Irrespective of the instructions, I can never take a race as ‘part of my training’. Once I am on the start line, I want to be the best I can be if not better. Sounds pretentious but in reality if this approach is not taken how can one improve their performance?
Sunday’s Cycling Time Trial event organised by Team Greens, was the second ever cycling time trial I took part in. Although the route was quite familiar – Salina Coast Road is a mecca for triathletes and cyclists alike, each race is different. Fitness, psychological, weather conditions are different.
As I wait in line to start the race I monitor my heart rate – at 150bpms I wonder whether it is the frustration of the race starting late. I try to focus on the route ahead of me as I clip on my shoes whilst the race official holds my bike and another starts the count down.
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…..Go! I’m off, I am on my own, at one with my bike, picking up a gradual speed, trying to keep a steady cadence, building up as best a pace as I can. Since I have had to reduce my training hours due to a knee injury I have to make sure that I pace myself properly and make the most of the slight downhill’s to gather and up my speed. The wind coming from the opposite direction in the steepest part of the race does not help with my average speed, pushing me down to approximately 21km/hr in this part of the route.
My target, whilst not overly ambitious, is to finish the 20kms course, in 45 minutes without damaging my knee further but a race is a race and if I can push myself 120% I will do so.
Clocking in after 40minutes 16 seconds I am quite pleased of the result considering the circumstances. I have kept an average of 29.4km/hr, reaching maximum speeds of 45km/hr.
I promise myself the next race will be better!
Maria Vella Galea
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