Compartmentalising Events

I have not posted for some time due to the pressures of University work and getting my Thesis proposal presentation together. Now I have to write it all up and submit it by next Monday, the proposal that is.
The time I have spent on the bike has allowed me some 'head space' to think about other topics, notably the Race Across America and the logistics and organisation of the team and crew. I have also been pondering the enormity of the task that awaits us in little over 140 days. That of cycling as a 4-man team from the west coast of the USA to the East Coast of the USA in under 9 days. So what is the most useful way of tackling a huge challenge psychologically.
Well I have used some tried and tested techniques to segment the race into various stages. I have noted the number of State boundaries that we will traverse, along with the major mountain ranges that we will cross. These major segments can then be broken down either by distance, landmarks, or projected time on the bike (although caution with this technique as it is basically setting an outcome goal, the non-achievement of which could lead to a dip in motivation especially when considered in the context of factors out of one's control such as head winds, driving rain, detours en route etc.
From that point I then break the sections down and give myself milestones, at which I will celebrate the success of having achieved it, and also put it firmly behind me and move on to the next event. In some cases I am considering the next event before achieving the current one!
Together with guided imagery the above can be extremely powerful in allowing you to create the images in one's mind to imagine overcoming the various hurdles that the RAAM will throw at us. More on imagery on the next blog. Til then, take care and here's to safe cycling on the slippy roads.