focussing your attention on the key A races

No offence Kryton but you were no spring chicken when you started

None taken! 41 when I started seriously 44 now.

I'll beast myself to beat myself

If you're going to continue to race it needs to be about you enjoying getting faster/better against yourself/beat the guy who beat you last time cos the chances are you won't be troubling the podium.

A valuable piece of thinking, thanks.

You always seem to dwell so much on the negatives and once you get into that mindset it is going to impact on your motivation as you are now finding. From my own perspective if i do worse than expected in a road race then it is extra frustrating because it takes weeks to 'rectify' things simply because it can be weeks for the next race to come along. That frustration can sometimes be channeled into training but sometimes it means the motivation goes too because the gap to be made up feels too big.

It might be strange to recommend that you try yet another discipline of cycle sport but if you want to try and develop a racing mentality then take up track cycling. Get your accreditation done over the summer then you will be ready for the autumn and winter. With a track league you'll get 4 races a night, that gives the luxury of trying new things, trying new tactics, being able to make an arse of it then 20 minutes later get another chance and being able to get the frustration out the system rather than letting it stew in your mind. The progress riders can make over the course of a few weeks is vast, and so much of that is just gaining experience rather than increased fitness.

Don't underestimate the service you're providing to us really fast guys

Thinking back to your "credible 4th cat" post, it seemed you were disappointed to have done a tough club run and then got dropped in a crit straight after? Or similarly tough sequential rides?

About the time you started, I was on that same sort of journey.

I like the process of learning - in training and racing. Its hard graft, but before I always wondered "what does it take".

Anyway, from what you describe, it sounds like you (still) totally batter yourself in training right up to an event and are then disappointed when it doesn't go well.

I used to absolutely hammer it in training and much more than 1 easy day between hard days was an alien concept. How can you improve if you're not pushing on, I thought? But in the last 12 months, since getting a coach, I've realised it is training smart. Not just to certain zones but also not necessarily super high intensity even if you're time bound. Improvements still come and you don't have to feel wrecked all the time.

And I keep thinking I should look at my nutrition but I like cake and sweet things way too much.

If you didn't complete a session then why was that? Maybe you need more of a rest? Maybe you need to build up to that session, giving your body time to adapt during the build process.

What will success on the TT look like? Getting back safely with a time on the board would be my success criteria. Next time after that "success" is to beat your previous time.

Or perhaps success is just feeling the burn, crossing the line and knowing you couldn't have done any more.

What will success on the TT look like? Getting back safely with a time on the board would be my success criteria.

It is yes.

Anyway, from what you describe, it sounds like you (still) totally batter yourself in training right up to an event and are then disappointed when it doesn't go well.

Its odd, because I knew tapering was important but guess didn't have the confidence to move away from my Trainerroad plan for the week before. Lesson learned, I shall be have an easy week next week before Battle of the Beach.

Anyway, this wasn't supposed to be "about me", I was interested in how others approach life in the mid-pack, so I'll leave it there and watch with interest - I think this thread has useful content for many others as well, so thanks for the contributions so far.

3 months of slow/appropriate weight loss to a target w/KG and diet discipline, 3 months of no booze, 3 months of turbo training only to come 33rd in a Regional A XCO race.

It's about realism. Any expectation that that amount of training and devotion on an alloy FS while slightly overweight could get you better than average at a regional event is surely misplaced.

Anyhow this is how I coped:-

1. I set realistic staged long term goals. First year take part, second year mid pack, third year top 10, Fourth year podium. I got a couple of podiums in year 3, one a small field, one well deserved.
2. I got a coach
3. I got help from STW about a year ago when I was pissed at picking up 2 places in the Gorrick 100 (my third) after a years serious training.
4. A wake up call is good - I got some more hours in and rode more XC courses as part of my training.

I race a few times a year - PMBA Enduros and last year (and this), the Ard Rock. Might try and squeeze some of the Welsh Enduros in as well if they're in North Wales.

Why do I do it? I enjoy it. I certainly don't do it because I'm good at it but I like looking back on a weekend and being half disappointed I end up about 2/3rds of the way down the field usually but half knowing I could do better and knowing where I could have made up the 15/30 seconds overall which would put me slap bang in the middle of the field which, to be honest, I'd view as a great result!

