To me there is a difference between participating and competing. As a lame cyclist, when I do a road race, I am just happy to be there and playing with others. I have no intention of winning or placing. As a fast-ish runner I am more of a competitor, and consequently I do expect to win or place. Being part of the race holds no joy or appeal for me.

What I do to get "that edge" when I do choose to compete is 1st of all, do research on who my competition is. Having done local and regional races for a dozen years, I pretty much know who the players are. A Sportstats search usually comes up with some valuable information. Having realistic expectations about who I am competing against gives me an edge.

That's a starting point.


and a few random thoughts

Music - Du Hast - Rammstein

Video - Jens Voigt "shut up legs"

...I think the Germans have the market corned on aggression

---

http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast

My competitive edge.... I think my CdA is lower than most of my competition so I'm going the same speed on 20-30 fewer watts.... or my right leg is a lot stronger than my left and I'm making 20-30 watts more power than i think I am.

My work home and lap pool are a triangle with distances roughly 5' or 2 miles apart.

I don't stress about my diet or specific pre-race routines, meals supplements etc. I eat food. I eat food I like. I eat healthy most of the time.

I've only DNF'd once in my life that I can remember....

... ironically at the race hosted by University of Wisconsin cycling club, at a course near Mt. Horeb... where I'll be doing my first IM 15 years later. I guess it's never too late for a little revenge.

---

TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com