Thanks for the great input!

Yesterday (2 days after my long run) I did some squats and leg strengthening exercises. My knees felt weak to begin with, but felt stronger and stronger as I continued with the exercises. I hadn't been doing strengthening exercises because I thought running and cycling was enough.

Later in the day, I did a short run pushing the jogger. I wanted to run fast, by my legs felt like bricks--I ended up doing intervals instead. My legs felt great afterward!!! Yeah!

I've also been munching on bananas and making sure to get my calcium--I'm really bad at eating foods with those nutrients and I have to be reminded.

Tonight I'm doing an easy 25 mile ride with some friends. Tomorrow I'll do a tough 45 mile ride with some rivals. And then I'll do another short run on Friday.

Sunday, I plan to attempt another 18 miler. Wish me luck!

Another question . . . I'm about 20 lbs overweight. I've heard that training for an endurance event like this is not the time to try and lose weight. But, would it be so bad if I committed myself to an 1800 calorie diet and 2400 calories on my long run days? I'd start losing weight, but it wouldn't be drastic.