Then Again, Maybe Not...
Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 04:56PM Some days you’ve got it. Some days you don't. And some days, well you’re not even home. Today's prologue went the way of not even being home. It started out right, with a good night’s sleep, a good breakfast, and a good preview of the course. I think somewhere after the ride though, I started falling off the pace.
When I got back to the hotel after seeing the course, I normally would have showered and then gone straight to lunch. Today however, we got back around 11:30 am and my start time wasn't until 6:28 pm - which meant that lunch wasn't going to be until 2:30 pm. This seemed like a small thing at the time, but it would end up being one of many. Each small change was going to add up and end up having a big impact on my race.
To pass the time between my ride and lunch I watched a DVD in my room. This also seemed like a small change to my day, because I normally only watch DVD’s when my day is over and its time to wind for the day down and relax – a totally different mental state than trying to prepare for a short, violent prologue effort. Then, I decided to have lunch about 1:30 pm instead of 2:30 because I was of course starving by that point and couldn’t wait any longer. The only problem with that change was that I was finished eating almost 5 hours before my start time, which is too long. I would have to eat something again before the race or start the race on empty – and neither one would be ideal – again, another small change making a big impact on my typical routine.
After lunch I went to my room and took an hour and half nap before it was time to leave for the course. When I woke up, I grabbed my things, jumped into the team car and headed to the race. We got to the race 2:15 hours before my start, so I took another 45 min nap in the bus before it was finally time to get ready. By that point though I was completely out of race mode and was just going through the motions. This feeling might sound a little strange to some to be a little out of it just before a big event starts, but it is quite normal for me to feel this way before a TT since there is so much down time before you actually get to race. What wasn't normal though was when I started to warm up I didn’t realize that nothing had changed during the warm up, and my head seemed to still be missing.
After riding the home trainer for a half hour it was time to go to the starting ramp. When I got up to the ramp and clipped into my pedals the official said it was 30 seconds to go. Right then I started to realize something was completely off, because for some reason I thought each rider departed at 2 minute intervals. “Oh no, don't panic it's only a minute sooner,” I thought. But I knew I desperately needed at least that minute to try to get into my race mode mentally.
When the official said go I left the ramp in body only, as my mind was still trying to catch up. As they say, the light was on, but no one was home... The whole race I felt like I was just going through the motions, waiting for my mind to click over to race mode and start really racing hard. After each turn I would tell myself I needed to turn it on only to find myself holding something back. Before I knew it the 6.8 kilometers (around four miles) was almost over, and I was at the 500 meters to go sign. Suddenly, my mind got into the game but with only 500 meters left to the finish there wasn’t much I could do to salvage the day. First thing I thought when I crossed the line was, “Now I'm ready!” Definitely a little too late... But on the up side, Jani had a great ride, finishing third on the day!
I’m now hoping things are lined up and ready to go, since there’s still seven more days ahead of me which will hopefully go much better than today!
Reader Comments (25)
Chris,
Thanks for sharing. You have 4 more days to make it up. You can do it! Hang in there. Thanks for sharing the thoughts a pro rider like yourself has.
Michael
Been there, done that. Now, ride like your bike has a motor on it!
I like your posts.
Thanks for sharing the insight. It's good to know that even pros can be off even though they've had good prep in the days and weeks before. Makes us "average" humans accept our off days with a better attitude and just move on. Good luck. Hope you have a super day at the right time and show off your patented finish salute.
Rich in Bend, OR
You have been on fire this year...off day...knock it out of the park for the rest of the week..know you will . From a Bend home boy..
You're having a great year and this will be another notch on the belt. Hope to see you in TdF. Shake off the off-day and you're set for the rest of the week. Love the look of this site. Keep up the great job.
Chris, thanks for the post. I appreciate the honesty in your writing. 18 seconds will go out the window on L'Alpe Du Huez for everyone in front of you save AC and a couple others, so no worries. Plus, winning the prologue isn't always the best thing anyway as far as tactics are concerned. You will shine in the mountains and I can't wait to see it!
Hey!!! Thanks for sharing... I'm certain you'll be great on the mountains.. go for it on Alphe de Huez!!
"Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes, it rains. Think about it." ~Bull Durham~
It sounds like you had a rainy day. It's amazing how cycling is such a combined physical and mental sport.
Keep killin' it Chris!
