Training for my first Metric Century-62 miles

[KatzPajamas]

Training for my first 62 miles...IT IS ROUGH!!! I work a very stressful job with very long hours and am physically and emotionally drained by the end of each day. It is frustrating to be exhausted when it is time to train and can barely do the miles. Is it because I have finally hit menopause at the ripe old age of 57+? Even my riding buddy is getting frustrated with the situation. I have put in only 60-80 miles a week, and 100 last week, with longest ride only 27miles that kicked my hiney. We are signed up to do the 62 miles at Harpeth River Ride on June 2nd in Franklin, Tennessee. Open to any suggestions!

[Grits]

Most rides have shorter options, generally something like a 32 mile route. I would advise scaling back your goal for this ride and shoot for your first metric century later in the season after you have had more time to train for it. Two weeks is not long enough to increase your mileage from 27 to 63 unless you just want to have a sufferfest that day and be miserable. 32 miles would still be a challenge, but do-able.

There is supposed to be a certain amount of enjoyment to biking, and it sounds like this has turned into a very stressful situation for you. There is no shame in saying, sorry, the metric century just didn't work out for me this time, but I am really looking forward to riding the 32 mile route that day!

[indysteel]

Cancel? I hate being negative, but sometimes our bodies and/or lives just can't conform to our goals. If 27 miles is kicking your hiney two weeks out and your training time and energy is limited, I just don't know how ready you can realistically be for a metric on June 2nd. I did the century a few years ago at the Harpeth River Ride. I don't remember it being crazy hilly, but it was hot, and that can really take it out of you if you're not used to it. Beside canceling, if you can get your training rides up to the 50-mile mark, you might be able to gut it out. But do you want to? If the answer is "not really," then politely tell your riding partner that this isn't your year and that you're sorry. It happens. I did the ride alone and spent a lovely weekend by myself in Franklin, so maybe your friend can still salvage the weekend. Or perhaps you can do the shorter route while your friend does the metric. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Megustalaplaya]

It looks like there a couple of other options you could do on that ride. How about doing one of those instead?

[KatzPajamas]

They have a 42 mile that I should probably change to, if I ride at all. We have a cabin rented for the week and were planning to ride some on the Naztec(sp?) Trail. I could sit out the big ride and site-see in Franklin.
I really wanted some feedback from some ladies and greatly appreciate what you have posted. I needed to know that I was not just being a big WEENY! This is my second year cycling and I love it! It is really difficult to accept defeat, but from what you all are saying, it is just too big of a ride for me at this time. Thanks!

[indysteel]

I would try not looking at it as defeat. There's always next year. I do hope you can ride a bit on the Natchez Trace. It's a fun experience. I've been bugging DH about doing the River Ride. I love that area of Tennessee. Maybe next year!

[KatzPajamas]

We rented a little place called Cycler's Rest...http://www.flipkey.com/leipers-fork-...ntals/p304735/ We've spent years raising kids and are looking forward to having some fun for just the two of us. (Again why I am so frustrated with my level of riding) I will definitely still be making the trip to Franklin and checking out the Natchez Trace!

[featuretile]

I just ran a rest stop for a century ride today with 1200 people coming thru. Exhausting, but everyone looked happy. I have been riding for 3 years and have done 2 metric centuries. Both times I was completely wiped out by the end. I am not sure that I really need to be doing that. And perhaps you do not either. I am generally fine with 25-40 mile rides.

Still, these are fun events and they usually have lots of food and if you choose to do either of the shorter routes, you will probably have some fun. You don't need to rush, but can take your time. Most events have SAG wagons if the ride is too much. I would suggest trying the 44 mile race at a comfortable pace. It would still be a nice accomplishment.

[Suze]

Hi again,

Joe Friel also has a book I've found useful called "Cycling Past 50." He makes some accommodations for age ... recovery can take longer, etc, I always like having more than one point of view.

Suze

[Catrin]

Hi again,

Joe Friel also has a book I've found useful called "Cycling Past 50." He makes some accommodations for age ... recovery can take longer, etc, I always like having more than one point of view.

Suze

Thanks for the recommendation, I will see if I can get it via interlibrary loan. I didn't even learn how to ride until I turned 50 and have been plagued with over-use injuries. Part of that is due to stubborness but it is good to have different perspectives. I want to be that 85 year old woman riding into the sunset if I am blessed to live that long!

[Crankin]

Just keep in mind that the book by Friel is aimed at male "racer types." It does have useful information, but I found it to be both a bit outdated, with not enough about women.

[KatzPajamas]

Leave in the AM for Franklin Tennessee! Did 44 miles last Saturday. Took me awhile, but finished pretty strong. Have been keeping it light this week so far. Thanks so much for the advice and encouragement. Changed my route @ Harpeth River Ride to the 44 miler. Might get to see Chris Horner, Ben King, and Matthew Busche! We even bought a new camera for this event, so hopefully I can post some pictures.

[moondoggie]

wanted to add my 2 cents on the hormone part for what it is worth. i recentlly found out i am mild hypo and moving towards premenopause...age 44and training for a century for hilly NH. my fatigue was brutal. not to say your other work stress/load certainly contributes for sure! my naturopathic put me on adrenal response supplements for energy and hormone and i cut out 90% refined sugars and gluten, increased my protein. i feel alot better and that is what matters most.
on my century i have the option to do 50 instead if the hills are too much ( i live in flat lands).... you do the best you can and that is all you can do.