tips to help maintain focus on race

[brennan duncan]

I have found that sometimes during an enduro race that my mind wanders from the business of "racing as hard as I can" to racing on "autopilot" with my mind humming a tune I heard on the radio before the race or the details of the argument I had with the wife or anything but what I should be thinking about. Has anyone experienced "mind wander" and racing on autopilot? What can I do to re-center my focus on 100 % racing?

[MathProf]

You are not riding hard enough.

My experience is that if your mind wanders its because you have time to think about something else.

Pick up the pace, think about your lines, where you are putting your tires, and most importantly, are you balanced and centered at all times.

[salgeek]

+ 1 on the ride harder suggestion.

Look further ahead.

Practice ride with intense focus.

[Nick Merrell]

I'm glad you posted this question. A lot of times I find myself doing the same thing while just riding trails. I look forward to seeing the answers that crop up.

[BryanK]

I used to have this problem. Races would slowly turn into trail rides until I was watching the pretty birds in the trees and wondering if I put enough beer in the fridge.

The suggestions listed in previous posts are dead on, you need to ride harder.

[NVDESERTKID]

Caffine.

[Gotlabs]

I agree with the ride harder statement. I've had that same issue in the past and it was because I was pushing hard enough. I find I make more mistakes when I daydream also.

[highmarker]

quit watching tv and read a book, tv is responsible for what's coined the 30 second attention span (and shrinking). Why advertisers don't bother with commercials any longer than 30 sec.

[XRobie]

I’ve been riding for 30+ years and can’t even imagine my mind even wandering while doing it. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I enjoy it so much; it takes my mind off anything that doesn’t occupy about a 10’ x 40’ space in front of me.

I concur with the previous comments; make sure your health insurance premiums are paid, apply more speed and ride terrified.

[BryanK]

On a related note, when I felt I was riding well, I would say to myself:

"Wow, I'm really ripping it up today!"

or something like that.

This was usually just before I hit a tree.

Now if I feel like congratulating myself, I don't.

[motoXr_22]

On a related note, when I felt I was riding well, I would say to myself:

"Wow, I'm really ripping it up today!"

or something like that.

This was usually just before I hit a tree.

Now if I feel like congratulating myself, I don't.

haha?