I admit, it isn't cheap. It'd be really cool if some underground Enduro type stuff popped up here and there for a tenner - mates race type things. I'm sure there are but very few of my mates race!

Back in the day I used to race downhill. Hated it. So full of idiots it was unreal. Sacked it off for ages and then had a go at a 24hr solo race and loved that, then the ST Classic Weekenders (come on guys, do it again but at Gisburn or somewhere) and then moved onto the Enduro stuff. That mix of excitement and fear as you roll up to the start gate - its addictive (and scary at the same time).

I don't think what you describe is a mid-pack thing at all. Not fulfilling your potential / seeing your training reflected in your results is going to impact anyone.

I've got a coach for the first time this year, and have been pleasantly surprised at his attitude towards training. Very pragmatic, focus on sustainable training and the big picture, and actually being 'allowed' mentally to miss a session or rework a session if life gets in the way, means that I feel less pressure to train now, than when I was training myself.

I'm not saying you need a coach, but your training has to be sustainable. You can't sprint a marathon...

Re-reading your inital post, it sounds like your just fatigued? also if training hard you can't watch your food intake too much - have the bloody cinnamon bun. I've just had an almond slice and a raspberry and white chocolate cake. I'm counting it as carboloading.

Krypton,
There's a whole other sport (and probably more i don't know about) where you have a much better chance of podium glory on your MTB:
The terrain can get surprisingly technical in some regions (I do welsh ones but I bet the Peaks are good for MTBO). You need to think on your feet which adds another, rewarding/frustrating, dimension.
I'm racing the Gorrick XC this weekend and expect to be bottom 1/4 of the Sport field but my motivation is knowing just getting to top 1/2 would probably make me equal to some of the best MTBO riders...

[url= https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjs1-uuhLnLAhVFaQ8KHSxaD28QFggjMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmbo.org.uk%2Fcalendar%2F&usg=AFQjCNHL9XWMuXwyjqd-ThjhXcyls4kxDw&sig2=zMpHgc-0JV79FN2r3hDewQ ]MTB-Orienteering[/url]

If you love racing, then regardless of the result it is worth it.
I've won road and xc races. But had many years of injury, illness and work getting in the way, and now don't train as much as previously and nowhere near as fit as I once was. But I still love to pin a race number on. I now really enjoy racing cx. I have had some races where I feel like the brakes are stuck on, and in the past I would of just quit in that situation, but now I remind myself that no matter of how bad I do in the race I am still racing and doing what I want to do.
So if it is what you want to do, just enjoy it, forget the latest result, as all the hard work will be worth it in the long run. You will have some great results which will make all the suffering and sacrifices worth it.

Kryton, if you don't taper then your plan isn't worth the paper it's written on really. You need to focus! After a good taper, you feel like you're flying and your legs are superhuman (relatively of course).
You're a classic over trainer- all your rides meld into mediocrity.

I've raced and come nowhere and loved every minute of it.I've raced and podiumed at regional/national level and pretty much hated every minute of it.
As long as I've felt I've ridden well (regardless of position) I've always felt like it was worth it.
However after a year of full year of racing/training I was VERY glad to see the back of it.I got some good (and very surprising to me) results.I had some great times and on reflection enjoyed the experiences of being at the pointy end of proceedings.But I also had just as much fun when I was in the cheap seats and did'nt have the guilt/pressure/constant hunger of being competetive.
I'm glad I did it.
I don't regret stopping.
I like riding bikes.
I quite like competing....with myself.
I quite like pies too.

Sounds like a pie eating competition might be the answer then 😆

Ohhhh.....I'm winning that right now.

Pie competition?! I'm in, and not mucking about mid pack either. No sireee, I've got this won 😀

I am just getting started with XC racing, last year when I rode a couple of events I managed to come dead last in one round of the southern XC series........in the beginner class! EVERYONE else that day was faster than me 🙂

If I looked at things by comparing myself to everyone else I would have thrown my bike in the bin and gone back to eating doughnuts! Instead, thanks to a mate who handed me a healthy dose of MTFU I set these targets: (some of which are nicked from motivational posters)
1) Every time I race I beat everyone who didn't show up
2) I have lost 10kg since I started trying to get xc race fit, which means I can run round with my children more = BIG WIN
3) I can call myself an XC racer, even if I am last!
4) I make everyone else in the race look that little bit better 😀

I am doing the Southern XC rd1 in a couple of weeks, I am hoping not to come last, I have been doing some training, and weigh a lot less! I also treated myself to a 2nd hand Scott HT as that will make all the difference!

