Help - Brevet or MTB Endurance Event Training

[snowtulip]

Hi Everyone,
I've been looking through past threads on the Brevets, getting info. on what to take and nutrition. But still have questions. So HELP!

Here's the background, I primarily mountain bike. I've been sick with various ailments for the last two months that I feel like I'm starting at ground zero and just barely getting past the worst cold I've had in years!

DH has asked if I'd do a brevet, http://www.nmbrevets.com/id2.html ,or a MTB Endurance event (don't have a link, but 123 miles, 70%singletrack, 20 dirt road, 10% tarmac). Both events are in March.

Considering I feel like I'm starting slow because of the winter sickies, is it feasible to do either of these in that time frame? The longest mountain bike ride I've done is 56 miles (last summer), however I do mtb tour and am used to riding daily with average mileage between 20-35 primarily singletrack; and since I dont' necessarily road bike, I only do it on a closed path only once a week (35 miles).

I currently follow this exercise strategy:
Ride mtb 2x/week if weather allows (~15 miles per ride in the winter; if I cant' I go to spin)
Ride road bike 1x/week (~35 miles)
Run 3-4 miles 2x/week
Strength train 3x/week

Is it feasible in the timeframe, if so, what would you change about my current workout strategy?

Thanks for all the help, I would really like to do this with DH!

[Fredwina]

I tink you'll be fine. I'm just getting over a cold and am planing on doing a Brevet with some friends Saturday.(i've warned them that'll i'll be slow)
The brevet's not till the end of march - you've still got about three months to train :)

[snowtulip]

Thanks Fredwina, it amazes me how you can do so many brevets! I've learned a lot from your posts and reports. It's good to know that you think 3 months is plenty of time to get there, fingers crossed:p

Do you think I'll be fine doing my two mountain bike rides and slowly increasing my road bike each week? or do you recommend more road riding?

Thanks!

[jusdooit]

Let me start by saying I have never done a Brevet, or even a full Century. But, looking at your planned training schedule I think I would trim down the running time and add more TITS. Also try to stretch out the length of your weekend (or whenever you do them) long rides. I just kept steadily adding on last year to prepare for my first metric. You don't have to get up to your goal distance, but you need to get close enough that your body is ready and you have confidence you can go the distance. Remember there will be no SAG on a sanctioned Brevet, so the more prepared you are, the better. 3 months should be plenty of time to build up your mileage. I would make a calendar schedule to stay on track and keep sight of your goal.
Let me end by saying....GO GIRL. You can do this!

[Veronica]

I like to mountain bike once or twice a week. It's a good strength and interval workout. I think it's really helped with my double century riding.

Different people find different ways of training work best for them. I have my first 200 K in two weeks. I will probably not ride more than 60 miles in any ride prior to that. But my shorter rides will be very intense with me keeping my HR higher than I will on the actual 200 K.

I also do a lot of Spinervals

V.

[Fredwina]

Thanks Fredwina, it amazes me how you can do so many brevets! I've learned a lot from your posts and reports. It's good to know that you think 3 months is plenty of time to get there, fingers crossed:p

Do you think I'll be fine doing my two mountain bike rides and slowly increasing my road bike each week? or do you recommend more road riding?

Thanks!

asking me for advice?:o
I would think it would depend more on which event you want to do more, i.e. brevet - road bike - MTB Enduro - Mt. bike.
I tend to be a roadie - I work on a compressed schedule, and have about an hour commutte each way. it's easier just to roll out the door than to put the bike in the car and Drive to Claremont or Chino Hills.
That being said - for Moi
Weekdays at work - 14 mile road ride
Weekdays off MTB
Saturdays - Metric
Sundays 20-30 miles

[snowtulip]

Justdoit, Veronica and Fredwina,
Thanks so much for the feedback!

I'm putting together a calendar, as suggested, and will slowly be adding miles to both my mtn and road rides (or spinervals). I haven't decided which event to do, so I'll keep chugging along until I figure it out.

Thanks!:D