The Big 7: This Weekend’s Race Goals

Stumpjump looms on the horizon. During Race to the River I endured many problems. Since then I have taken measures to make sure I don’t repeat the experience. I’ve ridden around 165 off road miles in the last month in comparison to 60 the previous month. I’ve worked on endurance by including a few 40+ mile rides on the mountain bike. Even with all of this extra trail riding, I know my fitness and skill level is still lacking. I need to drop a few pounds and get more serious about my workouts to become competitive in Sport. Despite the lack of real aspirations and expectations for a podium finish, I feel compelled to set a few goals for my race to gauge my performance:

1) Finish the race.

2) Don’t be last.

3) Keep average heart rate around 185 bpm limiting anaerobic sprints and climbs.

4) Finish in under 2:36 if trails are not soup.

5) Finish in the top half of riders in my class.

6) Make the podium.

7) Win.

Winning is at the very bottom of my goals for this race, but after all it’s a race and not a weekend ride. Someone has to win, but many strange things would have to happen for this dark horse to be first across the finish line. I’ll be satisfied with a middle of the pack finish in my current shape.