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century rides?

Julia HerrmannJulia Herrmann
in General Training Discussions

I am thinking of doing a century ride in late october.  I noticed in the wiki there was some info on marathon training, but I didn't see anything for century rides.  This is going to be a hilly one.  Any suggestions for how guidance on to plan for it...? Thanks!

Comments

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Century rides are a blast! The best part is that the aid stations are usually loaded with good food and you can actually gain weight during the ride!! Kinda depends on your goals for the ride and where you are within your training cycle.

    For a very personal example, I actually have a century on the calendar in 4 weeks. I haven't ridden over 40 miles since, uh, hmmmmm, September? Mostly doing the OS style one our workouts and then getting 2 hours in on the weekend - very spotty. Over the next few weeks I'm hoping for good weather and will try to build myself (mostly my butt) up to being on the bike for 70 miles on those weekend rides (mid-week rides don't change). That should put me in a reasonable place to be in the saddle for 100 miles without being in too much pain. I'll ride the 100 at 75-80% FTP and treat as a fun day to be outside, might throw in a few FTPish intervals towards the end for fun if I feel froggy. My main goal for doing this ride is to give me time in the saddle to work out sore spots before I get to TOC.

    OTOH, I've used century rides as Race Rehearsals before and have also used century rides to work hard in a group until I blow myself up (thank goodness for the SAG!). Lots of options. The key is figuring out what you are gonna use this ride for.
  • Steven FordSteven Ford

    I use the century rides a good training day with support. Like Nemo said it depends on your goals.

  • Julia HerrmannJulia Herrmann

    Thanks for the input!  My goals for this ride are to get exposure to hills within long rides.  This is along the way to IMSG in 2012.  I would feel psychologically good having experienced this particular century ride before tackling a hilly IM.  (doing wildflower - a HIM that is considered hilly at the end of this month).  It would be kind of like a stupid early race rehearsal, but I wouldn't start actually training for IMSG until later...

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Ummm - didn't you just do IMAZ? It's just another long ride, but easier if there is a mass start and you get in a good group. I won't even bother with a century ride if it has a staggered start because it's harder to find anyone to ride with.

    I'm doing the Cross Florida ride on 3 April (170 miles...~12 hr limit) which will be a new one day distance record for me, but with a group it should go by fairly easy. Like Nemo, I only targeted a percentage of the distance to get my butt in shape. My last 4 long rides over 2 months were 4 hrs on the trainer, 100, 115, and 128. Those were all solo - the group is going to get me through it!

    Just take the Oct ride very easy and maybe do one a month to maintain your long endurance until you start your program for IMSG. I'm still thinking about that race...studying this year's numbers too. As of yesterday, they had 1944 registered with 347 female (~18%) and 1597 male. Assuming a 10% no-show rate and then 15% DNF I expect under 1500 finishers. Mostly, I'll want to know what this year's water temperature is!
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Julia,

    You don't need any special preparation. Just do your EN training, pick a century and go. You'll have more than enough fitness for it

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