Spring 2011 Race Seeding

The last PPA seeding for 2011 has been released and it is time to do some review.
Do you ever feel when reviewing a race or season that it is difficult to not get all consumed with the negatives? It normally takes a considerable amount of my effort and self discipline to remind myself to take the learnings from the not so good and to focus more on the positives.  

I started the race season, September 2011 in Group H, and 13 weeks later (D in figure) I have progressed to Group F. That is very good. One of my goals is to achieve an E seeding before Sept 2012 so that I qualify to race in Vet Category of the League. By the looks of things I will achieve that early in 2012.
When comparing highlight A with highlight B there is significant improvement in the Ride index column. To me this signifies the benefits of  consistent logged cycling (2 years now), a strong base period through winter (10-12hrs riding per week), and a well structured programme (thanks to Mike at Bikemaxpower ).

I am  was however dissapointed by the Big Red C, the worst ride index in the grouping, for the race that was to be the climax of the season. What went wrong?

• Not a good regular sleep pattern in the week before
• Work stress (could perhaps have smoothed work load better by completing ealrier committed deadlines)
• Going out to hard at the start of the race (not the first time to learn this lesson)

At least I got a Cool race pic :-)

Next race, The Olympic (no not that one), in 4 weeks time in Cape Town, also has a steep climp at the start, so I need to apply this learning big time.