THE PERFECT RACE...

It's sort of like a hole in one...if I ever do it, I'll retire from the sport

I've only ever done 1 Oly, 1 HIM, 1 century ride, and now working towards an IM.

I love first time experiences and I guess I'm scared doing the same race again could never marry up to the buzz of that first time. For me it's all about getting to the end feeling like I did it the best I could with what I had. 

For me time is not the benchmark, is it important yes but it's decision making that tells me if I've had a great race or not.  both in pre race, and during the race. Some races that are just "training" races or what others call their non "A" race. I'll pick out a few things to work on and base my race on those things..
Expectations are easy it's the unrealistic expectations that set you up for disappointment. Most of my races I have a good idea what my time is going be based on my training. I haven't mastered the magic pixie dust in my sleep that makes me much faster on race day.

that's why seeing how my body is responding that day and making smart decisions ranks high for me.. Races that I'm the most proud of are the ones when I look back and say "wow that worked out great" instead of "next time I'll do this instead...maybe"