Prepping for my first 24 hour race

[TrekJeni]

So, my first 24 hour race is in about 6 weeks and I'm starting to make a mental checklist of my needs. I'm doing the coed duo class and have a couple 12 hour races under my belt this season with another 6 hour this weekend. I've got the training in, that's not the problem.

As I'm making my mental checklist, I'm thinking - how am I going to survive the 3am and 5am laps? The race starts at noon and ends at noon. Where can I find a massage therapist that will go to the trailhead at 3 in the morning and give me a massage so I can get back on my bike? What if I cry at the end because I'm delirious and all my friends make fun of me?

I'm so super fricking pumped about this race but wondering how I'm going to survive the night laps. I don't ever wear headphones or listen to music on the trail but was thinking I might need to try, at least one ear anyways. I told my bf I thought I might download some Dave Ramsey podcasts and listen to his callers scream "I'M DEBT FREEEEEEEEEE" for some motivation and he laughed.

How the heck am I going to stay away and mentally sharp that long?

Tips? Tricks? Thoughts?

[jessmarimba]

I'm not much help for a bike race, but I've done some of these running...and the other people there will keep ya going and the delirium will keep ya entertained

I'd suggest no to the music, just bc it's hard enough to think at that point? But maybe wake yourself up about 2 hours after you go to bed & try to ride w some...test it out first! I just know I started running towards some random reflective orange barrel in the woods at 2 am with no other distraction...just bc it was shiny...and only realized I was off-course when I nearly ran into a tree. I missed most of my normal landmarks on that lap and got to the end without realizing I'd already run the hill from hell, which was a pleasant surprise.

Ooh, maybe try chocolate covered coffee beans. Good luck!

[crazycanuck]

TJ..A 24hr hey..cool..just cool. (The world solo 24hr champs are comin down to Canberra this year..) You're a super coolio rider & hope you do well

About music..isn't there a general rule about ipods etc @ races? It's beaten into us down here & know that if we're caught there's an automatic X number of min penalty or other...

Have a peek @ some of these Australian riders sites for ideas?
Jason English's website http://www.jasonenglish.info/..being a world 24hr champ...

Jess Douglas http://www.jessicadouglas.com/
Katrin Van Der Spiegel http://www.freewheel.com.au/enduro/speak.html

Good luck

[SheFly]

Agree with CC - check the rules on the music issue. You wouldn't want to be penalized or DQ'd (which does happen at races here...) if you do this.

I think your adrenaline will keep you going (at least that's what I've heard), and with the atmosphere going, you won't get much sleep anyway .

Good luck. Can't wait to read about it!

SheFly

[limewave]

I've helped at a few 24 hour events. There's a lot of excitement going on all night. It seems to me the biggest challenge would be staying hydrated and fueled so that you don't get messed up. DH had a friend who refused to eat at one point during an endurance race (he's normally crazy, not just during races) and he bonked really hard and started eating pine cones! But don't worry, that won't happen to you. Like I said, this guy was crazy to start with.

DH always did well with those events. Its all about pacing yourself.

[Aggie_Ama]

No 24 hour races for me but super cool you are doing one! You will write up on it, right?

Some of the people I know do these type of events. I have heard them swear by cold pizza, not sure how you justify this as proper nutrition! One of our wrenches only does the ultra long races (12,24 hour), he said his key is changing clothes. I guess fresh chamois = fresh attitude? I am sure for enough money a massage therapist would come out. Other than that all I can wish you is luck and the insanity keeps you laughing!