Mea Culpa - a cautionary tale

[Catrin]

I am currently figuring out my mileage base schedule for the spring/summer to get my mileage where I need it to be for several key events in late summer/fall. I understand that I don't want to increase my mileage >15% per week for my long ride, or >15% for each month's total mileage.

Just to compare, since I do use MapMyRide, I went back to my log from last summer. I've always assumed that my mileage building was appropriate last summer, that it was a combination of factors that led to my injuries that took me off the bike after the Hope Ride, though, frankly, I should have come off at the end of August.

Numbers don't lie

In June I rode 390 miles, in July I rode 575 In June my longest ride was 34 miles, in July it was 72.5 (a mere 4 weeks after the 34 mile ride).... My short rides got shorter after July, though my long rides did not - that should have told me something.

I am posting this as a caution to other new riders who may be tempted to do what I did. I still think that it was just as related to the large number of activities that allowed my legs no rest as it was building my base too quickly.

Perhaps if I were younger, and didn't start all of this in my 50th year my legs may have taken it better - but I am not complaining. I am back on the bike, and, hopefully, a little wiser.