mileage-withdrawl w/tapering

[Miranda]

OK, I don't think "mileage-withdrawl" is an actual cycling term, or disease, but I think I am experiencing it w/entering the tapering phase of my century training.

I LOVE Fall. Today was the first day that the nasty Midwest humidity (which kills my asthma) left and you could just feel that Fall nip in the air.

Normally on a day like this, I would have rode my cycling heart out w/content. However, I was a good little cycling-training-girl, and just did my min mi recovery ride.

I feel like I'm dieing here--argh. I need my happy pedal fix of miles.

My exercise also keeps my mood happy--and I stay outta the junk food. Without it, I struggle.

Need some ideas and morale support that only my cycling TE pals might be able to help with.

On a technical training note...
I'm trying to figure out exactly how many miles I should do the next two weeks.

This w/e was my furthest ride at 70mi w/similiar climbing expected on century route. Week total 247mi. Prior to that, I was averaging 100-150mi.

I think this week I am suppose to cut 25-40%. Week prior event same % of the cut amount. Do I use the 100-150# since that was my more steady average? Or what?

TYIA
Miranda

[alpinerabbit]

don't obsess.

you've done 70, you can do a 100 if you just grit your teeth and bear some pain (and keep fuelled)

[Geonz]

Is this a race, where you need to be at your peak to meet your personal expectations? And somebody who knows you and racing has designed this plan?
Recipes are formulas -- and humans don't always fit 'em. If you're following a chart, could be it's more designed for folks who haven't actually gotten fit enough for it to be your natural state of being, who are trying to do a century wiht *less* riding.
Now, if what "feels good" and what you feel like you're drawn to is cycling 'til it hurts and then 20 more miles hard (i.e., you're craving punishment) and you're empty and too dang tired to move, much less eat what you'd otherwise crave... welp, that's a different issue and I'd say yea, stick to the formula then.
I ride best on distance things if I do cut back the *week* before ... more like four days... and I'm feeling that chomping-at-the-bit thing and I'm pretty wired -- I think there are "body types" for this and if you're geared for endurance, then you don't need to taper as much.

[Miranda]

don't obsess.

you've done 70, you can do a 100 if you just grit your teeth and bear some pain (and keep fuelled)

Thx. Nope... no obsessing. I think I have done all I can do at this point. That 70mi ride--the wind was up to 17mph when I got in. On that, my legs were having that "I'm cooked" feeling. But, I had the fleeting thought... "ya know, with a bit more food, a dismount & rest for a few... I *think* could crank out the last 30mi to equal 100mi". I'm just going to do my best & see what happens.

[Miranda]

don't obsess.

you've done 70, you can do a 100 if you just grit your teeth and bear some pain (and keep fuelled)

Is this a race, where you need to be at your peak to meet your personal expectations? And somebody who knows you and racing has designed this plan?
Recipes are formulas -- and humans don't always fit 'em. If you're following a chart, could be it's more designed for folks who haven't actually gotten fit enough for it to be your natural state of being, who are trying to do a century wiht *less* riding.
Now, if what "feels good" and what you feel like you're drawn to is cycling 'til it hurts and then 20 more miles hard (i.e., you're craving punishment) and you're empty and too dang tired to move, much less eat what you'd otherwise crave... welp, that's a different issue and I'd say yea, stick to the formula then.
I ride best on distance things if I do cut back the *week* before ... more like four days... and I'm feeling that chomping-at-the-bit thing and I'm pretty wired -- I think there are "body types" for this and if you're geared for endurance, then you don't need to taper as much.

That is a really interesting perspective! I feel like I don't need to go out and crank out 70mi again. Had the wind been a bit less, I think I could have cranked out the last 30mi that day. Weather obviously we can't control. I've trained even up to 40mi in the steady rain. BUT... I'm just not sure I need two full weeks to taper either. I know this is noted as a big downfall-- failure to taper properly etc. But, I think a good solid week will do it. Weather is suppose to be beautiful this coming week. Think I won't over-do it "like I gotta train xyz *hard*", but just enjoy my favorite routes w/miles that feel good. Appreciate the input.