DreamTheater

I started training seriously on March 4th...with plans to get back into racing after a few years out of the sport.

I have planned to start racing in mid to late May. I currently have races planned for the weekend of May 26th-28th. I'm sure I'll be ready to mix it up by then.

I was wondering, would it be too early to go out and try a road race on April 28th? I see one on the calendar that I'd love to do as a training race(Tour de Moore in Southern Pines, NC). By then I'd only have about 7 weeks in my legs. I'm kinda leaning against it.

Cat 4

MDcatV

I'd do it, just treat it as practicing racing instead of a hard group ride, i.e. pay attention to racing smart.

jrennie

As has been said time and time again, there is only one way to find out! Go give it a shot and see. If you get shelled then you know what to work on. It is be a nice tune up for your later race.

waterrockets 

Go race. Have fun. Very very few win their first race, so don't sweat the results.

Bobby Lex

Ever heard the phrase "Race yourself into shape"?

Bob

DreamTheater

Hmmmmm. Thanks for that!

Snuffleupagus

Do it.

I'll be there...12-13 weeks out of knee surgery. I'm sure I'll suck, but meh it's still a fun course.

El Diablo Rojo

Just go in with realistic expectations and don't let it affect you mentally if you have a bad day. If you take the approach that it's B or C race you can light a couple of matches and ot be to worried about the results. I say do it and have some fun!

PS: don't forget your rollers to warm up on

DreamTheater

I think I'll do it. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.
I just got back from doing my 30 mile loop. I've only been training for 3 weeks, but this was my most intense ride. I kinda rode tempo all the way around the loop...and averaged 18MPH doing it solo. It was my fastest average speed so far for a ride....all solo. Not bad for 3 weeks. I'm already noticing some little improvements, and I'm losing a little weight in spite of my hunger increasing exponentially. I can't resist these gooey cookies they sell at my job's coffee shop. These are Otis Spunkemeyer or something like that. Make you want to slap yo mama they so good. Anyway, I guess i need to get real disciplined about my diet, and start to throw in a little intensity in my rides. Still not ready for hard intervals or sprints, but I can do tempo. Time-trialing is my favorite discipline, and one I believe I'm best suited for(when I'm fit). Maybe it has something to do with all the solo miles I do?.

Anyway, thanks again. Snuff...see ya in Southern Pines.