how hard IS a century?

[wiseowl]

I know, I know- it depends. Terrain, weather, etc. But I am thinking of doing a century ride and am having a hard time grasping what the effort really is. I come from a running background, so maybe other runners who have done a century can help- is it like a marathon? I see training plans out there that look like you can be riding a century in 9 weeks (to finish, not for speed) if you are at least reasonably fit to begin with, which sounds more like a 5K- but somehow I don't think a century is like a 5K! Anyone want to ballpark it for me? Also, the century I am considering is 5000 feet elevational change over 100 miles- but that is all they say. Would that send you screaming from the room, or does that sound pretty reasonable? Knowing what I do of the area, it probably means lots of rolling with a few biggies.

[Pedal Wench]

The hardest part for most people just starting doing them is saddle time. At a moderate pace, you'll be sitting on the bike for at least 6 hours. Mentally and physically, that's a lot of time to be doing one thing.

I love them, but need to build up each season to doing them.

[stacie]

Like a marathon, the better prepared for it, the better you will feel during and after. The ride you describe would not compare to running a marathon in my opinion. My favorite century has over 10,000 feet of climbing and I describe it as harder than a marathon. My husband disagrees. It's all a matter of opinion. Do you have time for the training? As with a marathon, the hard part is the training week after week. The event is the reward. Stacie

[IFjane]

wiseowl, you are right in that each century is different and some are easier than others depending on the terrain and weather. 5000 ft. of elevation gain over 100 miles is very doable. As you are training for it, find some routes that have that much climbing in a shorter amount of miles.

From my experience, the biggest challenge is just the saddle time. No matter how comfortable your bike (including the saddle) is, after about 80 miles things begin to get uncomfortable. What I do to get ready for that much time in the saddle is to go on long rides on weekends - anywhere from 75 - 90 miles. After 90 miles, what's 10 more on the "big day"?

[indigoiis]

I recently signed up for my first, coming up Sept. 22nd. I am doing that 9 week thing although I upped my mileage by a few miles each day because I "feel" like I can do more. I've also been told that time in the saddle is the big thing. So far I am having a blast gearing up for it, and my toosh isn't too terribly miserable, although I've not been on for a hundred miles, yet.

I am going to think of this century as 4 consecutive 25 mile rides.

I am also going to have a spare pair of shorts to swap out half way.

And I am not going to try to race it. I want to enjoy it. This particular century is meant to be very scenic and enjoyable.

Anyhow, I am right there with ya - I think you should do it! And 5000 feet elevation over 100 miles... if you can get the route map, you can put it into a program that will tell you exactly where the elevation parts are, and how steep. I think mapmyride has that function.

[Geonz]

I remember trying to figure out how much harder 100 miles were going to be than the 60 and 80 I had already accomplished. Was it going to be "well, you just keep going a little further" or "After you've pushed as long as you ever did before, you have to get out and do another 30 miles" ?
By watching the pace it was much more like the former, with saddle time being an issue but a little less so for me 'cause my hybrid's pretty comfy.

[GLC1968]

My girlfriend trained for her first marathon while I was training for my first century (they were 2 weeks apart). Our training investment was very, very similiar. Our end result was very, very similiar. We both finished in respectable times and we were both able to walk the next day. Neither of us was shooting for speed or performance...our goals were to finish in relative comfort.

The century I trained for was similar to yours at about 5000 ft over 102 miles...which I would consider an 'average' century. A flat century would be less elevation, and a mountain century would be at least double that. Of course, weather is a huge factor, too....as you mentioned.

Anyway, my girlfriend is a runner and greatly dislikes biking. To her, a century is much, much harder than a marathon. I am a cyclist and I dislike running...to me, a marathon sounds WAY harder than a century. It's all about perspective.

I will say that when I tell people I do centuries, they are usually way more impressed than they should be. It's a challenge, no doubt about it, but completing one is not the end-all be-all that some people make it out to be. And, it's different for everyone. I know a guy who finished a century last fall after only riding for a few weeks. His longest ride ever was 44 miles and he did 100 hilly miles at a good pace. Granted, he was barely able to pedal across the finish line, but he completed it. I know others who trained diligently for weeks and who had to bail on that same century...so it really varies.

