Climbing Club - April Goals

[GLC1968]

I came here for some advice about climbing and training in the midst of stress, but my stress doesn't even compare to Starfish's! I'm so sorry for your loss!

But I do still need help.

I've signed up for and am in training to complete a ride out of Chattanooga called the 3-state, 3 mountain on May 5th. 100 miles, 8k - 9k of climbing with the last climb being the worst with grades at 18% near the top. It's easily the lowest total elevation of all the mountain centuries in my area, but I still think I'm in for a shocker.

For training, I've been alternating weekends of long rides of moderate climbing (locally I live in a 'piedmont' area with rollers upon rollers upon rollers) with rides in the mountainous areas locally that are steeper but shorter. This past weekend I did 75 miles of regular hilly terrain (in unexpected winds!). The weekend before it was 55 miles with a mountain climb at 20 miles for a total of 4500 ft. Next weekend will be another 'mountianous' ride of about 65 miles and the week after that, 85 miles of moderate terrain. During the week, I typically get in one evening ride (25 miles), one lunch ride (15-18 miles) and one commute (14 miles each way). All of these are hilly but not 'mountanious' terrain.

My problem is this...work keeps getting in the way. Over the past 3 weeks, I've been lucky to squeeze in two rides during the week. I am constantly driving around with my bike on my car and constantly having to appologize to her for not actually riding her. I'm totally stressed from work, but it's even worse when I can't get out to ride. I literally just spent 10 minutes in the bathroom trying not to cry from frustration. I've had this awesome training plan pinned to my wall and I keep having to admit that I just can't always get these week day rides in.

Am I screwed? Will the weekend riding be enough, or am I going to get my rear-end handed to me on May 5th?

Oh, and top all this off with the fact that I have not lost 1 single pound in 4 weeks even though I've been trying. I'm still WAY heavier than I should be and it kills me that I'm going to be lugging all this extra 'me' up those mountains, too.

Any words of advice or encouragement?

[jobob]

Well, GLC, you have to ask yourself, what's the worse that can happen?

Perhaps you'll be slower than you'd like to be, and finish towards the back of the pack. A bit bruising to the ego, for sure, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you finished a realy tough ride.

Perhaps you'll have to stop and rest a few times going up some of the hills (infinitely better than barfing, methinks).

Perhaps you'll have to walk up a hill or two. I've seen experienced riders doing that!

And if worse comes to worse, you might have to call it a day at some point and SAG back.

But c'mon, really, is any of that so awful ??

And then next year, with another years' experience and training under your belt, do it again, and you'll be really happy with how much you improved!

[GLC1968]

Thanks, jobob!

My problem is two-fold...1) I am extremely stubborn so admitting defeat and accepting a SAG ride back may never happen. 2) I'm also extremely competitive - so I am more likely to hurt myself by pushing too hard, than to admit that I'm not capable of something.

That said...my main goal is to finish. I don't care about time, I don't care about speed...I just want to finish. I'd really like to finish with enough energy to appreciate it, but if self-congratulation has to wait until the next day, I'm ok with that.