Should I do the Metric, or the whole thing?

[Starfish]

Thanks, you guys, er, girls. The additional cost is really small for the longer ride, so not a worry there.

I am local, so it would be easy for me to know where I could bail to shorten the route or avoid a couple harder climbs (not that I would be smart enough to do that).

I was pretty toasty last weekend on the 50 mile ride, but I did the two hardest climbs...the first 60 miles of next weekend doesn't have the hardest climbing, so I'm thinking my legs won't be toasted.

But, deep down, I suspect I would be wise to just do as planned, use the metric as a training ride, and then use the whole 112 mile ride alone, later, for training. It just bums me out, I guess, that I didn't get ready in time for this years' whole thing. And, a part of me knows I could finish if I had to. Not the best reason to do it!

[maillotpois]

Well, you had a lot going on this year. Don't beat yourself up for not being "ready" for this whole ride. You'll be ready for the one you're actually planning for.

[SadieKate]

Starfish, don't feel bad about choosing the shorter route. Emotional and mental stress work on the body the same way physical stress does. Yours has been ongoing with recent major events. Just do what you can now so you don't jeopardize the later goal. See how you feel the day of the ride and make your decision then. You can always do the shorter ride at a bit higher intensity. You'll still get benefit from that.

When I think about the way my body reacts to major life events, I'm empathizing with you. I've been there. Just do what you can but don't beat yourself up for changing your plans as you go.

[Starfish]

Sarah, thanks. That really is true. I'm a little angry at myself for coping with eating rather than workouts for awhile there last winter , but it is the past, and you're right...I will do what is wise, and I will have a GREAT ride in August!

And, I plan to use the 112 mile route as a training ride, probably in mid-June, late-June, early-mid-July. There will be time.

What's the saying...discretion being the better part of valor?

[smilingcat]

I was pretty toasty last weekend on the 50 mile ride, but I did the two hardest climbs...the first 60 miles of next weekend doesn't have the hardest climbing, so I'm thinking my legs won't be toasted.

If you can bail out of the ride (take a short cut or switch over to the metric), think about the 112 mile. Or if you can SAG and they don't mind too much, think about the 112mile.

Otherwise, stay with the metric and enjoy the ride.

[Starfish]

Or if you can SAG and they don't mind too much, think about the 112mile.

LOL, they wouldn't mind, but I have never been smart enough for this.

Anyhow, you're right. It's a free country, and I'm a local, so I could decide on the fly and do the whole thing if I feel great.

SadieKate: Thanks for the reinforcement. It is true about the stressors. I even have more gray hair now! I've been telling friends I think I'm aging in dog years! LOL

[teigyr]

I'd say, if you're like me, you'd feel worse about half-heartedly going for the 112 then opting to SAG than to wholeheartedly take the metric.

Unfortunately, the 112 doesn't fit in right now and it might be better to go with your long-range plans.

I've felt bad about taking shorter options (am doing it in two weeks, as a matter of fact!) but sometimes things are what they are.

Good luck though, sounds brutal though your training sounds equally brutal!

[Veronica]

Lots of good advice here. I think stick with the metric and finish it strong.

Set a date for doing the 112 on your own. It can be a mid range goal.

V.

[jobob]

I agree with V (and whoever else she agreed with )

My approach is, I'd rather finish a ride strong and happy and invigorated rather than worn out and possibly demoralized.

There's also the SAG thing. I don't like to rely on SAG drivers as a bailout, I think they're more there for people with unexpected problems, either mechanical or physical.

Keep trucking, Starfish, we're all rooting for you!

[Starfish]

You guys are so great!

I have definitely decided to do the metric, remember my larger goal, and figure out the schedule for doing the 112 later (preferably about 3 times before the big day in August). Thanks, all. I greatly appreciate your time and input!