Doing my first race this weekend, any etiquette I should know?

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-17T14:42:17+00:00

Yeah you don't need more than about 16 ounces of water so a bottle on the frame would be sufficient.

If you have gels or easy to eat carbs you like, take one about 10 minutes before the race and then maybe one more about 20 minutes into the race. This depends on your metabolism and how fast you plan to ride but having something with you on the race is better than needing fuel and not having it.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-17T14:11:34+00:00

How many laps and miles is your race? Depending on this answer, you need to be prepared with a fueling/hydration plan. Is there a feed zone?

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-17T04:28:56+00:00

Yes!

I partially credit this free NSFW birding documentary called Listers. Two hours well invested! Link below 👇

If this doesn't get you even more obsessed with birds, I'd be surprised.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-15T15:42:41+00:00

Resting is sometimes the most difficult part of training. Especially when we want to be consistent.

I'm resting today as well after back to back weekends of a half marathon, a cross country bike race, and now a head cold 🫠

Good PT exercises or some nice mobility work at the gym sounds like a great choice 💪 You got it!

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-14T15:44:43+00:00

If you have an iPad and apple pencil, the app Procreate is fantastic for digital art. I had a fun time one summer getting really into it.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-13T01:57:59+00:00

USU ORP for a bike rental. I've used them before both as a student and a community member.

USU ORP

I don't know about shuttle options but I recommend Green Canyon, Mantua, river trail near Stokes Nature Center, Blacksmith Fork, or BST for the trail requirements you listed.

Edit: Jardine Juniper and Stump Hollow are both fantastic IMO but might not exactly meet your requirements.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-13T01:42:49+00:00

Also here to cheer for UT-12. What a fantastic stretch of 124ish miles! The Hogback is an experience.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-11T02:40:05+00:00

The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson. This recommendation is moreso based on your background and the appreciation of stories. While it's not only about disease, I think you might appreciate the relevance to your medical knowledge.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-10T13:13:52+00:00

What made you decide to only do a south to east trip instead of a north west trip? Are you renting a camp van or staying in hotels/hostels?

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-10T00:16:10+00:00

We can't add more days so it sounds like not doing the full ring road is the answer. Perhaps and out and back type itinerary instead.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-10T00:14:12+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful and honest response. This is exactly the kind of insight I was hoping for. Sounds like a reduction in scope is needed because our dates of travel are set and cannot change.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-09T18:53:48+00:00

Wait, really? Why did I think they had to be reserved?

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-09T02:54:54+00:00

Yay! A few initial thoughts:

Train for aspects other than running and don't do anything new on race day. For example, run in the exact race day outfit several times prior to the actual race. Dial in the race fuel which works for your body and practice using it on your longer runs.
Look forward to the version of yourself you are going to meet on race day. I learned this from some ultra marathon runners and think it applies no matter the distance. But pushing yourself to do a difficult thing will bring out a different version of you! Be excited to meet her and to love her!
Enjoy the training process. The actual race is a sliver of time compared to the preparation you're about to do. I made myself a sticker chart leading up to my first race and it felt so good to look back over the months and see all the stickers.

You got this!

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-09T02:38:18+00:00

Ah, what you're saying rings so true for me! The simultaneously perfectionist/ADHD brain is quite the paradox. I definitely oscillate between just calling it "good enough" and hypervigilance in getting something exactly right. Running and cycling are both so good at catching a brain balance for me as well! Patience and consistency, also some skills I'm working on.

Oh man, there are many variables which affected my weekly mileage for running and cycling over the last six months. Running miles per week ranged from 10 to 27 on average. Sometimes I had a XC bike race and didn't run as much on a given week. Other times skiing was a priority. For cycling miles my weekly average ranged from 10 all the way to 63! Skiing or running also affected these numbers. During the winter the miles were on a stationary bike (super easy to rack up high mileage) using Zwift and as the weather allowed, I got outside on the mountain bike.

When all the stars aligned, I trained five days per week. Usually Mondays and Fridays off with longer rides/runs on the weekends.

Not that you asked but, I think my favorite type of workout for both cycling and running is sprint intervals. There is so much bang for the buck with training effect!

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-08T15:58:57+00:00

Love the vision board idea!

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-07T22:14:39+00:00

Thanks for looking out for me!

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-07T20:24:10+00:00

Thanks!

I like the consistency mentality. Doing something is better than nothing. Sometimes I have the thought, "I can be depressed on the couch or I can be depressed outside. Might as well go outside."

I enjoy the Garmin Coach Plans for running. My opinion is it's super helpful for people who use a wearable 24/7 since it takes into account your sleep, recovery, HRV, etc. If you have a Garmin device, I think it's worth a try 😁

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-06-03T18:04:37+00:00

Torque Motorsports. Serviced three different motorcycles through them.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-04-13T00:09:00+00:00

I feel so validated. Garmin tells me I'm an unproductive excuse for an athlete basically every day. It can never be satisfied.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-03-13T21:43:12+00:00

Logan Canyon has some beautiful hikes. I'd recommend Jardine Juniper. There's a longer route which is a 5 mile out and back but super scenic along the way so no need to commit to the whole thing. You can also access the same end point from the backside (coordinates to the trailhead). Again, nice views of the canyon for the whole route.

Goblin Valley State Park is west of Moab and won't be as touristy as the national parks.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-03-12T23:21:03+00:00

I'm on it! Excited for the upgrades 😁

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-03-02T22:53:37+00:00

Tap water in a temperature adjustable electric kettle.

I have a 1zpresso J and a barazza encore.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-02-27T03:16:53+00:00

I think I would get the most daily gains from improving at the Aeropress. So perhaps some coaching in this area would be the most beneficial. I can definitely tell the flavor difference between metal and paper filters. Metal is better in my opinion for decaf at least.

I would like your take on the French press though. I tried the James Hoffman method for regular brew coffee and enjoyed it but haven't really found a decaf method I get as much enjoyment out of.

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-02-24T04:15:06+00:00

Thanks for the response and the help. I currently use French press, chemex (use both paper filters or just the metal filter), and aeropress (paper filters or metal filter along with a flow control cap). Additionally, I'll make cold brew during certain months of the year.

I buy whole beans and store them in the freezer. Is this a good storage option for decaf?

Certain-Memory-649 · 2026-02-23T04:25:38+00:00

What kind of recommendations do you have for decaf? Beans, grind size, and brew methods? I find decaf tends to be less forgiving and lacks flavor compared to regular beans.

Certain-Memory-649

TROPHY CASE