Now, if you asked me this question 2 years ago right after I first started biking, I'd have told you that a century was a crazy goal and only the most psycho of cyclists even attempted it...so again...it's all relative!

[indysteel]

I would add that one of the harder things about long rides, including centuries, is knowing what and when to eat and drink. and being discliplined about it. Especially in the heat, you have to be pretty discliplined in staying up on your hydration and nutritional needs. Beyond that, it's a bit of a mind game. Your energy may wain here and there and you have to be prepared to work through it.

From my own (limited) experience, a decent mileage base that includes a few rides in the 70-80 mile range, along with hill work if the century is a hilly one, will put you in a good position to do the century comfortably. I did my first century this May at the Horsey Hundred in Kentuckywith a good base and some climbing miles and did just fine IMO. I rode with someone who had a good aerobic base and some climbing in her legs, but less of a mileage base. She did fine too, but the last 20 miles hurt a lot.

By the way, I think it also helps to do long rides with a friend or group. It certainly makes it more fun.

[jobob]

wiseowl, you are right in that each century is different and some are easier than others depending on the terrain and weather. 5000 ft. of elevation gain over 100 miles is very doable.

I think that depends in part on how the elevation gain is distributed. I did a near-century this past weekend with about 6300 ft of climbing, but about 4000 ft was in the first 35 miles. I was a bit whupped for the rest of the ride.

But yes, if the climbing is somewhat spred out, I agree with you.

[Starfish]

I think that depends in part on how the elevation gain is distributed. I did a near-century this past weekend with about 6300 ft of climbing, but about 4000 ft was in the first 35 miles. I was a bit whupped for the rest of the ride.

But yes, if the climbing is somewhat spred out, I agree with you.

Yep, distribution really matters to me, too. I can climb a 5% grade all day long, if it is a sustained climb.

But, up down, up down, up down tires me out WAY faster, especially if the hills get up into the teen%s.

And, for me, doing my ab & lower back work VERY routinely has made a huge differenc in my long distance comfort on the bike.

[indigoiis]

And, for me, doing my ab & lower back work VERY routinely has made a huge differenc in my long distance comfort on the bike.

I think core work is very important. Weights, too - especially free weights with the arms / upper arms - less fatigue to the neck and shoulders.

[alpinerabbit]

Running, OTOH is much more injury prone...

Saddle time and ability to climb another incline, then another, and being able to refuel / base endurance are key to covering 100 miles in my limited (1x) experience.

[li10up]

I agree with what the others have said based on my long rides. Wiseowl, what has been your longest ride so far this year? I too am going to attempt my first imperial century this year (next month). So far I have 10, or so, 40-50 mile rides, a 70 mile ride and am planning an 80 mile ride later this month. If you can ride 80 miles now in relative comfort I think you should be able to do the full 100. I'd recommend standing every now and then just to keep the blood flowing to the butt area and prevent getting too sore. I've found it helps to count down the miles once you've reached the half-way point. Once you reach 20 miles to go (or whatever your typical ride length is) you know that you only have a normal base ride left. If you can stay comfortable on the bike and stay hydrated and fueled you can do it...at least that is going to be my approach...hope it works.

[sundial]

I'm wondering, has anyone done a century with a CamelBak? Also, should you take in carbs every 30 or 45 minutes--stuff like Carb-boom, Cliff shots, or more substantial chewy fun food?

I might do a hilly 100 in October provided my knee can handle it. I can comfortably ride 45 miles now and I've been at it for about a month I guess. I'm still trying to figure out my on the bike eating schedule though. Any suggestion?

[KSH]

I'm wondering, has anyone done a century with a CamelBak? Also, should you take in carbs every 30 or 45 minutes--stuff like Carb-boom, Cliff shots, or more substantial chewy fun food?

I might do a hilly 100 in October provided my knee can handle it. I can comfortably ride 45 miles now and I've been at it for about a month I guess. I'm still trying to figure out my on the bike eating schedule though. Any suggestion?

Well, I haven't done 100 miles proper... but I've done 70-80-85 miles... and I did it with a Camelbak and 2 water bottles. Of course, I filled up along the way.

When I ride, after the first hour (since I have breakfast in my tummy) my goal is to try to consume 200 calories an hour... that can be in the form of food/gels/sports drink.

The key is to stay properly hydrated, eat before you get hungry and rest when you need to.