You didn't know it, but...
...all of you here at TE helped me finish my first century yesterday!
I have been reading all the posts about long-distance riding - what to wear, what to eat, how to prepare - particularly the latest thread by Fallstoclimb about her upcoming century, and all of that advice helped me so much yesterday.
The thing that helped me the most was looking at the ride as a series of small rides instead of one long one. There were rest stops every 15-20 miles, so I was able to think of it as just those small increments.
Another thing that was very helpful was the suggestion to eat and stretch and rest at every rest stop. I did this, even though I didn't always feel hungry or particularly in need of rest at those first two rest stops. In hindsight, though, if I hadn't taken that advice to heart, I am not sure I would have made it those last 25 miles.
I didn't really hit a wall until mile 95, when there was a decent headwind and it just felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. Also, the ride was 104.9 miles, and mentally knowing that there were 4 "extra" miles to go was hard to take at that point. Once I hit the official 100 mile marker I was rejuvenated by my accomplishment (even if I pooped out then, I had technically done a century!) and the last 4.9 miles were pretty easy (and flat).
Thank you to everyone who shares their wisdom, and asks the questions, and generally encourages us all in our cycling endeavors! I'm so glad I found this forum.
Susan