If you do the race, then I can promise you, you will kick my arse all over the course.....I will still be having fun!

Kryton, have a read http://shedbrewed.blogspot.com.es/2015/11/above-all-else-or-quitting-because-it.html?m=1
I'll see you at battle on the beach, I'll be easy to recognise as I'll be too fat for my Pontypool skinsuit after spending this week relaxing in the sun and eating cake.
Sometimes it's not a case that cycling is suffering is improvement. Sometimes it's just shit and you need to recognise those times and put them down to experience.
Good luck.

Oh a fwiw my sister was fighting stage 3 breast cancer when she did the great north run as alluded to in the blog. Puts a cracked wrist into perspective.

It's entirely up to you OP.

I enjoyed progressing and making the podium (Scottish xc Masters) but after that no.

I like to maintain some fitness and have done OK in the few tris and marathons I've branched out to.

On the subject of tapering, I'm finding that it sometimes takes more than an easy week to find the 'form' the training has provided. Its often well into the next week of training after an easy week, when I start to feel good.

Take it up a level or so. 200 riders in the Tour. Only 1 is going to win it each year. A couple more on the podium. A few win the other jerseys. A handful will win stages. The rest will come away with nothing. They may even ride their bikes for a whole career and never see the finish line first. Ask them if it was worth it....

For me it started with being able to finish in a team in the top quarter of a 12 hour race with no real structured training. That was fun but there was no great progress from one event to the next year on year. I didn't really mind back then, I felt lucky I could ride faster than most of the field without much preparation. Now I'm training properly and I can see progress in the numbers. I'm enjoying seeing what structured effort in training can do for race day. If anything.

To me its worth it. I feel better mentally. It relieves the stresses of the rest of life.

But ultimately its probably pointless. Its not saving the world from apocalyptic disaster, or feeding the starving families in the 3rd world, or saving lives as a doctor.

Yeah, but the Tour is a team event. The whole idea of one person winning it is complete nonsense. It's like saying that Wilko won the Rugby World Cup.

Phil40 and Shedbrewed, thanks for your posts, both very apt.

Any expectation that that amount of training and devotion on an alloy FS

...has got bugger all to do with it. Would me popping out and buying a Trek Procal SL earn me any more places? No. My bike is fine, is now 24lb and designed/purchased more for the longer event comfort than 90 minutes blast.

All of which has reminded me of how I felt when I stood on the Torque12 podium for 3rd pair last year - after an inclusive Carribbean holiday... (although I did do spin bike workouts every other day for an hour in the gym). Its a good point that remembering those time is important.

I'm another racing for fun and against myself/the course at local grassroots DHs. Two runs- I'm chuffed if I get down in one piece and I get down in a faster time on my second run. I will never, ever trouble the sharp end but I'm content in pushing my own little bit of the performance envelope, albeit the sticky, gluey bit 😆

My best result was recently at a cross race, easily the event I enjoyed the least! Signed up for loads of enduros this year, my objective is to get better and beat some mates, simple as that!

One of the joys of cycling, and particularly hard training, is the facility it gives you to eat pretty much any damned thing you like.

Yay! I've been doing it right! (Well maybe not the hard training bit)

I love the atmosphere of races and events. I'm not very good but that doesn't bother me. It's fun and helps me to improve my fitness. I'm fiercely competitive with myself.
I do a few TTs and a few XC events each year. For TTs, I don't bother with tri bars or aero kit bit I still give it all I've got. Last year I did a 50-mile TT and I'd only been back on my bike a few weeks after spinal surgery but still managed to beat half the women, a tandem, and a bloke on a tricycle 😀

Ok bad example Scotroutes, but team event or not - there are hundreds of pro's that are essentially "average" in relation to their peers.

Pros - they get paid. So, "is it worth it" has a different dimension.

Tough time of year to be asking that question.

I'm still quite new to competitive cycling and am amazed at how bloody hard everyone works at it. Reckon being average, certainly in a regional vets xc race, is a considerable achievement.

Anyway sounds like your niche is long solo xc stuff so I'd not be too devastated if you're not smashing XCO races or TT's or crits or whatever you've got lined up this week 😉