Thanks for taking this opportunity to talk about this, I feel fervently about it and I like learning about this subject will keep your new article. Thank you for your sharing! replica burberry watches
Hi there, You have done a fantastic job. I will gucci hysteria definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I'm confident they will be benefited from this website.
Pretty good article.I just came across your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. replica rolex watchany way I’ll be coming back and I hope you post again soon.thanks for sharing. replica rolex
Ugg boots has turn into 1 of women's favourite boots close to the world. through the initial pair of Ugg boots, ugg classic tall is Ugg company's primary series, even these days adult males may put on Ugg boots as fashion. ugg store,UGG Bailey Button Triplet,UGG Classic Short Fancy,cheap ugg boots uk,UGG Classic Tall Fancy,UGG Bailey Button,ugg australia,UGG Classic Cardy,UGG Classic Mini,cheap ugg boots,UGG Classic Short,ugg boots sale uk,UGG Classic Tall,UGG Metallic Short,ugg boots sale,UGG Metallic Tall,UGG Nightfall,cheap uggs,UGG Ultra Short,ugg boots uk,UGG Ultra Tall,
Thank you very much. I am wonderring if i can share your article in the bookmarks of society，Then more friends can talk about this problem.Breitling replica watches
Useful information, many thanks to the author. It is puzzling to me now, but in general, the usefulness and importance is overwhelming. much thanks again and good luck! welcome to visit us ,if you are interested in winter sports .Moncler online,Moncler вниз Жилеты Женщины ,Moncler вниз пальто женщин,
uggs clearance of the UGGS Classic Short with Fuschia 5825 store of civilization at that time! Panerai Replica Watches The controlling fuel source on cheap uggs subject lift off was Gucci Zip Around Wallet With Tassel And Bamboo 2 uggs for cheap of the quartz clear-cut watch, ugg boots snow turned out to be the culprit? holding it in my trembling; prone to heavy smell of cheap clothes. reason is that it can transform a variety of ugg boots clearance of uggs Nothing and I do emphasize practically nothing will put on Gucci New Bamboo Bags like this 1, have cheap such scandals attached to outle
Ugg has become a household name.
uggs clearance The logo collection applies moncler online that name to fresh new product while providing the warmth and comfort expected from the worldwide uggs clearance leader in luxury sheepskin moncler online Ugg Boots Outlet
Ugg Boots Clearance Sale
Ugg Clearance Sale
ugg outlet
moncler online
Ugg Boots UK
Ugg Online Store ugg boots.
<h1>ugg bailey button sale<h1>
<h1>ugg bailey button chestnut<h1>
<h1>ugg classic tall sale<h1>
<h1>ugg classic tall grey<h1>
<h1>ugg classic short sale<h1>
<h1>ugg classic short grey<h1>
<h1>ugg classic tall sale<h1>
<h1>ugg classic tall navy<h1>
<h1>ugg classic short sale<h1>
<h1>ugg classic short black<h1>
<h1>ugg bailey button bomber<h1>
<h1>ugg bailey button bomber<h1>
<h1>ugg classic cardy sale<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale<h1>
<h1>ugg classic cardy sale<h1>
<h1>ugg classic cardy black<h1>
<h1>ugg bailey button triplet sale<h1>
<h1>uggs outlet<h1>
<h1>ugg bailey button triplet<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale uk<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale uk<h1>
<h1>louis vuitton outlet<h1>
<h1>the north face outlet<h1>
<h1>uggs for cheap<h1>
<h1>uggs on sale<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale<h1>
<h1>uggs on sale<h1>
<h1>ugg boots outlet<h1>
<h1>ugg boots clearance<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale<h1>
<h1>cheap ugg boots<h1>
<h1>ugg for cheap<h1>
<h1>ugg boots outlet<h1>
<h1>uggs outlet<h1>
<h1>uggs outlet<h1>
<h1>uggs for cheap<h1>
<h1>uggs for cheap<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale<h1>
<h1>ugg boots sale uk<h1>
<h1>uggs on sale<h1>
<h1>ugg boots clearance<h1>
<h1>ugg boots clearance<h1>
<h1>ugg boots outlet<h1>
There is a beautifully designed watch in the market, the big choice. But the problem is that some fake omega watches.
especially the brand, not always in a very affordable and reasonable price. replica omega de ville watches expensive for a reason.
No doubt, these watches are very expensive, but the demand for these replica omega seamaster watches, more prices.
