You don't want to burn yourself out at the start and not be able to have fun through the race.
That's good advice. It really sucks going too hard at the start and bonk. You ought to try to hook up with some of us on the trail. We can give you a good idea of where you should expect to start and finish if we ride with you. Before long I'll be riding the island as much as possible (when it's open). I'd be glad to train with you.