My race season is over, so I can focus on school and ride for pure enjoyment for a while. I made some mistakes with training this year, but am learning a lot from them. Probably the most important thing I learned was that I am not a pro and thus can't train like one. The issue is not about available time, but more about pushing too hard during training and not resting enough. I have only one full season of racing experience, so my body is still acclimating to training adaptations. Last winter I rode a lot and got a lot of base miles, but then I was off the bike for two months due to the mystery disc problem, so I can't say whether that the winter training was a major benefit or not.

Speaking of the problems I had with my neck and back earlier this year, I am STILL in physical therapy for it and just now it is getting better to the point where I can say, "I don't feel any pain today." I still have a bad day every now and then.

Another valuable lesson I learned was that Friel wasn't kidding about periodization. I thought I was superhuman this summer since I had the long break, and I found out otherwise when I had symptoms of burnout in August. I am going to stick closely to the three weeks on/one week off training cycle from now on. It is clear that my body needs good rest. This doesn't necessarily mean staying off the bike entirely, but rather doing some very easy recovery spins during the rest week. Since it's fairly hilly here, I have a hard time sticking to a recovery spin unless I'm on my trainer indoors.

I learned about the importance of focused training sessions as well. I did some focused training this summer, but not on a regular basis. I had avoided structuring my training because I was just happy to be back on the bike. Then I thought that race intensity riding during the week was going to help me get stronger, and that theory proved wrong as it is better to save race intensity for races (aside from a structured interval training plan).

The mental struggles I have with racing I haven't figured out a solution for. Hopefully periodization will solve some of the burnout, but I've also been dealing with some personal family issues all summre that have really zapped my confidence. And there are other factors outside of my control that have to do with how women's cycling is treated like an afterthought. With the increase in participation this year, I am optimistic that things are going to get better and morale will improve. I also struggle with having a consistent level of aggressiveness throughout the race season. Sometimes when I line up for a race start, I feel like cuddling with my teddy bear instead of feeling the desire to ride hard and beat other people. Not wanting to chase after the breakway rider in this weekend's race is a good example of the occasional complacence I feel while racing. Maybe I should take up knitting instead. ;)