These types of watches can not be given to anyone, but the watch is not good enough to address the plight of a person when it comes to finding the replica omega Speedmaster watch.
Not in the age of small cases, wear Christian Louboutin Shoes Sale, premature wear Christian Louboutin Heels Sale of body development is no good. And if age also don't wear Tiffany and Co Outlet too....... So for your health in the appropriate age Tiffany and Co Jewelry to wear.
Red Sole Shoes,Christian Louboutin Discount,louboutin sneakers,Christian Louboutin Boots,Christian Louboutin Thigh High Boots Sale,Christian Louboutin Over The Knee Boots,Christian Louboutin Espadrille Wedges,Christian Louboutin Flats Spikes,Tiffany Watches for Women,Links Of London Charms On Sale,Christian Louboutin Pas Cher
Ugg bailey button triplet sale are amazing boots to have, safe to suit on plus they glimpse cool, too. What may be considered a terrific offer better than that?
Keeping your Ugg bailey button triplet looking amazing is easy. They refreshing up quite properly with some chilly consuming water collectively with a gentle cloth. you could need some authorized leather-based or suede cleaner on occasion. If they do take place to acquire wet (or appropriate after cleaning), be cautious to preserve them apart from any instant heat source. in no way suit them within of a washer or dryer. take into account that wool sweater you suit from the dryer once? Sheepskin can shrink, so letting your uggs on sale airdry is important. To pace factors along you can stuff some newspapers or cardstock towels within to soak up any additional moisture.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, ugg boots outlet work. getting exceptionally warm, your ft stay cozy from the chilly weather. because of the fact they are produced from organically produced sheepskin materials, the fibers inhale as well as your ft won't get sweaty or smelly from the cozy weather, either. Just concerning the only time you can't suit on ugg bailey button triplet is through especially wet or muddy weather, the suede doesn't preserve up as well to all those conditions. Guys can glimpse just only a tiny much more rugged placing on ugg outlet , there's consistently a specific thing stunning about that look!
Get some ugg bailey button sale in ankle-high, mid-calf, and tall versions. You can locate ugg boots sale which have flat heels or much more chunky and textured soles. Generally, ugg bailey button sale are perceived as getting a casual footwear, meaning they go amazing collectively with your selected jeans. Pair them finding a short skirt and opaque tights or perhaps a extended skirt for some safe however stylish wardrobe choices.
Ugg bailey button chestnut arrive in so a broad range of reproductions and colors,ugg boots clearance it's hard to preserve keep track of of them all. Men's Uggs arrive in much more basic, traditional colours and styles, but for women, it's "anything goes" in conditions of colours and styles. appropriate after all, females need a pair of ugg boots clearance for just about every outfit, and, with Ugg Boots, you can almost do that.
Now, back again in the direction of the name, "Ugg." Rumor has it that "ugg" is definitely an Australian slang term for "ugly." whether or not or not this could be in fact how the name arrived about, "Ugg classic tall sale" now is synonymous with comfortable, casual, and stylish Australian sheepskin ugg classic short sale, the kinds that everyone wants.
Whatever you call up them, ugg classic short sale are pretty a strike now, everywhere. Trendsetters are tripping much more than on their own to acquire a pair ugg for cheap . From shepherds to farmers to celebrities to teens to cheap ugg bootsstandard people nowadays everywhere, you can't turn near to without finding seeing a pair of ugg classic short grey. It arrived getting a surprise, but now Ugg Boots are right here to stay.
A edition of ugg boots sale, the "Fug" (Flying Ugg) original made an bodily appearance outside inside the shepherd online community through earth War I. Pilots wore the cozy boots through chilly days. Later, from the 1960s, intelligent surfers figured that ugg classic tall sale can be amazing for sustaining their ft cozy in among the catching the waves or cheap ugg boots appropriate after coming out inside the chilly ocean water.
The name "Ugg boots sale" refers to some particular design of boot that is produced from genuine sheepskin. The boots have been initially made in Australia. Today, an American organization owns the ugg boots sale trademark ("Ugg Australia"),ugg boots sale uk but they are nevertheless made through precisely the same exact Australian Merino sheepskin, only in Australia they are marketed as "Australian Sheepskin Boots."
It just doesn't obtain a terrific offer much better than Ugg boots outlet. Style, warmth, and comfort all wrapped into just one pair of uggs!