In some forms of cricket, the rule makers have introduced the idea of a 'free hit.’ This is basically one ball where you can’t get out, you can’t lose. What usually happens is that the person batting throws caution to the wind and swings as hard as possible, knowing that there is a capped down-side to the situation. The worst that can happen is that they don’t score.
As we come out of our lockdown and hibernation from races, I would encourage you to think about this idea of including a 'free hit’ in your training schedule for the beginning of 2021. The temptation will be for us all to rush to sign up for the big race and get back to training with one big goal in mind. I’ve got no problem with that necessarily, but having not experienced any races for 8,10,12 possibly 18 months, we will be rusty, probably more stressed than usual about racing and could benefit from some race practice.
Smaller, local events are likely to be the first ones back on the calendar, which helps us with our free hit idea. Less people, less expectation, less pressure and less cost financially. These are the types of events that are a great opportunity to throw caution to the wind and just give it a go. The worst thing that can happen is you blow up, DNF and realise that you need to train more! No money wasted, plenty of experience gained, you’ve got rid of the rustiness and if its a Sri Chinmoy event, you’ve had some pancakes! Good deal in my book!