Smart decision? Advice needed.

Hello!

I'm currently training for my first Century in October. According to my plan, I need to put in 40 miles tomorrow (Saturday). I've asked people on my cycling club forums to join me. No takers and one cancelled on me due to possible weather conditions (10% chance of rain, and thunderstorms in Vegas...go figure). After considering back and forth...I decided to do this instead - and for those who are experienced at Century training, thanks for the advice in advance.

Do 40-45 minutes in trainer Saturday.

Sunday - Go one hour earlier than the group ride**. Ride the 10 miles loop. Group ride 2x, then one more loop after the ride. Totaling to 40 miles.

Monday - Easy Recovery ride, or just hill intervals.


**I planned to do 2x 10 miles beginner instructional ride - 12mph pace avg, and possibly slower because I'm the sweeper.**

Original plan states: Saturday - 40 miles. Sunday - 10 easy miles recovery, Monday - 12 brisk pace ride.

The reason why I'm asking is because the Beginner's ride will be 3-5mph below my normal average pace. I'm thinking that the pace shouldn't matter, just the mileage/time in saddle matters. This is my second week into the 10 weeks plan, and I figured that a slower 40 miler shouldn't affect much. I can always bump up the pace next week.

Thanks

Personally, I feel miles in the legs, regardless of speed, is a good goal. Plus you may meet some new people who also are interested in more mileage. I always "chunk" down my century rides, I think of them in 25 mile sections because the thought of a 100 mile day always makes me tired before I start but If I think I will go ride 25, take a break, ride another and so on I am able to enjoy the day. Go Have fun!

I, too, had the same problem when i was training for a century last year. Sometimes it's hard to find people to get with "your program"...even when they're training for the same ride. I tried to do groups when i could, but sometimes i just had to ride on my own in order to stick to my plan. Being well prepared for the ride was worth it, though. I still had "legs" at the end of the century and finished much faster than I'd anticipated. Keep up the good work!