Prepping for my first 24 hour race

[TrekJeni]

So, my first 24 hour race is in about 6 weeks and I'm starting to make a mental checklist of my needs. I'm doing the coed duo class and have a couple 12 hour races under my belt this season with another 6 hour this weekend. I've got the training in, that's not the problem.

As I'm making my mental checklist, I'm thinking - how am I going to survive the 3am and 5am laps? The race starts at noon and ends at noon. Where can I find a massage therapist that will go to the trailhead at 3 in the morning and give me a massage so I can get back on my bike? What if I cry at the end because I'm delirious and all my friends make fun of me?

I'm so super fricking pumped about this race but wondering how I'm going to survive the night laps. I don't ever wear headphones or listen to music on the trail but was thinking I might need to try, at least one ear anyways. I told my bf I thought I might download some Dave Ramsey podcasts and listen to his callers scream "I'M DEBT FREEEEEEEEEE" for some motivation and he laughed.

How the heck am I going to stay away and mentally sharp that long?

Tips? Tricks? Thoughts?

[jessmarimba]

I'm not much help for a bike race, but I've done some of these running...and the other people there will keep ya going and the delirium will keep ya entertained :)

I'd suggest no to the music, just bc it's hard enough to think at that point? But maybe wake yourself up about 2 hours after you go to bed & try to ride w some...test it out first! I just know I started running towards some random reflective orange barrel in the woods at 2 am with no other distraction...just bc it was shiny...and only realized I was off-course when I nearly ran into a tree. I missed most of my normal landmarks on that lap and got to the end without realizing I'd already run the hill from hell, which was a pleasant surprise.

Ooh, maybe try chocolate covered coffee beans. Good luck!

[crazycanuck]

TJ..A 24hr hey..cool..just cool. (The world solo 24hr champs are comin down to Canberra this year..) You're a super coolio rider & hope you do well :)

About music..isn't there a general rule about ipods etc @ races? It's beaten into us down here & know that if we're caught there's an automatic X number of min penalty or other...

Have a peek @ some of these Australian riders sites for ideas?
Jason English's website http://www.jasonenglish.info/..being a world 24hr champ...

Jess Douglas http://www.jessicadouglas.com/
Katrin Van Der Spiegel http://www.freewheel.com.au/enduro/speak.html

Good luck :cool::D

[SheFly]

Agree with CC - check the rules on the music issue. You wouldn't want to be penalized or DQ'd (which does happen at races here...) if you do this.

I think your adrenaline will keep you going (at least that's what I've heard), and with the atmosphere going, you won't get much sleep anyway ;).

Good luck. Can't wait to read about it!

SheFly

[limewave]

I've helped at a few 24 hour events. There's a lot of excitement going on all night. It seems to me the biggest challenge would be staying hydrated and fueled so that you don't get messed up. DH had a friend who refused to eat at one point during an endurance race (he's normally crazy, not just during races) and he bonked really hard and started eating pine cones! But don't worry, that won't happen to you. Like I said, this guy was crazy to start with.

DH always did well with those events. Its all about pacing yourself.

[Aggie_Ama]

No 24 hour races for me but super cool you are doing one! You will write up on it, right?

Some of the people I know do these type of events. I have heard them swear by cold pizza, not sure how you justify this as proper nutrition! One of our wrenches only does the ultra long races (12,24 hour), he said his key is changing clothes. I guess fresh chamois = fresh attitude? I am sure for enough money a massage therapist would come out. :p Other than that all I can wish you is luck and the insanity keeps you laughing!

[indysteel]

I have no advice, Jeni; I just wanted to say good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[jessmarimba]

I'll vote yes to changing clothes and yes to cold pizza :)

Definitely eat as much as you are able (not that you don't already know that!) - I had finished a whole plate of pancakes and then ended up running one more lap for my last 24-hour race. I was so hungry that I started surveying the trail for anything edible...thankfully I didn't think of pinecones :)

Someone met me at the finish with a Krispy Kreme and pretty much made my day.

Also...for the evening after the race, make sure you won't need to put effort into dinner (order in, microwave, make someone drive you somewhere...) I ended up calling my sister and asking her to bring me food because I was too tired and had no groceries.

[Drtgirl]

I just did my 2nd 24hr solo in May (and won!). I have an adventure racing background and I think that helps when slogging through the nighttime hours...we do a lot of things to stay awake! My tips:

-I would veto the headphones...they are banned from races out here for good reason.
-Find someone to ride with at night. Talking with or simply following behind someone keeps you engaged. I was dragging until I found an injured guy who just happend to be my pace. We chatted and complained about how bad we felt. I was on a total high after that.
-Are you a gum chewer? I find it helps. Try a super sour or strong flavor to perk you up. Your jaw will be tired by the end of the race though!
-Shake up your food selection on each lap. Like, don't eat the same flavor gu the whole race.

I didn't sleep in my last race...I just sat down for 20 minutes around midnight. So it can be done. Yes, you may break down and cry but it happens!

Good luck!

[Catrin]

I have no constructive advice to give you - but I think you rock and will have a great time! Looking forward to reading about your experience!

[Cato]

I've done a few of these and have found it's best not to worry in advance about how you'll feel until you actually do that first post-midnight lap. Your pre-race nerves should be behind you by then!

Once you're up and make the transition with your partner you'll find that you're plenty awake. If you're racing for fun, take your time and enjoy the night. If you haven't already considered it, you and your partner can do 2 back to back laps each which will give you both more time to eat and rest between.

Food - whatever makes you happy and is easy to digest. Bring a good variety cuz you don't know what you'll be in the mood for or what your stomach will be able to handle. I like oatmeal/frozen waffles/pop tarts and maybe a soft boiled egg or peanut butter/banana...carbs and a little protein. Experiment before the race if you can to see what works for you. And be sure to hydrate and replace electrolytes consistently.

You'll do great and can't wait to hear about it. Good luck!

[MtnBikerChk]

Relax and have fun!! Most of the time these events are so charged with positive energy and everyone cheers for everyone else - you'll have a great time.

I just want to mention about food - if you have a sensitive stomach at all (like my husband) stay away from the gu and sugary type supplements. Stick with pasta, turkey sandwiches and if you like, try some perpetuem (I love that stuff for 24 hour races - it tastes mild and it's a quick 200 cals).

Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes!