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Cycling Forum: Newbie Nervousness

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    avernon2000
    I'm exactly one week away from my athletic event since high school; a 31 mile cycle ride. As far as i can tell i have done everything right. I upgraded the bike from a walmart bike to a Trek. I have been riding progressively longer distances since my best friend and I started training in August. We actually did 30+ twice over the last couple months. The first time we trained we did 13 and i thought i was going to die. Yesterday, we did a light 15 mile ride to rest up for next week and i barely felt it. I have been in the gym doing weights 2 days a week and all types of cardio equipment 3 days a week and long riding on saturday. So why do i feel really nervous like i could have done more?
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberKWellborn
    • CommentTimeNov 30th 2008
     
    KWellborn

    I competed in my first bicycle race this summer, a 76 mile bike race called The Tour  de Gap.  I was nervous for 2 days prior.  My wife trained like a machine for a marathon in February and she could barely sleep the two nights prior. 

    That nervous feeling in you have is your competive self trying to fire you up and focus you.  Us "weekend warriors" have a harder time using it because we have lives, jobs, and families to focus our energy on.  

    As a fellow newbie (riding a road bike since June '08), my suggestion is to enjoy the excitement you are feeling.  Warn any significant other or roommate and talk to everybody who will listen about what you are going to be doing and or what you have done to get ready.  Then the day before the race start focusing that excited nervousness on the race.  Go through a mental checklist or write one on paper of all that you need to have or need to plan.  Get a map of the course, drive it in your car.  Make notes of the course .  Plan out your ride (hills, rest stops, etc).  You get the picture.

    I did some of these things, but I wished I had done more talking to other riders about what I should expect and how to manage the distance.  This is probably not as much of an issue for you since you have already rode the distance of you event.

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    avernon2000
    76 miles wow. Im not worthy. Im actually tempted to try the next leg up of my race and do the 62 mile leg instead. But from my years in football i know you never go anything the game you have not done in practice. I will instead just focus on my first race and get a hopefully easy win (win = finish to me) before setting my sights on my next goal; a sprint distance triathon in April......i think i'll go watch more triathlon motivation videos on youtube...YOU WILL DO THIS!!!
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    jljohnson922

    I had a coach in college who said nervousness is the same feeling as excitement; it's all in how you interpret it. So try to smile and focus on your energy as excitement rather than stomach-turning nervousness.

    That said, it's hard to do. The race is something you've planned, trained, and waited for for a long time, so it's natural to feel some anticipation just before the big day. But it sounds like you're more than ready, so work on those last-minute prep things and go have a great race. I just finished my first triathlon a few weeks ago - a half-ironman - and spent the week before doing very little training and more list-making and reviewing to make sure all the details were ready. You may not sleep much the night before, but eat well the morning of (nothing new on race day) and know that you've prepared yourself well. Let your confidence and adrenaline carry you through. 

    I'm excited for you! Good luck!

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberHoward
    • CommentTimeDec 3rd 2008
     
    Howard

    Good luck, these other comments are really sound advice. iam planning a bike ride of approx 72 k next april and i feel anxious already. There is so much to plan. It sounds like you have put some good training in and prep. Just be strong and know that you can do it. Good luck !

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    mrsdhansen
    I'm just trying to work up to an 8 mile commute and back... so 16 miles x 5 days a week. Right now I'm trying to gain my confidence by riding at least 3.5 miles a week and then building on that. I want to be ready by the time changes again to commute on my bike. Since I started riding again I've lost 4.5 pounds and I love that.
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    avernon2000

    mrsdhansen, my guess is that you will be ready in just a few weeks to at least try it once.

    I was the one who started this thread and my biggest barrier was emotional. I just did my bike ride and I'm happy to report I completed my ride. The only issue i had was the temptation is ride really very fast in the beginning due to the adrenaline and wear myself out. I'm now hooked. I can't wait till my next event; a sprint distance triathlon. I had such a great time. To go from training on my own to being around a thousand people who were doing the same thing was awesome. Cyclers are the best people.

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