My First Century!

[Katiebikes]

I rode my first century today, on the rolling hills of Springfield, TN; one of the American Diabetes Associations' Tour de Cure rides. Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of people doing the 100 mile ride, most people opted for the metric century. As a result, I ended up riding most of it alone, I'd say probably the last 50 miles or so. There was a sort of strange man who rode with me for the first half, but his pace was too inconsistent for me...he'd go in front and sprint, it seemed like, pushing to pace to 25 mph, then die and make me pull. So when he got a work related call, I was pretty happy to go on without him.

In the end, I finished in about 5 hours, 7 minutes (without stops), an average pace of 19.5 mph (which is around my average training pace). If you include stops, I was probably closer to 5:20 or 5:30. I have no idea where this puts me as a novice, female cyclist, but I'm happy that I finished, didn't die, and kept the pace that I typically keep for shorter rides.

Any advice on how to recover, suggestions for what to do next in terms of racing, and clues as to whether this is an okay time are welcomed

[TrekTheKaty]

You FINISHED your first century--the time isn't important

Drink lot's of fluid and get some rest. Maybe some ibuprofen to reduce inflammation or ice sore parts. STRETCH tonight and tomorrow.

Oh, and take a nap (Oh, I said that already--I like naps). I'd also treat myself to some Ben & Jerrys

[wackyjacky1]

That's awesome! Five hours is great. I'm slow as can be -- I figure it will take me about ten hours to ride a century.

[PamNY]

Congratulations! I think doing a century at all is awesome. I'm no expert, but I second the Ben & Jerry's recommendation.

[marni]

my average century rate is 6 hours riding and about an hour of accumulated stops and water breaks so 5 hours sounds spectacular to me.

I have recently discovered compression tights as an aid to recovery for any ride or heavy exercise session. I also take some extra acid zapper, ibuprofen, ice my legs and take a nap. My recovery drink of choice is a homemade iced chocolate coffee latte made with almond milk and ghiradelli chocolate powder but ice cream works out on the road.

Congratulations- you finished, now take an easy week and then pick another challenge.

marni

[chicagogal]

I also agree that a 5hr century is pretty amazing. Especially since you did it basically solo. 5hrs is a benchmark for a lot of people who rides centuries and the people who usually hit that mark work together in a group!!!

Congratulations!!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats!!! 100 miles is a loooong way to go on a bike!

I consider myself a fairly strong cyclist, and I've never done a century in less than 6.5 hours (and that was when I was faster than I am now). I'm impressed with your 5 hour time. Of course, I like to look around and enjoy the scenery (and stop to take pictures).

[Road Viexn]

Congrats! That is so great. I can't wait until I can say I did my first century. I am aiming for next years little red ride as my first one.

[TrekTheKaty]

My recovery drink of choice is a homemade iced chocolate coffee latte made with almond milk and ghiradelli chocolate powder but ice cream works out on the road.

marni

I have rice milk and I didn't even ride today, but I'm going to try that. I was just making an iced coffee