My first century

[Road Viexn]

Ok Saturday is my first century ride. I am a tad nervous, ok very nervous. I have been training all summer. Lat weekend I did 80 miles and I don't think my rear end had another 20 miles in it, but I have set my goal and I am going to achieve it dang it. Does anyone have any advice for me? Ways to keep going and keep my buns going for another 20? Tia.

[Bike Chick]

It sounds like you are very prepared and shouldn't have any trouble. We just had this discussion last week with someone else, so see you aren't the only one! Tulip suggested just taking it 10 miles at a time and I concur with that advice. Mostly have fun and keep smiling.

Check out last week's thread--http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=39324

[nscrbug]

Yeah, you can do this! If you have managed to get up to 80, than 100 should be no problem. Yesterday, I rode my 3rd century of this season. I did 1 in May, 1 in June, and then yesterday...and I plan on doing 1 more in September. Although, these were all self-supported centuries...not organized events with designated rest stops and SAG support. I actually didn't set out to do a century yesterday...but when I hit 90, I figured..."what's 10 more miles, right?" Maybe another 40-45 minutes...I can do that. So I did. Like the other poster said...don't think of it as 100 miles. Break it down into smaller segments, that way it seems more manageable.

[marni]

accept that the last 20 miles or so you will probably need to step down for just a minute or 2 to let your bottom rest. Don't be proud, if it takes a step down every 2 miles just do it. The important thing is to finish upright on the bike not pushing it.

good luck and have fun.

[Road Viexn]

Thanks guys for your helpful words. I know I am ready for this and I know my body can do this, it is just that mental thing of OMG I AM ABOUT TO RIDE 100 MILES! I fot my bike just in April and made a goal to ride a century by the end of summer. Now I need to set a new goal!

[Bike Chick]

Be sure to give us a ride report! Most folks get pretty weary around the 80 mile mark on their first century--I was a real grump. Just keep that in mind and remember to eat and stay hydrated. You will do fine.

[Road Viexn]

They are having a meal break @mile 70 so I am hoping that will help me to not be so grumpy. I totally bonked on my last 5 miles of my 80 and I know it is because we had been eating nothing but gu and a cliff bar here and there. Not reall fuel.

[gabriellesca]

I FREAKED the week before my century back in 08 - I was sooooooo nervous all week. Then Friday night came and I lost all my nerves and was just uber excited. I listened to everyone on here who told me over and over - you've done 80 - you can easily do 100. And the day of I felt great and went with it. I was super slow - but had soooooooo much fun. The last 20 miles were super tough for me - but that was because I had really struggled with stomach issues all during my training. It was, by far, the BEST 9 hours and 47 minutes of my life. :) Okay not really - but really close. Crossing that finish line was one of the most incredible moments of my life.

Without a millisecond of a doubt you can do this! Don't even doubt it.

Helped me alot to focus on not over-fueling - I would get so paranoid after a bonk on my training ride - that I really over-ate and over-drank. Just be mindful and listen to your body. I only did GU that day (with the exception of 1/2 a peanut butter bagel) and it really helped me through the day. GU gel and GU20 which I love! I also tried to really keep up a decent pace - which for me was 14 mph the 1st 70 miles - that way when I hit my wall at the last 20 miles it wasn't midnight. :)

Please enjoy and have fun! And as I'm always told - your first is you're most special!

And please be sure to tell us how it goes!

[tulip]

A few years ago, I set out to do a century. It was very hot, but I was feeling pretty good. Mile 85 took me right by my house...which was too tempting so I decided to call it a day.

I regret that decision! I have not been riding enough to do a century this year, but next year, for sure!

[bluebug32]

Echoing what everyone else said, if you've done 80, things should flow pretty well for 100. You'll also have the adrenaline of the event itself to help push you through. Just be sure to eat and drink regularly, don't take long breaks at the rest stops, and realize that you will probably hit that "I can't do this" wall at some point in the ride. Be ready to talk yourself through it and enjoy your century!

[Leigh66]

Awesome!!
You will be great!!
Just keep on telling yourself, you can do this!!

[schnitzle]

That's SO exciting Road Vixen! You can dooo iiiit! Can't wait to hear all about it :D