OUT OF SIGHT, NOT OUT OF TIME - LEADVILLE PREP

WATCHING THE LEAD RIDERS ESCAPE UP THE ROAD WAS PAINFUL.  This should not be happening 15 minutes into the first climb.  But it was and it was all my fault...

... because I'd done something I'd never intentionally do the day before a huge race.

The result was about 4 hours of sleep, and I was paying for it early.  

What I actually did is unimportant. What is important is to remember not to adjust the settings on anything in life the day/week before a big race. 

Everything should be on autopilot by that point. 

Nothing new.

That said, if you're prepped properly autopilot should still kick in on raceday even if the routine is jumbled...

... which is what eventually happened.

First, I marked the time gap.

As the group wound across the mountain above, I noted how long it took me to get to the last place I saw them.  After about 30 minutes, the gap steadied.  I was still behind, but I had hope.

Second, I stayed on top of my hydration and nutrition.

It so easy to panic and skip fueling our bodies in an effort to make up time.  Instead, I made a concerted effort to stay ahead of any caloric or liquid needs.

Third, I relaxed.

There was nothing to do but stay the course and settling in permitted my mind to stay clear and fresh.

When I finally got to the terrain that suits me best, I was able to make up some lost time and finish closer than I'd ever hoped when that early gap opened 4 hours earlier.

Shizz always gonna happen, and sometimes the night before a big race.  So when it does, get it handled and get up and stick to the training plan...

... which is the point of having a plan.

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I hope you're planning a big ride for the 4th... 

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